When it comes to finish, I want something that is easy to apply, offers a little protection and doesn’t require spray equipment. And once I find a finish I like, I tend to be pretty loyal. I used Minwax’s Antique Oil Finish almost exclusively before a friend turned me on to Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish about … Read more
Safer Strippers are having a ‘green’ revival.
by Bob Flexner
Pages 58-60
From the April 2012 Issue, # 196
Methods for removing old paint and finish from furniture have gone through at least four distinct periods.
Before solvents became widely available, coatings were removed by scraping, often with glass used like we use scrapers, and sometimes by sanding, after sandpaper became available.
(Heat and caustics such as lye have never been a good idea for furniture because they can lift veneer and separate joints. Also, lye will turn most hardwoods black.)
Article: Read Bob Flexner’s article on refinishing from the August 2011 issue.
In our store: “Flexner on Finishing” – 12 years of updated columns illustrated with beautiful full-color images.
To buy: Get Bob Flexner’s new book, “Wood Finishing 101.”
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These environmentally friendly products are surprisingly effective.
By Bob Flexner
Pages: 60-62
From the February 2012 issue #195
Buy the issue now.
The three primary solvents we use in wood finishing are paint thinner (mineral spirits), lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol. Paint thinner thins and cleans up oils, oil stains and varnishes, including oil-based polyurethane. Lacquer thinner thins and cleans up lacquers and lacquer stains. Denatured alcohol dissolves, thins and cleans up shellac.
ARTICLES: We have many finishing articles available free online.
IN OUR STORE: “Flexner on Finishing” – 12 years of updated columns illustrated with beautiful full-color images. Read more
Here’s a great gift idea! Save 31 percent on Flexner’s latest must-have book on finishing. Wood finishing doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. It can be “boiled down” to simple step-by-step instructions. And that’s what this book offers; no science, no art, just easily-to-follow directions with lots of pictures to show you every step … Read more
Linen and more.
By Bob Flexner
Pages: 60-62
From the December 2011 issue #194
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Three times in the last year, articles have appeared in major woodworking magazines instructing readers to use linen for the outer cloth in a French polishing pad. No explanation, just the instruction.
This brought back memories from 30 years ago of my running all over town searching unsuccessfully for linen because I had just read the same instruction: Linen is “best.”
TO BUY: Get Bob Flexner’s new comprehensive book, “Flexner on Finishing.”
IN OUR STORE: Get Bob Flexner’s latest book (perfect for those who are new to finishing): “Wood Finishing 101.”
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Wiping varnish is simply any brand of oil-based alkyd (regular) varnish or oil-based polyurethane varnish in any sheen (gloss or satin) thinned about half with mineral spirits (paint thinner). Rules for Application ■ Wipe or brush on the wood and ■ Wipe off all the excess; or ■ Brush off some or most of the … Read more
An excellent finish for first timers (and beyond).
By Bob Flexner
Pages: 50-55
From the November 2011 issue #193
Buy this issue now
Wiping varnish is the finish I recommend you use if you are finishing for the first time. Wiping varnish is a term I coined in 1990 to categorize a large number of very popular fi nishes that are sold individually under many different names but are actually all the same –oil-based alkyd or polyurethane varnish thinned about half with mineral spirits (paint thinner). Collecting them into a category removes the mystique manufacturers attempt to create and it makes the finish easier to understand. It also allows us to discuss uniform application procedures that apply to all brands.
ARTICLE: What is wiping varnish, exactly? Let Bob tell you.
ARTICLES: For more finishing advice and techniques for all skill levels, visit the finishing section on our web site.
TO BUY: “Wood Finishing 101,” from which this piece is excerpted.
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