FinishingWood Finishing Techniques and Advice
Cabinet-grade finish means simple, quick and easy
Written by Bob Flexner Monday, 21 July 2014 00:00
If you read the woodworking magazines or look online, you often come across instructions for filling pores, glazing, toning, rubbing out and so on. These are wonderful techniques for use on sophisticated projects such as furniture. But they are often overkill for basic kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Practice truly does make perfect with the right finish
Written by Greg Williams Monday, 16 June 2014 00:00
I’m often asked, “What’s the best finish to use?” It would be great if I could answer that question simply. But there are so many variables to consider, many of which can only be answered by the end user or someone who is performing the finishing for the end user.
Confused about choosing an exterior coating?
Written by Bob Flexner Monday, 19 May 2014 00:00
Manufacturers of exterior coatings — paints, stains and clear finishes — make all sorts of claims, usually centered around how long the coating can be expected to last. But there’s no way we can know if the claims are true.
Have a keen eye for pigments and dyes
Written by Greg Williams Monday, 14 April 2014 00:00
Wooden objects change color when they are cut, sanded or scraped because of chemical changes occurring when the surface is exposed to air, light, water, chemicals or minerals. One of the reasons for finishing wood is to protect it from undesirable changes in color.
Hands-on finishing that machines can’t touch
Written by Bob Flexner Monday, 17 March 2014 00:00
Woodworking skills in furniture factories have been largely replaced by computerized equipment, but this hasn’t happened nearly as much with decorative finishing. While the simple spraying of clear coats is often done by robots or in flat-line assemblies, coloring steps are still done largely by hand. These steps can produce quite sophisticated results and you don’t have to be a factory to take advantage of them. They work just as well in smaller shops. Some of the steps are applied directly to the wood, while others are done within the finish.
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