I have tried practically every method of finishing, but waterborne finish technology continues to evolve, keeping me on my toes. Clients recently requested flat panel cabinet doors and end panels to replace their existing ones, but they wanted lacquer-like smoothness with an environmentally friendly finish. Balancing all of the variables like cost, durability, ease of
Question: Saw your video on finishing wood pens with CA and stick buffing compound. My question is this: what type and brand name is the buffing compound I should use? Submitted by anonymous Answer: You can find stick buffing compound at most woodworking retailers, and also on line. Check out amazon.com for white buffing compound
This looks, to me, like a great problem solver from Rockler. It’s the Mixing Mate. It’s job? To help you thoroughly, and neatly, mix finishes before you apply them. It’s like a blender for your shop. The Mixing Mate is available in two sizes, quart and gallon, and will go directly on top of the
There is actually no single, authentic, “Arts and Crafts finish,” rather many different schools of thought and technique that comprise the totality of the discipline. It seems that people are looking for that radiant, reddish chocolatey finish when uncovering an antique Stickley chair at a garage sale. In my research, I found the original Stickley
I had a real “Ah Ha” moment. Looking at a pizza we ordered I realized that the plastic thing in the middle of the pizza that keeps the box from touching the pizza (it looks like a little table) would serve a similar purpose when I’m finishing. I started saving them, and found they work
Here’s a great way to finish doors large or small. This neat little trick allows me to finish both sides of a door in one setting. It also holds the door horizontally so there are no worries about runs and drips in the finish. The set up is easy. Just screw a hanger bolt in
It’s a simple enough concept. Elevate your work above the bench when you’re finishing, and you’ll get to the finish line faster. You can apply finish to the back, flip the project, and get started on the front without standing around watching finish dry. Plus, it’s just plain easier to finish your projects when they’re
I was excited to try this stuff when I first saw it on the internet. My reasons? Well… since moving my shop to our home, I can no longer use “stinky” finishes, plus, I really like the smoothness of wipe-on finishes, and I especially like the look of clear water-based finishes on unstained wood–so this
Question: I am building a bedroom set out of quarter sawn oak. What would you recommend for this type of wood – varnish, lacquer, water or oil polyurethane base, or an oil rub finish? Can you please provide the pros and cons of each? Is there a brand you prefer? Submitted by Garyw Answer: There
Question: I have a pattern for a library ladder but the wood they suggest is red oak. I want to paint the ladder to match the book shelves (white enamel). Is there a wood that is as strong as red oak that I wouldn’t have to waste money on since I’m going to paint it?
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