Finishing
[keywords]Finishing Basics, Blotching, Fish Eye, Top Coats, Stains, Dye, Toners, Shellac, Varnish, Polyurethane, Finishing Problems, Finishing Mistakes, Finishing Fixes[/keywords]
Doesn't that Interfere With Finishing?
The answer is “no.” What’s the question? “Doesn’t (oil, tallow, paraffin, beeswax, snake squeezins, earwax, monkey fat) interfere with finishing?” Still, the answer is “no” – unless you are using some wacky exotic ingredient, or you are rubbing it on like butter. I know that it’s almost impossible to prove a negative, so permit me Continue reading»
Wiping Varnish – What is it?
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 Continue reading»
Wiping Varnish
In the November 2011 issue, Bob Flexner submitted this excerpt from his book "Wood Finishing 101," along with the article on wiping varnish. It is a useful document that you can post in your shop. To download the PDF, click on the link below.
–Ajax Alexandre
Stickley Mantle Clock's Fumed Finish
Quartersawn white oak begs for a fumed finish just as was used on many original Stickley projects. Learn the steps to a traditional finish process.
Flexner on Finishing: Odds & Ends
Four short (but crucial) finishing subjects.
By Bob Flexner
Pages: 58-60
From the October 2011 issue #192
Buy the issue now
What follows are four concise – but important – finishing topics about which you’ve likely wondered.
1 – Metamerism
Most of us have experienced a situation where we finish a project in our shop or garage to the exact color we want, only to discover that the color isn’t right when we move the project into the house (or to a client’s location). The explanation is the phenomenon of “metamerism.” The lighting is different in the two locations.
ARTICLES: You’ll find many finishing articles free on our web site.
TO BUY: Get Bob Flexner’s new, comprehensive book, “Flexner on Finishing.”
TO BUY: If you don’t have any finishing experience, you need Bob’s latest book, “Wood Finishing 101.”
From the October 2011 issue #192
Buy the issue now
Finishing 101: Good Visuals
I was lucky enough to be Bob Flexner's editor for 'Wood Finishing 101'. Throughout the process he and I both came back to the value of the images that would be in the book. Showing step-by-step, with pictures, how to apply a finish was the important part. Bob has always been a stickler for details, Continue reading»
Flexner on Finishing: Refinishing Furniture
Repair, strip and refinish to restore old pieces.
By Bob Flexner
Pages: 58-60
From the August 2011 issue #191
Buy this issue now
Refinishing is a topic worthy of an entire book. In fact, restoring furniture includes all of woodworking and finishing because all skills may be called into play. In lieu of a book, here are some not-so-random thoughts.
ARTICLES: We have many finishing articles available on our web site, free.
ARTICLE: Furniture prior to World War II was constructed using hot hide glue. Read our recipe for “Liquid Hide Glue.”
TO BUY: Get Bob Flexner’s new book, “Flexner on Finishing.”
