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Wood Finishing Tips & Techniques
Wood Finishing Techniques to Make Your Projects Shine!
When it comes to woodworking, the finishing touches are some of the most important. After all, what’s a beautiful walnut table if it’s covered in scratches and patchy finish? That’s why we’re here to help!
Finishing the wood in your next project not only enhances the beauty and luster of the wood, but it also serves to protect and seal the wood to increase its lifespan. Without finishing, wood can warp or cup, suffer scratches and dents from even some light bumps, and will slowly lose its colour and beauty. In order to have a finished product that’s eye-catching and durable, choosing the right type of finishing agent is imperative.
We will be discussing:
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
Especially in the modern days of online shopping, sometimes the amount of options we now have at our fingertips can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to navigate the vast types and colours of finishes, so we’ve broken them down into three main categories: Clear Coat, Stain, and Lacquers.
Clear Coat Finishes
Clear coat finishes are fairly self-explanatory. They add a layer of protection to the wood without altering its natural colouring. While natural finishes do tend to darken and enhance the colour of the wood, it does not change the hues present in the wood itself. These types of finishes can be natural (ex. beeswax or oil) or synthetic (ex. varnish or oil). While these finishes will always be clear, they can change the base of the finish, making it matte, glossy, or satin.
Stains
Most stain finishes are created with pigments intended to change the colour of the wood. While the majority of stain finishes come in natural shades (ex. walnut or cherry) you can also find stains with more unique hues, such as blue or green. Stains are generally a synthetic product made from a number of different binders, pigments, and carrier agents to deliver a strong level of protection and colour to your next project.
Lacquers
Lacquer finishes are popular primarily because of the protection they provide against moisture. Particularly when used on tabletops or chairs, lacquers protect against spills or drips, and create a smooth, shiny surface that can be wiped clean. Unlike stains or oil-based finishes, lacquer creates a film on top of your wood instead of penetrating and sealing it. Lacquers most often come in a spray-on format, and leave a shiny finish that resists yellowing over time.
Preparation Tips for Wood Finishing
Before you start any wood finishing project, it is important to properly prepare the surface of the wood to ensure a clean, smooth finished product. This includes sanding your project, cleaning off any dust particles, and making sure there are no rough edges. You’ll want to start sanding with a coarse grit of sandpaper, working your way up to a fine grit of your choice. We recommend vacuuming your project, then also cleaning the wood with raw wood cleaner, like RMC Cleaner from Rubio Monocoat.
Some woodworkers argue that the sanding and cleaning process is even more important to the finished look of your product than applying the finishing agent itself, so it’s best to take your time and not cut any corners.
Applying Wood Finishing Products
Once your project is sanded smooth, clean, and has had time to fully dry, it’s time to tackle the final stage of finishing - applying the finish itself. While there are many excellent finishing projects on the market, we at KJP Select Hardwoods have two top favourites: Rubio Monocoat and Osmo. While we recommend these brands, each product has its own set of application guidelines, so we won’t be breaking down each individual step of application.
Another important aspect of choosing a finishing product is taking into consideration the use of the product itself. If you’re finishing something that’s going to be used outdoors, it’s important to select a finish that has water and moisture resistance. If you’re finishing something like a cutting board, it’s important to choose a finish that is certified to be food safe, or one that is all-natural. For projects that will be in contact with food, we generally recommend Honey Bee’s Natural Wood Cream.
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 is especially important if you’re working in an area that tends to collect dust, as even one speck of dust can affect the look of your finish.
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.
Finish all sides of your project! It is especially important to finish all sides of your wood if you’re making something like a table or desk, as leaving one side unfinished allows moisture to seep into the wood and can cause warping or cupping. While it may seem unnecessary to finish the underside of a product that may not show, it can affect how your project ages over time.
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 smooth and elegant as possible.
That Seals Up Our Discussion on Wood Finishing!
Pun intended.