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What Is a Finish on a Native American Style Flute

A finish is a substance applied to raw wood to enhance color and grain pattern, increase surface hardness, and provide protection.

Applying the first coat of finish to a Native American style flute and watching raw wood deepen into rich tone is one of the most satisfying moments in the building process.

But what type of finish should be used on a Native American style flute? Is there a single best finish?

This discussion is not exhaustive. It reflects many years of hands on woodworking experience and practical flute making.

Wood finishes can be grouped into three general categories:

  • Oil finishes

  • Wax finishes

  • Hard finishes

These are sometimes used alone and sometimes in combination.

 Oil Finishes

Oil finishes are among the oldest forms of wood protection. Many types of oil can be used. Commercial penetrating oils often contain resins that polymerize over time, linking together and setting within the wood fibers.

Oil penetrates the cell walls of the wood and increases stability. It consolidates the surface but does not build a thick protective barrier.

Tung Oil

Tung oil is a naturally drying oil derived from the tung tree. Applied in multiple thin coats, it can produce a beautiful, hard glossy surface. However, each coat requires several days to cure. For this reason, it is seldom used in commercial production.

Advantages of Oil Finishes

  • Easy to apply

  • No special equipment required

  • Easy to repair

  • Simple maintenance sanding and reapplication

Disadvantages of Oil Finishes

  • Limited resistance to staining

  • Limited resistance to abrasion

  • Moisture penetration is not well blocked

  • Requires ongoing maintenance

Oil finishes allow dirt, skin oils, and saliva to penetrate over time. Discoloration often appears first around tone holes and the mouth hole. Raised grain may develop as moisture enters and exits the wood.

Oil finishes also provide limited protection against toxins that may be present in certain wood species migrating to the surface.

While oil finishes are attractive and traditional, they do not create a strong moisture barrier.

 

Wax Finishes

Wax may be used alone or as a topcoat over oil or other finishes.

Common natural waxes include:

  • Beeswax

  • Carnauba wax

Synthetic waxes are also available.

Wax can build slightly more surface protection than oil and can produce a pleasant semi gloss sheen.

Advantages of Wax

  • Easy to apply

  • Easy to repair

  • Attractive natural sheen

Disadvantages of Wax

  • Limited abrasion resistance

  • Limited stain resistance

  • Requires periodic reapplication

Like oil, wax does not provide a highly stable protective barrier.

 

Hard Finishes

Hard finishes create a durable surface layer over the wood. They offer greater resistance to moisture, staining, and abrasion.

Shellac

Shellac is derived from the secretions of the lac beetle. It penetrates wood fibers and builds a moderately hard surface.

Disadvantages include:

  • Yellowing on lighter woods

  • Softness compared to varnish or lacquer

  • Sensitivity to alcohol

  • Thermoplastic behavior in heat

  • Detectable odor

Shellac is non toxic when dry but not as stable as other hard finishes.

Lacquer

Lacquer is typically sprayed and forms a hard surface as successive coats melt into one another.

Advantages:

  • Rapid build up

  • High gloss finish

  • Good abrasion resistance

  • Moisture resistant

  • Non toxic when cured

Disadvantage:

  • Hard surface may crack or chip rather than dent

Varnish

Varnish is created by dissolving resin in solvent. As solvent evaporates, the resin bonds into a stable, abrasion resistant surface.

Advantages:

  • Excellent durability

  • Good ultraviolet protection

  • Strong moisture resistance

  • Stable and long lasting

  • Non toxic when dry

Multiple coats can be applied and sanded between coats to build a substantial protective barrier.

 

Our Finish Choice

For Ancient Territories Native American style flutes, we use a semi gloss high build polyurethane varnish.

The first coat penetrates and seals the wood, raising the grain. After curing, we sand the surface smooth. A second coat builds a durable protective layer.

This finish:

  • Hardens the surface

  • Resists water and alcohol

  • Resists abrasion

  • Requires no routine maintenance

A properly applied varnish finish provides long term stability while preserving tonal character.

 

Finish and Tonal Quality

While finish type primarily affects durability and appearance, it also influences airflow and surface smoothness inside the bore and flue.

A smooth sealed bore contributes to clarity and projection.

For a deeper look at airflow and bore geometry, see our Flute Facts and Dimensions article.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flute Finishes

Does finish type affect tone

Finish primarily affects protection and surface smoothness. Interior smoothness can influence airflow and subtle tonal qualities.

Are oil finishes more natural

Oil finishes are traditional and easy to maintain, but they offer less protection against moisture and staining.

Why choose varnish over oil

Varnish creates a harder, more stable protective barrier and requires no ongoing maintenance.

Is varnish safe for playing

Once fully cured, modern varnishes are non toxic and safe for use on musical instruments.