Butcher Block Finishes
The modern term “butcher block” probably originated from the large, heavy chopping blocks found in old-fashioned butcher shops, which consisted of thick square boards (such as [...]
Finishing Red Alder
“What kind of wood is this?” In my work as a furniture restorer and conservator, I often hear this question. Red alder is especially hard to identify because it can be finished to closely [...]
Bar Tops and Restaurant Tables: What’s the Best Finish to Use?
We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations. A local company was hired to finish some restaurant tables and called me to ask [...]
Secret Formula For A Wipe-On Finish: I Don’t Have One
A former student of mine from 10 years ago emailed me with a question about what he remembered was a formula I had come up with for a wipe-on finish. He had looked in his notes but couldn’t find [...]
Aerosol Finishing: Here Are the Basics
A finishing topic that gets far too little coverage is aerosol finishing. Aerosols are widely available in four common finishes: lacquer, oil-based polyurethane, water-based finish and shellac. [...]
Dents and Gouges: How to Deal with Them
If you’ve done much woodworking, it’s very likely that you have experienced some dents and gouges. Both are flaws in the wood. But they are not the same thing, so they should be treated [...]
Controlling Sheen: How to Create Any Sheen You Want
A woodworker friend called me with a problem. He had just built a bookcase and was trying to match the approximate sheen of a factory-finished piece of furniture he had and couldn’t find a [...]
Distressing wood: There are many ways to do it.
Distressing or aging wood can come in many forms, whether it's a color change or physical wear. Here some tips for achieving different effects.
A House Painter’s Advice
Our finishing expert shares some tips gained from a house-painter friend.
Color Changes in Wood Over Time: An important reminder.
Even if your finish won't change color over time, many woods will. Our finishing expert Bob Flexner provides an important reminder using one of his own examples.
The Real Reason to Sand and Soften Sharp Edges
Sometime early in your woodworking career you probably learned that you were supposed to sand sharp edges to soften them. What you’re really trying to avoid is “fat edges” when the finish is applied.
Shellac: To dissolve shellac flakes you need to stir often.
Though it’s more work, the advantage of dissolving flakes is to ensure the shellac you use is fresh. The fresher the dissolved shellac, the quicker it hardens and the more water-resistant the [...]
