Wood Finishing

The most common finishes include stains, oils, sealers, varnishes, and waxes. Each offer different levels of protection and sheen. At Mustard Seed, we focus on natural stains, non-toxic varnishes, and fractal wood burning to bring out your lumber’s character while keeping it safe and sustainable.

Yes. Mustard Seed uses non-toxic wood stains and natural varnishes that are safe for both indoor and outdoor use. We prioritize eco-friendly materials that protect your wood without harmful chemicals.

Our finishes are intentionally simple and natural. The varnish we use has a semi-gloss sheen, and our natural stains come in a limited range of tones. Because they’re derived from natural materials, some color variation can occur. We believe that's part of the beauty and authenticity of working with real wood. Custom-mixed colors or sheens aren’t available at this time.

Not at all. While many clients pair our portable sawmill services with finishing, we also work with lumber or slabs you already have, whether salvaged, store-bought, or from another mill.

Fractal, or Lichtenberg wood burning, is a process that uses controlled electricity to create branching, lightning-like patterns in the wood’s surface. The result is a one-of-a-kind natural design that highlights the grain’s texture and movement.

Yes. Our Lichtenberg burning technique is performed using professional, controlled equipment to ensure both safety and precision. Each pattern is carefully created to highlight the natural grain and energy of your wood.

Fractal wood burning should only be done by trained professionals using specialized, insulated equipment. At Mustard Seed, we use professional-grade tools and controlled environments to ensure precision and safety during every burn.