This review highlights the recent shift in the wood coating industry towards bio-based resources and circular economy principles, promoting eco-friendly alternatives. It explores the use of natural compounds and biopolymers to enhance wood coatings, addressing vulnerabilities such as flammability, moisture-induced deterioration, and solar radiation damage. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical preservatives and highlights promising candidates. Additionally, it discusses the incorporation of sustainable pigments and dyes into wood coatings to enhance both protective and aesthetic qualities. The review showcases the continuous efforts of academia and industry in developing protective solutions that encompass the coating matrix, preservatives, bio-based fillers, and natural-pigment dyes, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and economic viability.This review highlights the recent shift in the wood coating industry towards bio-based resources and circular economy principles, promoting eco-friendly alternatives. It explores the use of natural compounds and biopolymers to enhance wood coatings, addressing vulnerabilities such as flammability, moisture-induced deterioration, and solar radiation damage. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical preservatives and highlights promising candidates. Additionally, it discusses the incorporation of sustainable pigments and dyes into wood coatings to enhance both protective and aesthetic qualities. The review showcases the continuous efforts of academia and industry in developing protective solutions that encompass the coating matrix, preservatives, bio-based fillers, and natural-pigment dyes, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and economic viability.