Reports on the results of a study undertaken by the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), USA, to determine which wood-finishes resist moisture and humidity. The tests of 91 finishes showed that no coating entirely prevents wood from absorbing moisture; however, some finishes - paraffin wax for instance - sealed the wood almost completely. A table demonstrating the moisture - excluding effectiveness (MEE) of the best variety of finishes and other materials is presented. The most important criteria for protection against humidity are film thickness and impermeability.