Last week Senior Editor Glen D. Huey and I applied a shellac and lacquer spray finish to the cover project for the June 2011 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. These stacking bookcases are modeled after some reproductions at Monticello. These “book boxes” have an interesting history. You can read more at the Monticello site here … Read more
Tag Archives: Flexner on Finishing
Flexner on Finishing: Choosing an Exterior Coating
Five different types of protection exist. Here’s a guide to choosing the best one for your project. By Bob Flexner Pages: 98-100 From the April 2005 issue #147 Buy this issue now The need to protect wood outdoors is much greater than the need to protect it indoors because of exposure to sunlight and rain. … Read more
Flexner on Finishing: Repairing Color Damage
If the scratch isn’t deep, the fix isn’t difficult. By Bob Flexner Pages: 98-99 From the February 2005 issue #146 Buy this issue now Even if you aren’t a professional woodworker, you probably get called on now and then to look at finish damage on cabinets or furniture belonging to friends and neighbors. Your woodworking … Read more
Flexner on Finishing: Thick & Thin of Wood Finishing
A penetrating look at protection. By Bob Flexner Pages: 98-99 From the December 2006 issue #159 Buy this issue now This article makes use of a clever title to combine two unrelated facts about wood finishing. The first is: The thicker the finish film after all coats have dried, the better the protection for the … Read more
Flexner on Finishing: Making Sense of Dyes
Don’t allow the packaging to cause you confusion. By Bob Flexner Pages: 90-93 From the November 2006 issue #158 Buy this issue now When I opened my furniture making and restoration shop 30 years ago, there were two types of dye in wide use. I made great use of both, but for different situations. These … Read more
Flexner on Finishing: Some Reflections on Sheen
Understanding how sheen works allows you to control the gloss on your finishes. By Bob Flexner Pages: 90-91 From the October 2006 issue #157 Buy this issue now One of the most important qualities of a finish when it comes to appearance is sheen. A finish can vary from a gloss so high it reflects … Read more
Flexner on Finishing: Rub to Create a Great Finish
Achieving a glass-flat surface is a lot easier than you might think. By Bob Flexner Pages: 79-83 From the August 2006 issue #156 Buy this issue now After spending countless hours building a project, you naturally want the finish to be perfect. To achieve that you need to understand the one thing that separates an … Read more