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If you follow this blog, you may be aware that I’m fascinated by smart coatings and coatings that perform tasks you would never expect.

A newly-installed oak floor finished with oil-based polyurethane wouldn't dry. Bob Flexner explains why, and how to avoid this finishing conundrum.

Bob Flexner (assisted by his grandson) repair an upholstered chair the quick and dirty way.

Bob Flexner explains how to repair sun damage on exterior doors and offers some tips on how to find finishes with UV protection.

Bob Flexner provides a short explanation of lacquer thinner; its components, its use, and how this product can vary depending on what state you're in.

Winter is fast approaching, and it may be that your shop or garage is not warm enough for finishes to dry in a reasonable time. Bob Flexner has the answer.

Recently at a meeting of the Wood Products Manufacturers Association, executives were asked to list their main business challenges. Nearly all listed the same three: finding skilled workers, [...]

You may have seen some of my complaints directed at Minwax and General Finishes for listing “aliphatic hydrocarbons” as an ingredient on some of their products rather than the more common [...]

I’ve written several times in the last year or so about paint strippers that contain methylene chloride or n-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). My first relevant article in Popular Woodworking [...]

Here’s a question that comes up often. I just got it again from a reader. Is it necessary to finish both sides of tabletops to prevent warping?

A reader wanted to know if he should apply a lacquer sanding sealer on some wood that had had a coat of shellac already applied. He intends to continue with topcoats of lacquer. There is so much [...]

The usual way of applying stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries. You can use a rag, brush or spray gun to apply the stain. When you wipe off the excess, you …