Short answer: Melamine polish is the economical choice for indoor furniture that sees light use. PU (polyurethane) polish resists scratches, moisture and heat better, so it suits main doors, dining tables and kitchens. Duco is an opaque, coloured lacquer finish for a smooth, painted look on MDF or wood.
Wood polish is the part of a repaint that most quotes leave vague. In Pune, the choice matters even more because monsoon humidity is hard on wooden doors, frames and furniture. This guide explains the common finishes so you can ask for the right one.
The main wood finishes compared
Melamine polish
- Look: transparent, shows the wood grain, available in matt to glossy
- Best for: bedroom furniture, wardrobes and shelves that see light use
- Limits: less resistant to water, heat and scratches than PU
PU (polyurethane) polish
- Look: transparent or pigmented, from matt to high gloss
- Best for: main doors, dining tables, centre tables, kitchen wood and high-use surfaces. Exterior-grade PU is used on doors exposed to sun and rain.
- Limits: costs more and needs skilled application in a dust-free setting
Duco paint
- Look: opaque, solid colour with a smooth lacquered finish, in matt, satin or gloss
- Best for: MDF furniture, TV units and doors where you want colour, not wood grain
- Limits: hides the natural grain, and chips need careful touch-up
Traditional French polish and wax
- Look: warm, classic sheen on solid wood
- Best for: antique or heritage furniture
- Limits: sensitive to water and heat, and needs periodic upkeep
Which finish for which surface
- Main door (inside the flat): PU, for durability and a premium look
- Main door facing an open corridor or weather: exterior-grade PU
- Bedroom doors and wardrobes: melamine or PU, depending on budget
- Dining and centre tables: PU, because it resists hot cups and spills better
- MDF TV units or study tables in a colour: Duco
- Window frames and grills: enamel paint rather than polish
The process that makes polish last
- Remove hardware and clean the surface.
- Strip or sand the old finish down to sound wood.
- Fill grain gaps and cracks, then apply the stain if you want a colour change.
- Apply the sealer coat and sand it smooth.
- Apply the top coats in the chosen sheen, with drying time between coats.
- Refit the hardware once the finish has cured.
Skipping sanding or sealer is a common reason polish peels or looks patchy within a year, especially after Pune's monsoon.
How wood polish is priced
Polish is usually quoted per sq ft of polished surface or per item (for example, one door, both sides). It is quoted separately from wall painting. The cost depends on the finish (melamine is cheaper than PU), whether old polish must be stripped, the colour change and the number of coats. Ask for the product name and the number of sealer and top coats in writing.
For wall painting costs, see our interior painting cost guide and painting cost by BHK. Planning a bigger refresh? See flat renovation cost in Pune.
Polish or new laminate?
If the wardrobe shutters are laminate, they cannot be polished. Your options are cleaning, re-laminating or new shutters. Our guide to shutter finishes compares laminate, veneer, acrylic, PU and membrane.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, melamine or PU polish?
PU is more durable and resists moisture, heat and scratches better, so it suits doors and tables. Melamine is more economical for light-use indoor furniture.
How long does PU polish last?
With good preparation and normal care it lasts for years. Exterior-grade PU on a door facing the weather needs touch-ups sooner.
Can veneer furniture be polished?
Yes. Natural veneer is usually finished with melamine or PU polish.
Do you do wood polish along with house painting?
Yes. Gruham Buildsol includes polish and enamel work in painting and renovation projects across Pune and PCMC.
Want your doors and furniture refinished? Call +91 98504 25350, WhatsApp +91 98602 98213, or book a free site visit.
