Fine Finishing Techniques

Jack Hutchison

Woodworker’s Club of Houston

 

"The quality of any piece of furniture is determined by the materials, construction technique, fit, and finish…the latter being the most important element."

Stock Selection

Fine Hardwoods or Substitutes

"One cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear."

Surface Preparation

Filling gaps, tear-outs, knots, etc.

Chisel off all traces of glue squeeze-out

Plane, scrape, or sand surface

Sand with 80/120/180 grit schedule

Final hand sanding with 220 grit

Fillers

Solvent Based

Water Based

Fill Stick

Wet Sanding

Wood Putty

Abrasives

Stearated paper

Garnet, Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Carbide, Zirconium Oxide

Wet/Dry paper

Remove Dust & Wipe Down Surface

Tack rag

Paint thinner

Surface Treatment

Natural or Stained

Dye/Pigment, Dye, Chemical stain

Pore Filling

Popping the Figure

Surface Sealing

Clear Coating

Tung & Linseed Oil Finishes

Commercial Blends (Formby’s, Watco, Minwax, Waterlox, Behlen’s)

Alykyd, Spar, and Polyurethane Varnishes

Dewaxed and Regular Shellac

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Catalyzed Lacquer

Clear Coat Application

Brush, Spray, or Wipe On.

Foam, China Bristle, Synthetic Bristle Brushes

Finishing the Finish

Rub out with steel wool and wax, rubbing compound, or wet sanding

Protecting the Finish

Carnauba, Parrafin, or Bee’s Wax

References

Bob Flexner, Jeff Jewitt, Michael Dresdner

www.WWCH.org