Wood Finishing Tips & Techniques

Wood Finishing Techniques to Make Your Projects Shine!

When it comes to woodworking, the finishing touches are often the most important. After all, what’s a beautiful walnut table without a good-looking finish? Luckily, with proper wood finishing techniques, you can add that perfect touch to any project and make it look very professional.

The following guide will give you all the wood finishing tips and tricks you need to take your projects from good to great!

We will be discussing:

• What is Wood Finishing?
• Types of Wood Finishes
• Preparation Tips
• Applying Finishes

What is Wood Finishing?

Wood finishing is the process of modifying or enhancing the surface of wood material in order to protect it or improve its appearance. Finishing wood is essential for those wanting to make furniture, cabinetry, crafts, and other wood-related projects that look professional.

Types of Wood Finishes

There are a variety of different finishes available when it comes to woodworking. From protective sealants and stains to lacquer sprays, the options can be overwhelming. However, understanding the different types of finishes and how they work will help you decide which one is best for your project.

The three main types of wood finishes are:

Clear Coat Finishes

These are sealants that protect the wood without changing its color. They can be either natural or synthetic, and come in a variety of finishes, such as glossy, matte, or satin.

Stains

These are pigmented solutions that change the color of wood and can be used to achieve a wide range of shades. They’re also available in different types, from oil-based stains to water-soluble ones.

Lacquers

These are usually spray-on finishes that dry quickly and provide a glossy shine. They are great for adding pop to furniture or other projects but must be applied with proper care in order to achieve the desired results.

Preparation Tips for Wood Finishing

Before you start any wood finishing project, it is important to properly prepare the surface of the wood. This includes sanding it down, cleaning off any dust particles, and making sure there are no rough edges. Doing this will ensure that your finish looks even and professional when applied. Having two light sources is a great way to ensure that you don't miss any spots during the sanding process!

Applying Wood Finishing Products

Once you’ve prepared the surface of your wood, it’s time to apply wood finishing products of your choosing in order to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance.

Here at KJP Select Hardwoods, we use two natural wood finishes for our custom tabletops. We love working with Rubio Monocoat and Osmo. Each product has different application methods, so we encourage you to browse those products for step-by-step instructions on how to finish wood projects. 

Our favourite application method is to use a spreader. Other popular applicators would be a brush, roller, or sprayer. It is very important to ensure that each layer dries completely before applying an additional coat.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve applied the finish of your choice, it’s time to add some final touches. This can include polishing or waxing the surface for added protection and shine, as well as buffing out any imperfections that may have appeared during application.

Other Professional Wood Finishing Techniques

If you want to achieve professional-looking results with your wood finishing projects, there are a few extra steps you can take. Start by sealing off your work area by taping off any surfaces nearby that could be affected by the finish. This will help prevent any mistakes from being made and keep your projects looking neat.

When it comes to application, use quality tools and products for best results. Investing in good brushes, sprayers, and other wood finishing equipment may cost more upfront, but it will save you time (and money) down the line when it comes to getting a smooth, even finish on your projects.

Finally, don’t rush! Take your time during each step of the finishing process and make sure that each layer is completely dry before moving on to the next one. This will ensure that your finished product looks as professional as possible.

That Seals Up Our Discussion on Wood Finishing!

Pun intended.