General Wood Finishing at WOODWEB's Knowledge Base

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Matching an Ambered Lacquer with Waterborne

A finisher who usually sticks to waterborne formulas needs help matching the complex amber tones of an existing solvent-based finish. March 13, 2009

French Polish Basics

French polish finishes are simple in theory, but require time and practice to perfect. March 13, 2009

Lower Temperature Limits for Spraying Finishes

How cold is too cold for wood finishing? March 12, 2009

Basics of Color Mixing and Matching

A newcomer gets introductory advice on learning how to mix custom colors. March 13, 2009

Alternatives to Red Lead

In a fire repair job, a finisher wishes he had some "red lead" pigment (currently banned). He gets advice on a workaround. March 13, 2009

Metal Dye Container Leakage

Apparently some dye formulas eat through some metal cans, causing leaks. March 13, 2009

Financial Success in Woodworking

Philosophies and turning points on the path to $100K a year. January 6, 2005

Polyester finishing techniques

Achieving the perfect, better-than-piano finish with pariffinated polyester. May 9, 2001

Troubleshooting a Conversion Varnish Failure

What caused the bad crazing? Bad formula, bad moisture control, and early re-coating are all suspects. March 17, 2005

Finding Good Finishing Help

Tactics for attracting finishers, perhaps the industry's most difficult "get." December 26, 2004

Lacquer Drying Too Fast

Ambient temperatures and heat from the air turbine may be the reason this finisher's lacquer is drying almost instantly. Here's an extended discussion of tweaking equipment and formulas to moderate the drying time. September 26, 2006

Most Effective Way to Spray Cabinet Doors

An extended discussion based on wide experience, about rigs, jigs, and methods for racking, stacking and finishing cabinet doors. November 24, 2008

Exterior Wood Finish Maintenance

This long discussion starts with a question about maintaining the finish on a beautiful outdoor wood gate, and continues into a detailed examination of the difficult durability issues with exterior clear finishes. January 14, 2008

Choosing an HVLP System

Selecting the proper size and quality system for your shop. October 21, 2004

Gravity spray guns

Are these suitable for the small shop, or is there a better choice? September 25, 2002

Problems spraying conversion varnish

Troubleshooting cleanup and viscosity/load problems. September 2, 2002

Toner for a Poplar Cabinet

A customer changes her mind, and a cabinetmaker needs to apply a stain finish instead of paint — to a poplar cabinet. Pros chime in with detailed recommendations and explanations for a very challenging toner application. May 17, 2005

Guitar Finishes

It's hard to tell, it's hard to tell, when all your love's in vain. May 17, 2005

Troubleshooting Adhesion Failure in Conversion Varnish Over Lacquer

Conversion varnish needs a mechanical bond. Here, pros analyze a case where it's not sticking. May 17, 2005

NC lacquer for kitchen cabinets

Why shouldn't this old standby be used? March 23, 2003

Fine Points of Glazed Finish Applications

A long discussion of glaze formulation and application techniques. July 29, 2007

Finishing mahogany

Producing the dark color expected of mahogany. February 12, 2003

Pros and Cons of Waterborne Finishes

Here's a long discussion of reasons to prefer waterborne finishes (or not). March 29, 2008

Understanding Pressure, Airflow, and Hose Diameter with HVLP Sprayguns

The math gets tricky, but here's some commonsense advice on getting the pressure and flow you need at the spraygun tip. February 23, 2008

Dangers of On-Site Finishing

Health and fire risks that accompany improper ventilation. September 20, 2004

Effective and User-Friendly "Green" Finish Coatings

For quality and environmental benefits, tung oil is hard to beat. But this thread includes other suggestions, along with some valuable discussion. April 21, 2008

"Shading" and "toning" defined

How different finishers use these terms. February 12, 2003

Spray Systems: Pressure Pot Versus Airless Versus Air-Assisted

Which type of spray-gun setup is best for your shop? Pros go around and around on the classic equipment dilemma.January 13, 2006

Dark cherry dyes and stains

How to get a great-looking, deep cherry finish. June 24, 2001

Priming MDF Raised-Panel Doors

Primer can do unpleasant things to the exposed wood fiber of routed MDF. But there are quite a few ways to prime machined MDF beautifully. August 30, 2005

Comparison Test of Water-Based Finishes

A cabinetmaker subjects six water-based urethanes to side-by-side stain-resistance testing (and shares his results). July 8, 2005

Pump Action Causing Micro-Bubbles in Polyurethane Finish

Pros puzzle over what causes tiny bubbles to appear in polyurethane finishes. December 1, 2005

Woodworking 101: The Basics

and shows how it can affect various production operations. 1998.

Test results: Waterborne products

Comparison and testing of several different waterborne products

No-blotch dying

Methods to achieve uniform finishes. March 5, 2003

Fish-Eye Reducer: Is It Addictive?

Legend has it that if you use fish-eye reducer once, you have to use it forever. Here, finishers argue the point, pro and con. November 27, 2007

Drying Compressor Air

This long, detailed discussion covers the whys and hows of drying out the air that flows through your compressed-air lines to power tools and spray equipment. April 6, 2007

Troubleshooting Solvent Pop

Even with state-of-the-art equipment, a finisher gets those pesky micro-bubbles in conversion varnish finishes. Here, pros put their heads together and try to figure out what's happening. December 30, 2005

Spraying ICA stains

Looking for better results with spray/no-wipe stains. November 18, 2002

Finishing in-house vs on-site

Is quality compromised when cabinets are finished on the job site? November 22, 2003

Black Finish for a Maple Floor

Black belt finishers display their chops on an unusual problem: staining a maple floor black. No pain, no gain ... April 21, 2008

Recovering from a Bad Stain Job on Poplar

When a large batch of poplar mouldings is stained way too dark, you have only a few practical options for fixing things. December 29, 2008

Wrinkles in Lacquer

Recoat window? Catalyzation? What could be causing this defect? December 9, 2004

Spray-Gun Choices

Another long discussion on the pros and cons of various spray-gun options. November 11, 2006

Troubleshooting a Peeling Waterborne Finish Job

Glaze and water-based topcoat peel off an old urethaned tabletop. Pros weigh in on the diagnosis. July 8, 2005

When to use waterbornes

Applications where waterborne coatings will and won't work. May 22, 2002

- Spraying Dye Stains Smoothly

Achieving an even, streak-free finish. June 4, 2004

Responsibility for a Too-Dark Finish

A cabinetmaker is being asked to hold the bag for the poor work done by a painter who the customer hired. In this thread, professionals suggest ways to handle the problem. November 11, 2005

Stain and Finish Recommendations

Pros share comments and images about their favorite products. February 8, 2005

Overcatalyzation Callback Confusion

Here's a cautionary tale: A cabinetmaker dismisses a customer's legitimate complaint about finish discoloration because he think the customer is hiding something. Turns out, overcatalyzing the finish did cause it to turn orange after many months. Now the cabinetmaker has to apologize and make the jo ......

Set-ups for spraying cabinet doors

Methods for clean and efficient finishing. Includes photos.. October 9, 2002

Pigmented conversion varnish

Finishers help troubleshoot problems with drying, overspray and more. January 21, 2002

Repairing Cracks in Old Church Pews

Swings in heat and humidity have opened up cracks in some old pews. Furnituremakers suggest practical repairs. September 26, 2006

Is an Air-Assisted Airless Sprayer Right for a Furniture Shop?

For low-volume, detailed spraying, other choices are probably more practical. November 27, 2007

Troubleshooting Wrinkling in Pigmented Varnish

In jobs involving multiple coats and sanding between coats, pigmented conversion varnish can sometimes have a wrinkling or crinkling problem. Here, finishers try to figure out what can go wrong, and how to stop it. September 10, 2007

Darkening existing finishes onsite

Setting up shop in the customer's home in order to modify a finish. October 9, 2002

Spray Room and Drying Room Design

A discussion of spray room characteristics, including layout, air supply and filtration. February 19, 2006

Troubleshooting an Adhesion Problem

Multiple layers of dissimilar products can create complicated adhesion issues. Here, finishers scratch their heads over one case example. September 10, 2007

Troubleshooting Inconsistent Glazing Over a White Finish

Although it's really not that bad, a finisher isn't happy with a newly finished cabinet; his questions set off a long discussion of glazed-finish quality control and touch-up. April 9, 2007

Wood bleach - what is it really?

How bleach works, plus developing a process to subdue alder grain and flecks. July 22, 2003

Exterior Door Finish

Finding a finish that will stand up to the elements over time. October 20, 2004

Gel Stain Versus Washcoat and Toner

For blotch-prone woods like Cherry and Maple, gel stains may give good results with fewer steps involved. September 14, 2006

Sealer under polyester grain filler

Why must a catalyzed urethane be used as the sealer under polyester, instead of other materials? June 24, 2001

Japanese-Style Black Finish with Red Undertones

Finishers pitch in with different takes on how to imitate an ancient Oriental lacquer finish for a custom job. March 9, 2008

Choosing a Spray Setup

Finishers kick around the perennial HVLP versus air-assisted airless question, and exchange detailed thoughts about the pros and cons of different spraygun makes and models. April 19, 2006

Hiring a First-Class Finisher

and how to assess those abilities. July 2, 2008

Successfully staining birch

Methods for achieving a smooth, even finish on birch. September 23, 2003

Spraying a Washcoat

Achieving a smooth, consistent application. August 26, 2004

Staining and Blending Difficult Woods -- Alder, Birch, Maple, Poplar, and...

A three step coloring technique to achieve rich, dark, even coloring on a variety of wood species - March 16, 2005

Wrinkled lacquer over glaze

The products and processes that could be causing this problem. August 29, 2001

Touching up conversion varnish

Problems related to conversion varnish touchup. (From WOODWEB's Finishing Forum) January 21, 2003

Another Fisheye Story

Fisheye rears its ugly head, setting off another round of troubleshooting. February 8, 2008

Trapped Bubbles in Waterborne Finish Coats

Pros troubleshoot another case of those pesky bubbles. July 3, 2008

Spraying Conversion Varnish with an HVLP Gun

Old hands walk a beginner through the basics of mixing, thinning, and applying conversion varnish. A good introduction. February 14, 2006

Color matching standards

Are they even possible? May 1, 2003

Flow Enhancers for Waterborne Lacquer

Finishers discuss the use of flow-modifying additives, alcohol thinners, or silicone fisheye reducers in waterbased formulas. March 29, 2008

Regular or dewaxed shellac?

is an appropriate primer coat. May 22, 2002

Getting Started with Dye Stains

A newcomer to finishing gets a boatload of advice on custom tinting with dye concentrates and powders. March 29, 2006

Toning a Reddish Finish to a Dark Walnut Color

Advice on how to tone a red finish in the direction of walnut. February 23, 2008

Finish Options for Door Backs

Many cabinetmakers use just a clear finish on the backs of doors (even if the front gets stain), and customers don't seem to mind. October 13, 2008

Spray Shop Layout

Setting up an efficient spray-finishing area in an expanded shop. December 26, 2004

Taking Sanding Seriously

Grit, lighting, surface cleaning - pros share views on the perfect sanding job. April 14, 2005

Refinishing old oak floor

Comparing methods and products for a reasonably priced, quality finish. January 28, 2002

Dispensing Ingredients

Finishers contribute tips for storing, measuring, and pouring out paints, stains, and colorants. January 9, 2007

Manipulating Crackle Effects

An extended exploration of way to tweak formulas and applications so as to modify the look of popular "crackle" coatings. July 3, 2008

Finish room heating

Safe systems for keeping you, your finishes and your spray equipment cozy. November 22, 2003

Chemical Interactions with Stains Applied to Photos

Here's a complex discussion of the possible chemical reactions that could cause wood stains to change color properties when applied to old black-and-white photographs as part of a custom art work. July 18, 2008

Building Your Own Spray Room -- On a Budget

Technical advice and alternatives for a small operator building a new shop. February 25, 2005

Bleaching, Pickling and Antiquing -- Hardwood Flooring and Millwork

Customized hardwood finishes offer new decorative dimension. December 3, 2001

A Little about Dyes, the Versatile Colorant

An introduction to the fine points of choosing, mixing, and using synthetic dyes. August 18, 2005

Matching the Spray-Gun to the Finish

A discussion of pressure-pot, airless, and air-assisted gun choices, focusing on which rig is best for applying which type of formula. July 17, 2008

Troubleshooting HVLP Performance

A finisher gets help and advice making his new HVLP gun deliver the finish quality he wants. June 30, 2007

Spray Guns: From Airless to Air-Assisted

A residential painter who's used to airless equipment wants to upgrade to air-assisted for final lacquer coats. He gets advice, makes his choice, and reports back. August 30, 2005

Color Matching and Customer Relations

Can a finisher match colors that exist in a client's mind, and make money at the same time? March 26, 2007

Trouble with a Translucent White Finish

White flecks are separating out of a heavily thinned white pigment finish. Finishers try to troubleshoot. May 17, 2005

Switching to Water-Based Finishes

A finisher who feels healthier after switching to water-based finishes kicks off a long, useful discussion on water-based finishing techniques. December 31, 2005

Low-Budget Spray Guns

Finishers mull over lower-cost spray guns and what they're good for. November 13, 2005

Clear Finish Over Faux Linen Painted MDF Wall Paneling

Here's an extended thread on an unusual and challenging architectural finish problem: getting a high-gloss clear coat over painted MDF in a fast-paced custom homebuilding context. June 8, 2008

Solving Lifting in Catalyzed Lacquer

Finishers address the persistent problem, experienced by one of their own, with wrinkling and lifting in catlac. February 8, 2005

Tough Finishes for Table Tops

A wide-ranging discussion of various approaches to finishing table tops. Your choice will depend on the intended use and the preferred appearance. January 14, 2009

Lacquer without sealer

A beginner asks for opinions on his system and gets the pros and cons of using a sealer. August 29, 2001

Whether to Strip Cabinet Doors

After considering all the options and their various drawbacks, a cabinetmaker decides to buy new doors instead of stripping and refinishing a bad batch. December 29, 2008

Iron Solutions for Ebonizing Wood

Advanced tips on making and applying dark black stain with solutions of iron in water and various solvents. August 26, 2008

Antiqued Look for Cabinets

Developing a finish schedule for distressed cabinets. December 26, 2004

Light Sources and "True" Color Matching

Problems matching an existing color because of a difference between the lighting on site and in the shop? Here's an extensive discussion of the theory and practice of lighting and color-matching. June 9, 2007

Re-Flattening a Warped Countertop

A beautiful wood countertop warped after it was finished on one side only, then stored for years. This discussion is about making it flat again by kerfing the underside and clamping the piece. September 16, 2008

Troubleshooting Blotchy Effects with a Water-Based Finishing Schedule

Waterborne finishes make it tricky to get even tinting on some wood surfaces. Here, a finisher tries to zero in on a workable dye stain, barrier coat, and tinted topcoat system. December 28, 2007

HVLP Versus Standard Siphon Spray Guns

Finishers explain the differences between HVLP and non-HVLP spray guns, and discuss their comparative advantages. November 13, 2005

Oil finish with airless equipment

Technique and tools to achieve excellent results. May 22, 2002

Touch-Up Problems With White Cabinets

Lacquer, paint, or varnish? Shop or site finish? Pros kick around the choices. April 14, 2005

How Not to Sand Through Corners

Advice on avoiding breaking through the stain on the corners of pieces when sanding between coats. March 3, 2006

Blotching on maple

Staining maple without blotching

Filling nail holes in prefinsihed moulding

The installer has shot your custom-milled cherry job full of nail holes. What do you do? September 19, 2001

Sealing Maple Plywood Before Staining

A beginner asks for advice on a hand-applied seal coat for maple plywood to allow even staining with a brushed top coat. March 25, 2007

Wood Finishing Basics

A newcomer to finishing gets advice on his formulas and application methods, and on where to learn more. August 9, 2005

Fisheyes and Cleaning Between Coats

this time involving waterbased finishes on bamboo. October 26, 2007

Lacquer Adhesion Over Glaze

A reported problem getting nitrocellulose lacquer to stick over a heavy-bodied glaze leads to a discussion of possible solutions. November 8, 2007

Advice on Conversion Varnish

A beginner gets tips on product choices, application techniques, and conditioning the workspace. March 18, 2005

Black Spots Under Clear Coat on an Exterior Door

Finishers troubleshoot finish failure on an exterior door sprayed with clear lacquer. September 27, 2008

Maple Finishing Techniques

More fine points about sealing, staining, and toning Maple cabinets. July 3, 2008

Achieving Even Color on Cherry

More advice on a perennial challenge: getting consistent color when finishing Cherry. August 26, 2006

Troubleshooting Yellowing and Peeling in CAB Lacquer

A thorough analysis of problems in an 8-year-old kitchen finish using low-VOC formulas. June 8, 2008

Applying oil-based polyurethane

Brushing and spraying problems and options. August 25, 2003

Railroad Tie Cost and Pricing

In a slow market, can you make money sawing railroad ties? September 17, 2008

Mixing Stain to Make Teak Look Like Wenge

Here's a primer on mixing your own custom stains from primary colors, plus some rare old lore on getting finishes to last on oily woods like Teak. July 29, 2007

Pre-Cat Lacquer Seal Coat Sanding

Pre-cat lacquer works well as its own sanding sealer, but it takes some experience to learn to avoid bubbling in the coat over certain types of wood. July 18, 2008

Trouble with Catalyzed Varnish and an Air-Assisted Airless Gun

Those pesky bubbles are back. Finishers help a colleague figure out why his new spraygun setup is not delivering the results he expected. May 24, 2006

Uniform Dark Stain for Cherry

Finishers share their formulas and methods for staining and toning cherry. June 30, 2007

Resolving a Stain-Matching Dispute

By its nature, matching stain is an imperfect process. Here, a finisher's story about a problem with a customer leads to a discussion of contract terms and policies for matching stain. June 23, 2006

Reducing finish overspray

Methods, additives and equipment for minimizing this problem. October 30, 2002

Fine Crackle Finish

Products and techniques for achieving a fine China-like crackle. May 19, 2004

Fundamentals of Spraying Stain

A finisher who's accustomed to working by hand gets advice on his first attempts at spraying stain. December 30, 2005

The Fine Points of Spraying Dye Stain

Pros supply mixing and application tips. April 14, 2005

Washcoat Tips and Tricks

Washcoat application can be a tricky process. Here, seasoned pros help a beginner get the hang of it. March 29, 2006

White Stain for Cabinets

Here's a long discussion with some detailed advice for staining wood white in a way that allows some grain to show. January 14, 2009

Heating a New Shop and Spray Booth

Radiant heat could be ideal, but the spray room will need filtered fans. February 25, 2005

Rocking Chair Design and Construction

Creating a good rocker is more art than science. April 30, 2006

Even Finishing Techniques for Alder

Approaches for avoiding a blotchy look when finishing Alder. May 27, 2008

Troubleshooting Finish Flaws on a Piano

Is that fish-eye or orange peel on that piano? Finishers help a colleague diagnose and treat a problem with conversion varnish. May 17, 2005

Problem with topcoat adhesion -- over stain

Wood finishers help troubleshoot a comrade's problem with topcoat adhesion on stained work. April 22, 2000

Water-Bornes Versus Solvent-Bornes — the Big Picture

A philosophical, practical, technical, ethical and political — but not personal — discussion of today's big split in finish formulations. August 24, 2008

Sandpaper and Fisheye

Another finisher confronts the dreaded fisheye problem, and a discussion of sanding materials ensues. November 8, 2007

Tiny Bubbles

Are tools or techniqes to blame for the bubbles appearing in this ICA poly? October 20, 2004

Staining Alder

Alder is an under-appreciated wood that takes stain and paint well. Here, finishers discuss how to get the best results with it. October 26, 2005

Small-Compressor/HVLP Setup

Finishers debate whether a small compressor paired with an HVLP spraygun can get the job done. February 19, 2006

Painters Versus Cabinet Finishers

There are degrees of skill and accomplishment in both specialties — but what's the real difference? 25, 2006

Alligatoring with Waterborne Poly over a Shellac Sealcoat

Pros dig into the reasons why water-based poly might show fine cracks and wrinkling over shellac. February 23, 2008

Air bubbles in conversion varnish

Why are they appearing when finish is sprayed on with an airmix pump? March 23, 2002

Walnut Butcher Block Countertops

Techniques for creating a beautiful butcher block countertop are shared. May 10, 2005

Staining Pine Cabinets

A finisher gets advice on how to get even results in just a few steps. August 30, 2005

How to Make an Oak Mantelpiece Look Old

Finishers kick around ideas for distressing a new oak mantel to match some old oak furniture (the catch: the finish has to resist heat). December 8, 2006

The Fine Points of Scuff Sanding

"Scuff sanding" to knock down minor imperfections between coats may be done quickest and best by hand. Here, professionals delve into the fine points of how, when, and why to scuff sand finish coats. August 10, 2005

Drying racks for cabinet doors

Purchased and shop built varieties - the designs that work the best. Illustrated. (Finishing Forum) March 23, 2003

Waterborne lacquers

How quality measures up against other finishes. December 26, 2002

Tinting Toner Tips

A longtime furniture finishing pro offers tips on toners for tinting. March 12, 2002

Spot Repairs in Post-Catalyzed Lacquers

Spray touch-up techniques for minor dings and scratches. May 11, 2006

Safe sprayroom setup

Advice on everything from finish type to disposal of hazardous materials. December 17, 2003

Finished Versus Unfinished Cabinet Installations

In some areas, cabinets are often delivered unfinished and sprayed on site, but in other markets that's practically unheard-of. Here, cabinetmakers discuss the pros and cons of both approaches. May 23, 2007

Sand-Through Finish Strategies

Pros kick around ideas for a layered, sand-through finish for a multi-colored beat-up appearance. March 29, 2006

Sealing Over Water-Soluble Aniline Dyes

Bleeding between products makes getting that "piano" finish tricky, but it can be done. March 18, 2005

Shopping for a Spraygun Upgrade

A finisher looks to step up from low-end spray equipment, and gets advice on gun types. May 17, 2005

Hardwood Flooring and Millwork -- Finishing Options

Pre-finished or site-finished? November 16, 2001

Contaminants in High-Gloss Finish

Is dust causing the flaws in this otherwise mirror-shine finish? August 26, 2004

Fun with Vinegar-and-Iron Dye Stains

Iron soaked in vinegar makes an interesting dye that can be black, gray, or brownish-red, depending on the application and use. Here's a discussion of the chemistry and methods involved. July 29, 2007

Sealcoat Before a Waterborne Finish

Water-based finishes tend to raise wood grain. Here, finishers discuss options for a first sealer coat. October 25, 2006

Glazing Over Paint

A discussion of the technical challenges and steps involved in glazing over paint and topcoating with clear lacquer. January 14, 2009

Troubleshooting Gloss Variations with a Post-Catalyzed Laquer

Viewed from an angle, this finished piece shows some flat, dull areas where the proper gloss wasn't achieved. Pros try to diagnose the problem and suggest possible fixes. December 1, 2005

Shellac over Casein — Bubbling and Adhesion Problems

Finishers try to troubleshoot a performance issue with an unusual custom art finish: milk paint and shellac on furniture. February 13, 2009

Gun Choice for Spraying Toner Over Sealer

To avoid mottling, use equipment that is recommended for spraying toners. April 30, 2006

Spraying Interior Doors with Oil Based Paint

Detailed advice from experienced pros about how to spray paint interior doors efficiently and well. December 10, 2008

Color Burnthrough Sample

Finishers share images of burnthrough effects created during the finishing process. February 8, 2005

Polishing Polyurethane to a High Gloss

Buffing compounds, sanding materials, and techniques for that super-high final shine. May 24, 2006

Solvent-Borne Stains with Water-Borne Top Coats

A question about a tricky finishing challenge leads to a discussion of staining, glazing, and toning techniques. December 29, 2008

Coating for Walnut Restaurant Chairs

Hard like two-component polyurethane, or repairable like tung oil? An extended discussion of the options for a finish that has to look top-notch, and face rough wear. May 27, 2008

Staining Poplar Trim to Match Existing Stained Maple

Poplar is usually a paint-grade trim material. But here, finishers discuss using washcoats and dye stains to persuade Poplar to stain evenly. September 10, 2007

Muting the Grain on a Cherry Table

A furniture-maker needs to make a new cherry table match existing woodwork that has a washed-out grain. Finishers offer advice about formulas and application. July 11, 2005

Finished Outside But Not Inside

How to handle things when specs call for finished face frames but unfinished interiors. February 8, 2005

Curing Stations, Drying Time, and Workflow

A small ultraviolet or infrared curing station might speed up a small finish line's production. Here, finishers talk about equipment, formulas, drying times, and efficiency. May 17, 2005

Conversion Varnish Versus Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer

Pros compare CV and pre-cat in terms of performance characteristics and ease of use. September 16, 2008

Spray Booth Characteristics

A finisher wonders if the price he's been quoted for a spray booth is too good to be true. Colleagues chime in about the components, quality, and cost of a good booth. October 2, 2005

CV and formaldehyde fumes

The wrong respirator can lead to serious health problems. July 22, 2003

Filling Depressions Exposed by Topcoats

Sprayers share tips for achieving a flat, filled, fine finish. January 25, 2005

Refinishing an Antique Mahogany Sideboard

Finishers apply their minds to a tricky refinishing job: stripping paint and applying a new finish to a fine old piece of furniture. November 13, 2005

Achieving a Smooth, Glassy Finish on a Burl Veneer Tabletop

The crazy grain and deep structure of a burl surface pose a special finishing challenge, and the choice of adhesive can also add a twist. Here, pros offer advice from several different perspectives. December 8, 2006

Praise for HVLP

Has HVLP outgrown a bad reputation? Here's why some swear by it. (Finishing Forum) May 19, 2003

Less toxic alternatives to CV

Searching for a durable and less toxic finish. July 22, 2003

Spray Technique for Chairs

Wooden chairs challenge the spraygun operator with their many complicated surface orientations. Here, experienced pros advise on how to achieve a uniform coat without roughness or drips. April 19, 2006

Glaze technique problem

Trying to match a unique mystery finish sample. April 9, 2003

Conversion varnish flow

Getting conversion varnish to lay smooth. April 11, 2001

Hardwoods in the Bath

Finishing Tips When Installing Hardwoods in Wet, Humid Environments October 22, 2001

HVLP with Turbine

Advice on whether to switch from a siphon gun to an HVLP spray gun. May 17, 2005

Filling Deep Gaps Under a Clear Finish

Most grain fillers either take a long time to dry or turn milky white when applied too thickly. Here are some ideas for a water-clear crack filler. December 10, 2007

Knocking down conversion varnish sheen

What's the best method to dull down a finished-and-installed kitchen? March 23, 2002

Troubleshooting Painting Problems with an Air-Assisted Airless Gun

What's causing the spray fan to "wink out" occasionally? Pros help pin down the cause of poor performance. January 9, 2007

Handling a Finish Failure Callback Three Years Later

Cabinetmakers discuss a customer service issue — how long after the original job should you keep fixing a finish? December 6, 2008

Finishing a Mahogany Bar Top

Various suggestions for a bar top job. June 8, 2008

Rubbing Out a Piano Finish

The fine points of creating that smooth, even sheen on a black grand piano. December 27, 2006

- Glazing: My Favorite Finishing Technique

Glaze finishing techniques are a versatile way to enhance the features of wood without hiding its natural characteristics. They're also the first-choice tool of the faux-finish aficionado. Finishing expert Mac Simmons explains in this article how to apply base colors, sealer coats, and a variety of ......

Faux marbling

Creating a decorative finish to match a marble mantel. November 22, 2003

Dye Stains, Solvents, and Alder

A question about spray dyes for Alder leads to a discussion of sophisticated custom formulations using dyes and solvents. March 26, 2007

Stepping Up to a Cheap Airless Spraygun

Here's an interesting argument for using a $300 home-center airless spraygun setup for cabinet finishing. June 8, 2008

Darkening a Lacquer Finish On Site

Finishers consider the fine points of darkening an existing old lacquer finish with hand-application methods. July 2, 2008

Metallic Finishes

Pros discuss ways to put a bright, shiny silver metallic finish on wood. August 9, 2005

Alternating Between Waterborne and Solventborne Finishes

Advice on running different finish types through the same gun, and comments on the durability of water-based clears in exterior applications. March 9, 2006

"Antique White" Glazing Techniques

A discussion of the fine points of glazing steps for a "dirty white" antique look. April 27, 2007

Glazing Tips and Tricks

Finishers discuss the fine points of various glazing methods. November 25, 2008

Fat Edges in Nitro Lacquer

Advice on how to keep lacquer from building up too much at the edges of a profiled piece of wood. July 3, 2008

Color matching and grain repair

Learning the necessary skills. (From WOODWEB's Finishing Forum) January 21, 2003

Low-Cost Clear Coat for Pine

An unfinished-furniture manufacturer wants to set up a finishing line. Here, pros discuss his low-end finishing choices, and give advice on minimizing sanding labor. October 28, 2005

Tung Oil for Table Tops

Tung Oil is not the toughest coating, but it's easy to maintain and repair. July 28, 2008

A Little About Crackle Finishes

You can create one of today’s most popular specialty finishes with a little experimentation and practice. August 13, 2005

Fine Points of Paint Finishes

More expensive acrylics typically perform better than "latex" formulas. Here are some tips on choosing and applying opaque finishes. July 3, 2008

Conversion Varnish Delamination

Too fine a sandpaper may be the reason conversion varnish is losing inter-coat adhesion. November 25, 2008

Spray Booth Floor Treatment?

Pros discuss strategies to keep floors clean and protected for trouble-free spraying. August 30, 2007

Staining Maple: Blotchiness Versus Lightening

Here's advice on how to combat Maple's tendency toward blotchiness, while avoiding the lightening effect of using a washcoat or sealer coat. July 3, 2008

Options for heating a finishing room

Various ways to heat a finishing room. December 12, 2000

Darkening of Oil-Finished End Grain

Unusual tables milled from whole logs present an interesting stain and finish problem, besides the obvious moisture-related movement concerns. May 23, 2007

Contamination and Fish Eye

Finishers help a colleague track down the source of fisheye, among the many typical (and not-so-typical) suspects. May 17, 2005

Shop-Built Drying Racks

Cabinetmakers compare shop-rigged drying racks for freshly-finished parts. March 20, 2006

Curling Problem with Peel-and-Stick Veneer

Pros suggest solutions to a problem with veneer that curls as it dries after finish is applied. August 14, 2007

Epoxy for Joinery in the Marine Environment

Whether as an adhesive or a finish, epoxy will face unusual stresses when used for yacht construction. January 12, 2009

Troubleshooting Finish Failure

prep, site conditions, materials, or technique? February 26, 2005

Using Waterborne Finishes

How do waterborne finishes measure up, in practical use? September 9, 2004

Approaches to Matching a Stain

Finishers advise on a puzzling stain-matching problem. October 14, 2006

Custom-Formulating Spray-Only Stains

A wide-open discussion on how to formulate and mix spray-applied stains, using the whole range of ingredients available in the market. February 19, 2006

Whether to Thin a Conversion-Varnish Seal Coat

A discussion of seal coat application and performance with conversion varnishes. September 16, 2008

"Mahogany" Stains for Birch

Finishers share formulas and methods for staining light-colored woods a dark mahogany color. April 19, 2006

Catalyzed Versus Uncatalyzed Lacquers

An extended discussion of the chemistry, attributes, and performance of catalyzed lacquers compared to traditional uncatalyzed nitrocellulose lacquer. April 21, 2008

Finishing Wood Edges of Laminate Tops

Suppose you want to edge-band laminate tops before finishing the edgebanding? Here are some creative ideas for protecting the laminate top from overspray while finishing just the edge. May 22, 2007

Troubleshooting Tacky Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer

A finisher reports that white lacquer coats don't cure for days. Is it the 98% relative humidity, or a problem with the formula?October 26, 2005

Deodorant Fisheyes

Finish flaws caused by personal care products. December 9, 2004

Applying a Toasted Almond Glaze

Four different finishers describe their methods for achieving this effect with wipe-off brown glaze over white base coat. July 29, 2007

Controlling Shellac Blush

An extended discussion of methods for curing blushing in shellac, and their various possible pitfalls. November 8, 2007

Wood Movement and Bar Top Finishing

A finisher gets advice on a tough problem: finishing a bar top made with small wood strips over an MDF substrate.December 28, 2007

Considering 2k Polyurethane Finishes

A long and thoughtful discussion on the virtues and drawbacks of two-component urethane finishes. October 2, 2005

Gel Stain Pros and Cons

Is gel stain "second cousin to paint?" (And is that bad?) September 26, 2006

Glazing and toning techniques

A detailed discussion of glazing and toning methods. April 4, 2001

Troubleshooting Veneer Cracking After Finish Application

A case of veneer checking leads to an extended discussion of adhesive choice for veneer layups. March 30, 2008

The Fine Points Of Viscosity

Ways to measure and judge viscosity, and determining what's best for the application. April 14, 2005

Waterproofing Drawer Bottoms

When a customer wants to stash wet, muddy boots in the bottom drawers, how do you protect them? March 26, 2008

Adding Dyes to Tung Oil

Detailed advice on mixing and applying your own custom-tinted Tung oil toner. (Also, dispose of the rags with care.) July 3, 2008

Persuading Glaze to Stay in the Grooves

Advice on a tricky glazing application: MDF doors with shallow grooves don't seem to want to hold glaze. July 24, 2006

Make-your-own stains and glazes

Mixing your own wiping stains and glazes. June 24, 2001

Messy mixing

How to mix lacquer and reducer without suffering serious splashes and spills. May 9, 2001

'Factory Finishes' for the Small Shop

A fine 'factory finish' can help custom woodworkers achieve a uniform appearance when using dissimilar species or building multiple pieces. July 28, 2005

The Great Fisheye Hunt

Three tales of finish fisheyes found and fixed, with ideas on preventing them. 1998.

Equipment Issues for Final Door Sanding

Cross-grain scratches from the wide-belt, then swirl marks from the random-orbit sanders — what's the solution to minimize the final hand-sanding stage? November 26, 2006

Red Alder Pros and Cons -- Pricing, Availability, Usefulness

Pros discuss the cost, availability, and characteristics of Red Alder solid stock and sheet goods. February 25, 2005

Finishing for the Small G.C.

Pros offer a residential general contractor advice on learning to apply his own finishes. September 26, 2006

"Pickled" Finish on Maple

Translucent white finishes on maple sometimes pick up a pink or blue tinge. But with "toning" techniques, you can gradually build up a whitewashed look. October 2, 2005

Objectively Comparing Finish Brands

When two companies compete for a finisher's business, how should he compare their products? March 12, 2006

Learning Curve with Air-Assisted Airless

If you're used to cup guns or pressure pots, you'll want to change your technique a little when you switch to an AAA gun. November 26, 2006

Toning with conversion varnish

Adding tonal depth without building up too much finish. August 13, 2002

Exterior door finishes

Products to use for protection from rain. May 22, 2002

Eliminating Scratches in Glaze

Stubborn sanding scratches appear when a piece has been glazed... can this be avoided?January 6, 2005

Using a Builder's Finisher

Cabinetmakers describe why they don't like it when a builder customer has his painter finish their cabinets on site. January 26, 2008

Spraying Dye Stain

It takes a light touch and a careful eye. In this thread, experienced finishers describe their techniques. October 26, 2005

Repairing veneer sand-through

Short of firing the employee, what's the best fix for recurring sand-through in veneer edges? November 15, 2000

Getting a Start in Faux Finish

A step-by-step description and advice for successfully creating some of today’s most popular finishes. August 18, 2005

Troubleshooting Bubbles in Pre-Cat Finish on Oak

Finishers offer theories and propose solutions for bubbles that appear during drying in pre-catalyzed finish. December 29, 2008

Overspray finish inside cabinets

What's the best way to prevent it? June 24, 2002

Comparing Water-Borne and Solvent-Borne Finishes

Old hands discuss the pros and cons of water-borne and solvent-borne coatings. June 8, 2007

Bar Top Finishes

Here's some practical info on using two-component polyurethane or epoxy bar-top finishes. April 10, 2008

Staining Cypress Mouldings On Site

Advice on stain selection, wood filler choices, and more for finishing Cypress trimwork. December 28, 2006

Getting the "Habersham" Distressed Look

Call it "Shabby Chic," or just furniture that looks like it walked down the wrong alley — it's not an easy look to achieve. In this thread, pros share their recipes for roughing up the woodwork. July 11, 2005

Prepping MDF for Paint

A discussion of primers that can help machined edges of MDF panels accept paint the same as panel faces. December 30, 2005

Duplicating Finish on Cherry

A beginner gets advice on using a washcoat, wiping stain, and toner to match an existing finish on Cherry. March 1, 2006

Darkening Maple with Dye Stain

A tricky stain-matching problem involving maple veneer and dye stain. October 14, 2006

Building Up Color on Maple

A builder gets advice on how to apply tinted stains and sealers to maple using many thin coats, to avoid the dreaded blotching effect. February 14, 2006

Shellac and Alcohol

Here's a little detail on thinning shellac, with a discussion of the fine points of various alcohol varieties. February 12, 2007

Conversion varnish basics

The pros agree: conversion varnish is best for kitchen cabinets. April 20, 2001

Quick Process for Staining a Maple Kitchen

A finisher tries to come up with a quick schedule for staining and topcoating a Maple kitchen in one day. February 15, 2009

A Mysterious Metallic Toner Finish

A little investigative work following a sales call reveals the secret to a unique finish. August 13, 2005

Switching Between Coating Types with Air Assisted Airless Equipment

Going from one product to another and back again is no big deal with AAA spraygun setups. March 29, 2008

Staining Edgebanding for Prefinished Plywood

Ways to make edgebanding match drawer and door faces when using prefinished plywood to build frameless cabinets. December 30, 2005

Washcoat and Stain Issues with Birch and Maple

A birch-plywood cabinet with maple face frames poses a tricky staining problem. Here's a little explanation about washcoats, stains, toners, and more. April 9, 2007

Troubleshooting Stain Bleedout

Pros consider how to deal with a situation where an oil stain dries too slowly and seeps out of the pores of an Oak piece. July 3, 2008

Four Decorative Finishes

Step-by-step directions for producing four distinctive finishing looks. July 28, 2005

Pot Life Troubles with Catalyzed Finishes

Harsh lesson learned from yesterday's batch gone bad today: Read the labels, or reap the wrinkles. May 27, 2008

Using Pigments for Glazing

A discussion of mix-your-own glaze techniques, covering binders, solvents, and pigments. April 9, 2007

More Toner Tips

A discussion of toning techniques. August 22, 2005

Finishes for Spraying On Site

Finishers discuss the pros and cons of waterborne and oil-based finishes for spray application inside houses. March 12, 2006

Popping the Grain on Figured Redwood Veneer

Advice on a finishing schedule that will bring out the striking grain effects on some beautiful curly redwood. July 3, 2008

Clear-Coat Yellowing Problem in Cabinet Interiors

Many oil-based clear-coats turn yellow when kept in the dark. The severity may depend on the type of oil used. Here's a case example, with comments from the pros. February 12, 2007

Avoiding Overspray Problems Inside Small Cabinet Boxes

Small boxes such as cubbyholes present an overspray concern. Here are some tips. April 10, 2008

Teak Finish on Kitchen Cabinets

Teak may be naturally water resistant, but in a kitchen environment, even this tough lumber needs some help. February 26, 2005

Tung Oil Tips and Tricks

Advice on tung-oil-based "home brews," and more. November 12, 2006

Front Door Exterior Finish

Another thread on front-door finishes. No wood finish lasts forever in a tough exterior exposure. November 25, 2006

Coloring Oak Grain

Tips on how to replicate an Oak stain with pinkish grain in the pores. November 11, 2008

High Gloss White Paint on MDF

Finishers offer several approaches to achieving a high-gloss white finish on MDF cabinets. March 9, 2008

Sprayer Comparison: AAA Versus HVLP

Experts discuss the quality, efficiency, and cost issues for air-assisted airless and high-velocity low-pressure technologies. March 18, 2005

Mystery Spots on Finished MDF

Finishers try to figure out why pale pink spots keep materializing through opaque finishes on MDF panels. November 25, 2008

Sand-Like Imperfections in a Conversion Varnish Finish

Finishers troubleshoot an unusual flaw. November 26, 2007

Switching to Water-Borne Finishes

Finishers discuss their experiences working with water-borne finishes. October 26, 2005

Post-Catalyzed Lacquer Cure Time

Curing reactions for post-catalyzed finishes do release smelly formaldehyde, and take longer at cooler temperatures. January 28, 2009

Lacquer Checking in Crotch Mahogany Veneer

When nitrocellulose lacquer checks on veneered furniture, pros suggest other finishes. March 9, 2008

Finishing Guitars with Tung Oil

Advice for a beginner on applying tung oil to a new guitar. December 31, 2005

Grain Filler Choices

Advice for a finisher who wants a full grain fill and a tough, but repairable, top coat. July 3, 2008

Malachite: Another Decorative Faux Finish

The look of malachite, a semi-precious gemstone, can be imitated by the savvy wood finisher. Industry veteran Mac Simmons explains how to lay down a base coat and sealer, then apply custom-mixed glazes with cardboard grain combs for a deep, eye-catching "mineral" finish. July 11, 2005

Finish Choices for a Mahogany Exterior Door

The perennial problem: a clear finish tough enough for outdoor exposure. Bottom line, there's no such thing: sooner or later, the door will need recoating. Here, pros consider the tradeoff between the durability of the initial application and the difficulty of the eventual refinish job. June 28, 200 ......

Sprayable grain fillers

Sources and application techniques for sprayable grain filling products. November 29, 2000

Exhaust Fan Size for Spray Booth

How much ventilation is needed? August 17, 2004

Two More Glazing Techniques : Stringing & Banding

Using colored glazes, you can replicate some of the decorative veneer borders found on fine furniture. June 24, 2005

Spraying Pigmented Lacquer

Details on cure time and finishing racks. January 15, 2004

Finishing High-Quality Ebony Veneer Panels

Pros give suggestions for finishing expensive Ebony veneer for cabinetry a high-end custom home. July 3, 2008

Pricing for Cabinet Finishing

A furniture finisher who would like to branch out into cabinet finishing gets feedback on how to charge for the service. February 18, 2007

Testing Your Coating's Hardness

"Pencil Hardness" is a simple test that can tell you the hardness of the coatings you are using. August 20, 2005

Clear Finish for an Exterior Door

No clear finish lasts long in the sun and weather, but here are some thoughts from finishers on the best of the bunch. December 15, 2005

- Spatter Finishes and Faux Solid Surfaces

Faux finishing techniques can be used effectively to make wood look like solid surface materials. July 26, 2005

Opaque lacquer finish

Concerns about the substrate used and avoiding orangle peel are addressed. March 4, 2002

Darkening a Too-Red Stain

Finishers help troubleshoot and correct a stain job that came out a little too red. April 21, 2007

Wrinkling Conversion Varnish

Why is CV wrinkling with dark colored stains? June 21, 2004

Shellac as a Sealer

Finishers clear up some confusion about waxed and de-waxed shellac used as a seal coat between different finish products. October 2, 2005

Color Match for Old Birch

Matching aged wood with any kind of colorant is tricky, because the ambient light is a major player no matter what you do. But here are some detailed tips anyway. July 3, 2008

Switching to pre-cat or CV

Properties of these finishes and their applications. December 26, 2002

Waterborne Finish Basics

An extensive and detailed introductory how-to on spraying water-based finishes. March 2, 2006

Catalyst Causing Gradual Pigment Change

A cautionary tip: catalysts in catalyzed finishes may cause pigments to change over time in the can — so a batch may not match itself, if time passes between applications. September 26, 2006

Heating Options with Catalyzed Finishes

A cabinetmaker gets advice on keeping his finishes, substrates, and ambient air warm enough for catalyzed finishes to work properly in cold weather. October 2, 2005

Refinishing and pinhole problems

How to prevent and fix those pesky pinholes. January 16, 2002

Cabinet Finishing Labor Time

Some thoughts on how long cabinet finishing should take (and does take), and ideas for speeding the work up. January 27, 2008

Fading of Dyes Versus Pigments

A discussion of why dyes fade, advances in dye technology, and the implications for finishing techniques. April 19, 2006

Large "Bubbles" that Appear when Inferior Plywood is Finished

Plywood grading is based on the top ply's visual appearance, but low-quality core plys or manufacturing methods can create visible defects that show up only after finishing. March 26, 2007

Filling grain

Basic methods for filling grain and finishing. April 9, 2003

Compressor Capacity FAQ

A quick tutorial from the folks at Spraygun World on various ways to get the airflow you need to run your spray finishing equipment — whatever the gun's requirements. February 10, 2007

A Brushed-On Finish for a Wood Drum

Discussing the finer points of a brushed-on and polished shellac finish for a musical instrument. January 9, 2007

Mixing Custom Stains

Tips on mixing and using your own stains made with pigment, binder, and carrier. October 25, 2006

Tung Oil and Shellac on Walnut

Tips on using this old-style combination, with a few concessions to modern conditions. March 26, 2007

Streaky Lacquer Problem

Pros troubleshoot a case of striping and streaking in a post-catalyzed lacquer job, and discuss how to fix the finish. October 18, 2005

Filling grain with sanding sealer

Sanding sealer instead of grain filler - is this an acceptable replacement? October 16, 2003

Glazes and crackles

How to use glazes and crackles to produce dramatic effects. November 21, 2000

Using finish after its potlife

What are the consequences, and how can potlife be extended? July 24, 2002

Farmhouse Tabletop Finish

Finishers evaluate options for furniture coatings. November 27, 2007

Baseball Bat Finishes

A discussion of good finishes for baseball bats for youth leagues. July 17, 2008

Filling Joints and Nail Holes

Advice on choosing a wood filler, and a discussion about whether filling certain holes and cracks is worth the trouble. March 29, 2008

Protective Coatings for Spray Booth Lights

Ideas for making spray booth lights easier to clean. September 26, 2006

A Little About Applying Gold Leaf

The ancient art of gilding can add a touch of class to custom projects. August 20, 2005

Paint Cracks at Joints in Five-Piece Doors

Painted wood stile-and-rail raised-panel doors almost always show cracks at the joints. It's important to inform customers of this before the sale — they might prefer to go with one-piece MDF doors. August 30, 2007

Airless spray equipment for lacquers?

An in-depth discussion of HVLP and airless equipment and techniques. January 16, 2001

Matching Natural Maple Finish to Existing Yellowing Cabinets

Thoughts on how to make a new finish match an existing lacquer coating that has yellowed over time. April 21, 2008

Dry Spray Diagnosis

A classic example (probably), and some great pictures, of catalyzed finish drying before it hits the workpiece — and advice on prevention. November 11, 2008

Matching a Finish from a Cell-Phone Photo

No kidding — the challenge is to make a reproduction poplar chest of drawers look like this photo taken by a cell-phone camera. Finishers weigh in with advice. April 30, 2006

Rubbed-Out Finishes and Durability

A discussion of rubbing-out technique and the nature of the final finish. November 27, 2007

Durable Hand-Brushed Finishes

Ideas for how to achieve a cabinet finish with the look of brushed-on paint, but the durability of a spray-applied lacquer. April 30, 2006

Liming a red oak door

The proper procedure for attaining a subtle white finish. November 29, 2000

Reclaiming Lacquer Thinner: Is It Worth It?

A discussion of the cost and benefits of buying a lacquer thinner reclaiming machine. April 19, 2006

Darkening Cherry to Match Existing

Advice on using sunlight or UV to quickly darken Cherry wood, and some serious warnings about certain chemicals. April 9, 2007

- Rolling Out the Grains

This technique uses a graining tool to create a "false wood" finish. July 26, 2005

"Crawling" Problems with Waterborne Finishes

Like fisheye but different, "crawling" or "cratering" is a pesky finish issue involving surface tension effects in fluids. December 10, 2008

Matching New Doors to Re-Faced Cabinet Frames

Pros offer various approaches to getting frames and doors to match each other, and the customer's expectations. August 30, 2007

Advice for a Beginning Finisher

Pros counsel a cabinetmaker on how to get started applying spray finishes to his own work. April 19, 2006

A Little About Accentuating the Grain

This technique for enhancing grain can be used to make one species look like another or bring out the natural beauty of various woods. August 19, 2005

Sealer Coats and Surface Roughness

Rags used for wiping off stain can snag on a rough surface, but if you fully seal and sand smooth, the stain will not take as well. So how to choose the first, "sealer" coat? October 25, 2006

"Spitting" Problem with Acrylic Latex

A finisher has trouble with bad atomization when applying acrylic paint, and gets advice about gun setup and thinning formulas. July 24, 2005

Understanding the "Color" White

Why no white dyes on the market? Good question. For a partial answer, here's a little info about additive and subtractive color, some chemistry, and a few observations about what happens when our brains can't keep up. June 28, 2006

Troubleshooting Shiny Paint

until the "flatting" agent left too much sheen. Finishers share ideas about what might have happened, and how to fix it. June 28, 2005

Achieving a 3-D Effect with Curly Maple

Comments on enhancing grain figure and chatoyance. December 27, 2006

Spray Quality Issues, Sandpaper Choice, and Inter-Coat Adhesion

A finisher has concerns about both the off-the-gun quality of his base coat, and the possible problems created by his sandpaper selection. Colleagues straighten him out on both counts. March 30, 2008

Catalyzing a Vinyl Toner

A highly specialized discussion of the fine points involved when using a wiping oil stain in combination with a catalyzed finish and a vinyl toner. February 19, 2006

Portable Air-Assisted Airless Setup

Advice on an AAA compressor and gun kit that you can conveniently cart from shop to shop. November 25, 2008

Estimating Time to Finish One Free-Standing Wood Cabinet

Finishing one piece of furniture can be surprisingly time-consuming. September 27, 2008

Ebony Edgbanding Alternatives

A furniture maker gets ideas for finding ebony edgebanding material, or an acceptable substitute. December 15, 2005

Enamel Paints Versus Pigmented Varnishes

Finishers discuss durability and color-matching issues. November 13, 2005

Durability and Touch-Up Qualities of Paint for Cabinets

What's the best paint for cabinets that need frequent touch-up because of damage by household pets? November 25, 2008

Setting up new finishing department

Forum participants chime in on their favorite types of finishing systems, and approaches to establishing a finishing department. April 21, 2000

Waterborne lacquer and polyurethane

What is the difference? March 23, 2002

Conditioning and Staining Pine

Fine points of applying a sizing washcoat before a wipe-on gel stain. December 30, 2005

Clear Water-Borne Lacquer for Maple

Tips for achieving a good clear finish on Maple using water-borne lacquer. April 9, 2007

Water-based Polyurethane over an Oil-based Wiping Stain

Why does the top finish pull away from the stain coat? Pros explain, and suggest solutions. June 28, 2005

What's a Tough Top Coat Over Tung Oil?

Tung oil gives a deep, rich tone to fine wood. But how do you protect it from occasional water spills? March 30, 2008

Durable Clear Finish for a Handrail

Durability and on-site practicality of various clear finishes suitable for handrails. May 7, 2007

Flambee that Piano, Old-Timer

Do not try this "light the piano on fire" trick at home. These men are untrained professionals. September 26, 2006

Compressor or Turbine for Spraying on Site?

Which air setup (and which gun) is best for on-site finishing? November 25, 2008

Fine-Tuning a Black Stain for Mahogany

Pros discuss a few extra touches for a black finish on mahogany. April 19, 2006

Dye, Stain, and Wood Selection For a Gray-Toned Finish

A cabinetmaker's looking to get a gray finish on solid wood and veneer cabinets. Pros chime in with an advanced discussion about the difference between dyes and pigments, with advice on how to achieve a nice gray tone — and really show off the wood grain. December 1, 2005

Fuming white oak

A description of the effect, and the chemical reaction that creates it. November 26, 2001

The Up-Charge for Finishing Cabinets

How much should finishing a piece add to its cost, asks a cabinetmaker? Finishers chime in with rough percentages, whys and wherefores. October 28, 2005

Fan Choice and Air Speed Calculations for a Spray Booth

Figuring the fan capacity for a spray booth is tricky, because you need to estimate the air speed across the working space. December 29, 2008

"Paint" Cabinet Finish 101

and needs basic advice for getting started with opaque color finishes. July 3, 2008

Catalyzed Varnishes, Offgassing, and Odor

Occasional bad smells associated with conversion varnish, explained in terms of chemistry. February 23, 2008

Staining Alder for a Rustic Look

Finishers offer tips and tricks for dealing with Alder's busy grain, knots, and tendency to blot. September 16, 2008

Finishing Rack for Wood Doors

Pros show and tell solutions, manufactured or shop built, for holding and moving doors in a finishing shop. August 30, 2005

Troubleshooting Finish Fish-Eyes Caused by Contamination

Some kind of contamination is creating "fish-eye" finish flaws. But where does it come from? Finishers suggest a whole slew of possible sources. June 28, 2005

Glazes: Adding Art to Finishes

An easy glazing technique enables you to create unique patterns and designs. July 28, 2005

Air-Assisted Airless Versus HVLP

More discussion of the fine points distinguishing air-assisted airless spray-gun systems from high-volume low-pressure systems. April 30, 2006

Mixing Your Own Toner

Stain mixed with lacquer makes a good toner, but it takes practice. March 18, 2005

Clear Epoxy Over an Inlay

Tips on applying a thin but tough clear finish over a delicate inlay detail. March 9, 2006

Thinning Polyurethane for Spraying

Many different solvents can be used to thin poly, but the resulting slow-drying overspray can turn into a serious problem. September 14, 2006

Vinyl Sealer Tips with Maple

Explanations of why vinyl sealer helps prevent blotching when finishing Maple, and advice on getting the best performance with it. February 8, 2008

Achieving Bright Colors with Polyurethane Lacquers

Bright reds, blues, and greens are a whole different animal. Here are some tips on how to choose and use the appropriate products. March 26, 2007

Red Oak Finishing Basics

Advice on sanding, formulas, and schedules for good results with Red Oak. June 28, 2006

Glazed Finish Schedule

Finishers discuss a proposed finishing schedule for a glazed finish. April 30, 2006

Preventing Nubs in the Finish

Call them nibs or call them nubs, they're not good. Preventing them usually comes down to careful wiping and good hygeine. July 3, 2008

Finessing Oak Color Differences

Ways to tone away the color variations in a batch of oak mouldings. June 8, 2008

Dealing with spray booth noise

Protecting your hearing from the deafening roar of spray booth exhaust equipment. November 15, 2000

Issues with On-Site Spraying

Applying clear finishes on site comes with complications. Are water-based finishes preferable to conversion varnish? Finishers exchange views. August 30, 2005

Wood Distressing Tips and Tricks

Making wood rough ain't easy. Here are some techniques that work. January 26, 2009

Waterbased Finish Schedule for a Cherry Kitchen

Finishers share their schedules for Cherry kitchen cabinets. January 29, 2009

Cleaning Spray Guns

Advice on cleaning spray equipment. August 26, 2006

‘Aging’ Your Finishes

Some easy techniques for producing today’s popular looks. August 13, 2005

Waxed Versus De-Waxed Shellac

Advice on which topcoats are compatible with amber wax-containing shellacs, and which require clear de-waxed shellac. Also, advice on filtering or making your own. August 25, 2008

Avoiding Bubbles with Spar Varnish

Brush technique is key. April 6, 2007

Rubbing Out Conversion Varnish

Can the same method be used as for pre-cat lacquers? January 29, 2004

Finish Choices for Walnut Paneling

Finishers give a contractor advice on whether to use water-based poly or some other finish on a new walnut paneling install. October 28, 2005

Conversion varnish vs. lacquer

The pros and cons of each, including comparison of durability and repair. October 30, 2002

Crackle Finish Techniques

Tips, advice and discussion on getting the desired results from a crackle-coat finish. February 19, 2006

Tricky Conference Table Tips

Another extended discussion of how to make a complicated conference table — and whether a beginner should even attempt it. March 14, 2006

Enhancing Oak Grain with Dyes and Glazes

Tips (illustrated with photos) on bringing out depth and figure in white oak. December 31, 2005

Shellac Finish Gun and Brush Clean-Up

Tips on cleaning up equipment after applying shellac. November 27, 2007

Converting a Trailer to a Spray Booth

Finishers warn of the code and safety issues involved in providing lighting, egress, and other necessities to make a spray booth out of a metal trailer. February 15, 2009

Ten Tips for Fine Finishing

Follow these ten pointers and watch the quality of your finishing improve. 1998.

- Dull and Duller — the Quest for the Dead Flat Finish

When you need a finish that's flatter than Kansas, add as much flatting agent as you can and apply in very light mist coats. June 28, 2006

Color "Burnthrough"

Ideas for getting a sanded-through look to enhance the sense that a new piece is anything but. January 25, 2005

Auto-Body Filler as Wood Filler

Tips on how to work with auto-body fiberglass and resin filler products. December 30, 2007

Finishing Ipe Locker Room Benches

Ways to deal with Ipe wood's oily nature and its tendency to fade to gray. June 8, 2008

Creating a wrinkled finish

Suggestions for achieving a combination wrinkled and crackled finish. October 24, 2001

Considering Waterborne Finishes

A finisher who wants to switch from oil-based to water-based asks about durability. November 27, 2007

Matching New Cherry to Old

Cherry changes color over time from exposure to light. So how does a finisher match a new cherry cabinet to an old one? February 14, 2006

Warming Up Water-Based Poly

Water-based clear finishes sometimes take on a "dead" bluish tint. Here are some tips for adding a warmer amber glow. October 18, 2005

Odors from Over-Catalyzed Varnish

Too much catalyst can cause offensive smells in a varnish job. Here, finishers discuss possible fixes. October 18, 2005

Thickness-Sanding Small Pieces of Veneer

Thoughts on economical machinery and practical techniques for sanding small pieces of highly figured sawn veneer. November 11, 2008

Switching to Waterborne Finishes

Thoughts on practical application techniques and continued health precautions for a finisher who's going water-based. January 14, 2008

Spraying Inside Cabinet Boxes

Spraying the inside of a closed box is challenging because of air turbulence and overspray. Here are some tips. November 9, 2008

How to Prevent "Cobwebbing" of Pre-Catalyzed Finishes

It's a matter of finding the right thinning ratios and air pressures for the particular gun — and using the right thinner. February 13, 2006

Spraying Stain on Alder

Products and techniques to help achieve even staining of Alder wood. March 12, 2006

Sanding Steps in the Glazing Process

When creating a glazed finish, does sanding between coats help, or hurt? March 28, 2008

Analyzing aniline dye problems

Understanding the complexities of aniline dyes and their application. October 9, 2002

Achieving the Desired Satin Sheen with NC Lacquer

An inexperienced finisher gets some insight into how to zero in on the satin sheen he wants by applying flatted coats over gloss coats. July 28, 2008

Tips for a Non-Blotchy Maple and Birch Finish

To your tool-kit for avoiding blotchiness in hard-to-stain woods, add this: "solvent soaking." September 26, 2006

Spray Booth Safety

A discussion of spray booth requirements, with some interesting photos. October 14, 2006

First Time Out with Spray Finish

A beginner gets advice on spraying pre-catalyzed finishes. March 2, 2006

Tip Choices for HVLP Sprayguns

Advice on the ins and outs of matching tips to the gun and the intended use. August 25, 2008

Controlling Lacquer Blushing

Humid environments sometimes make lacquer "blush." Here, pros suggest ways to minimize blush, and to correct it when it happens. August 30, 2005

Solvent Pop in Automotive Clearcoat

Tiny round white specks on a guitar finished with automotive urethane are the result of solvent trying to evaporate, trapped under the fast-curing crosslinked skin. There's no fix now, but it can be prevented next time. December 8, 2006

Staining, Toning and Shading Maple

More discussion on the fine points of obtaining even color effects on maple. April 30, 2006

Both Sides, Now

Ideas for jigs and fixtures that allow finishing and drying on both sides of the same panel. February 8, 2005

Locating Jet Black Pigment

A search for a pigment source turns into a deeper discussion of how various black pigment varieties are made. September 10, 2007

Finishing Cherry Without Blotching

More tips and tricks for even staining with Cherry wood. February 13, 2009

Fixing a fisheyed finish

Troubleshooting fisheye problems in a conversion varnish topcoat. June 24, 2001

Making Oak "Look Old"

Pros share methods for antiquing oak furniture and cabinets. August 30, 2005

Imitating an Old Alligatored Finish

If you want to intentionally produce alligatoring in a controlled way, you're going to have to get creative. These ideas may get you started. April 21, 2008

Buffing schedule

Materials and methods for buffing high polish, catalyzed finishes. January 28, 2002

High gloss finish on mahogany

Techniques and products that yield a mirror finish on open-grained woods. October 9, 2002

Chemistry of Water-Based Polyurethane Coatings

Here's some information about waterbased two-part poly formulas, the health risks the ingredients may pose, and product availability. March 29, 2006

Blushing or Spray-Can Touch-Up Pre-Cat

Working in hot conditions, a finisher reports that spray-can touch-up lacquer started to show blushing as the space warmed up. Pros advise on corrective measures. August 26, 2006

Moisture in the Woods

Knowing the moisture content of your wood is an important step in achieving a finish that will stay problem-free down the road. August 20, 2005

Compressor Capacity to Supply a Pressure-Pot Spray-Gun

Reliable and powerful air supply matters for pressure-pot equipment. Here are tips on sizing up your unit. July 18, 2008

Wax Finish for a Knotty Pine Kitchen

A request for help with an unusual job draws some interesting information about wax finishes. March 12, 2006

Smooth finish on large surface

Trouble with rough spots in a water-based finish. August 29, 2001

Troubleshooting Band Breakage

A bandmill operator tries to figure out why his bands have started breaking after one or two resharpenings. September 17, 2008

Buffing out a lacquer finish

Finishers share their secrets for achieving a hand-rubbed lacquer finish. September 6, 2000

Paint Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

Paint can be less forgiving than stain. Here's advice on opaque finishes for cabinets. December 27, 2008

Applying glaze in tight spots

Tips for achieving a consistent glaze application in tight places on raised-panel doors. June 24, 2001

Durability Issues with an Outdoor Wood Mosaic

Advice on a tough challenge: finishing a multi-piece, panel-backed, wood mosaic, so it won't tear itself apart from moisture-related wood movement. March 29, 2008

Sanding Equipment for a Finishing Shop

A high-quality wide-belt sander can consistently thickness-sand MDF parts, and also sand primer coats, efficiently in a production environment. July 3, 2008

CAB Acrylic Peeling Problem

Acrylics made with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) can have durability issues in damp or chemically challenging environments. June 8, 2008

Final Buffing Steps for a Guitar Finish

Advice on how to go beyond fine-grit sanding and remove fine scratches. January 27, 2007

Priming MDF Edges for Finishing

MDF edges tend to soak up finishes. Here are multiple suggestions for prepping the cut edge so it won't need endless re-coats. February 26, 2007

Choosing a Scale for Color Mixing

Finishers discuss the equipment issues involved in weighing and measuring colorants for creating custom tints. June 28, 2006

Natural-Looking Wipe-On Finishes

Finishers discuss how to apply Danish Oil and wipe-on poly to a table top. December 15, 2005

Why use water-based finish?

With all the problems, why bother? April 17, 2002

Latex Paint — Too Soft for Bookcases

Acrylic latex paint never gets hard enough to lose its stickiness. Here, finishers discuss other options for finishing bookcases, and how to deal with a unit that already has been painted. October 28, 2008

Shading and Toning Eastern White Pine

Advice on how to achieve a consistent, uniform dark color on white pine. July 17, 2008

Hot Serving Dishes and Wood Finishes

No wood finishes are proof against hot pans straight from the stove or oven. But here's a discussion of the educated choices that customers can make. April 21, 2008

Should I Finish Cabinet Backs and Drawer Bottoms?

even the ones that don't show. December 28, 2007

Whether to Seal Before Spraying Dyes

Do dye sprays require pre-sealing the wood? Depends on the intended look. April 30, 2006

Troubleshooting Spray Stripes in Lacquer Finish

Thoughts on what causes a spray pattern to "stripe," and advice on how to fix it. May 23, 2007

Solid White Finishes on Cabinets

A finisher who has only used stains in the past gets advice from colleagues about applying opaque white finishes. October 27, 2005

Coating Thickness and Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer Performance

Too many coats can mean trouble. March 12, 2006

Making Curly Maple "Pop"

Finishers share ideas for bringing out the best in this stressed wood. February 26, 2005

Veneer Checking on Architectural Columns

Movement of the veneer (attached using contact cement) is the likely culprit in this failure. September 16, 2008

Staining Glue Lines

Oops! Glue-laminated Alder posts showed tell-tale lines where the glue wouldn't take stain. Suggestions in this thread provide the solution. November 13, 2005

Cracking of Lacquer over Shellac

Multiple shellac coats (sanded between coats) lead to trouble with later lacquer coats in this example. March 29, 2008

Exterior Wood Door Finishes

For the record: did we mention that clear finishes on exterior doors do not last? March 9, 2008

Repairing Humidifier Damage

Working from a photo, finishers make educated guesses about moisture damage to what looks like an old shellac finish. April 10, 2008

Pre-Cat Lacquer Basics

A first-timer gets tips on the fundamentals for success with pre-catalyzed lacquer. December 15, 2005

Faster Method for Spraying Doors

Finishers discuss how a small shop can speed up its door-spraying operation. June 10, 2006

What's the best HVLP system?

Finishing forum participants chime in with their feelings about the best HVLP spray finishing systems. May 29, 2000

Matching the Finish on Manufactured Cabinets

It's easier said than done. Here, pros explain the difficultles involved. January 13, 2006

Avoiding Raised Grain on Oak Using Water-Based Finish

It takes the right schedule of spraying, drying and sanding. March 18, 2005

Troubleshooting Overspray Lines with Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer

Overspray lines on a large piece may show up because of air pressure, drying time, nozzle settings, speed of application, and other adjustable factors. May 11, 2006

Sanding Edges

Sometimes, too much finish gets removed from edges during sanding between coats. In this thread, finishers suggest possible remedies. October 18, 2005

Finishing Custom Staircase

Tips, tricks, and rituals. February 26, 2005

Spray Booth Filter, Blower, and Door Choices

Finishers discuss desirable characteristics in a new spray booth. December 1, 2005

Alternatives to painted interiors

Woodworkers offer alternatives to painted cabinet interiors. September 6, 2000

Spray-Gun Technique to Prevent Orange-Peel

The right pressure settings should do the trick. March 18, 2005

Sealers for Water-Borne Finishes

Finishers discuss de-waxed shellac and other sealers that work well under water-borne finishes. June 10, 2006

Shellac Under Oil or Varnish

Finishers discuss compatibility and wear issues with using shellac in combination with Tung oil and varnish. October 13, 2008

Cleaning Finished Cabinets

The pros debate soaps, detergents, cleansers, and polishes. Are they all just bad, or should your finish be able to take anything? Or is the truth somewhere in between? July 10, 2005

Getting a Table-Top Finish Perfectly Smooth

How do you get a conference table top dead flat and smooth, with a glossy finish? Construction, finishing, and sanding all play a role. December 27, 2006

Using Gel Stain as a Glaze

You can custom-mix your own glazes using wiping stains, gels, and extenders (to modify open times). In this thread, experienced hands explain techniques. June 28, 2005

Grain-Filling and Finish Efficiency

Can any formula fully fill grain with just one coat? Finishers kick around the time-consuming process of achieving a totally smooth surface. September 14, 2006

Dulling Down a Lacquer Finish in the Field

Here's an unusual touch-up problem: sanding to dull a finish down to its original dull sheen, rather than buffing to heighten the sheen. December 8, 2006

Varnishes, Sealers, and Topcoats

A guitar maker gets advice on water-based and oil-based varnishes that will enhance the look of mahogany and walnut, but will also be efficient to apply along with a water-based urethane topcoat. October 19, 2005

Tinted Conversion Varnish Basics

Conversion varnish can be tinted white or other colors, but it requires special pigments, so it has to be ordered from a knowledgeable source. January 27, 2008

Bleaching Dark Panels for a "Reverse Sunburst"

Finishers consider ways to approach bleaching just the center of a dark Bubinga panel. July 3, 2008

Grain fillers and their application

A woodworker requests advice on applying grain filler to walnut. July 18, 2000

Glazing methods

Techniques for smooth glazing. November 18, 2002

Lightfastness of Dyes and Stains

Finishers discuss the differences between dye and stain chemistry in this thread. The differences between dyes and pigments include varying resistance to light degredation. June 28, 2005

Sandarac Finish

Advice on applying sandarac finishes to musical instruments, as an alternative to Tung oil or shellac. August 8, 2008

Whether to Oil or Wax Antique Furniture

Be extremely cautious — the finish on a true, high-value antique furniture piece might be harmed by anything you do to it. caAugust 30, 2007

Aging Treatments for Douglas Fir

Down-under finisher asks for help getting an aged-look stain on Douglas Fir. October 2, 2005

Staining Furniture with Inlays

Here are some suggested ways to selectively stain pieces with narrow inlay strips. June 28, 2006

Setting Up an Airless Air-Assisted Spraygun

Here's advice on a slick way to set up multiple pumps for quick material changeover using AAA equipment. February 8, 2008

Rubbing Out Nitro Cell Lacquer

Is there a speedy way to polish a high-gloss finish? December 9, 2004

Troubleshooting Suction Problems in an Old Siphon Gun

An older-model cup gun has developed problems pulling fluid. Is it fixable, or is it time to get new equipment? March 2, 2006

Sealers, Washcoats, and Dyes

For good coloring and popped grain, should a washcoat or sealer be applied before the dye? Finishers explain a few fine points. February 13, 2006

Finishing Polyurethane Mouldings

Tips on finishing plastic trim material to match wood trim, using commonly available products. November 27, 2007

A glossary of finishing terms

Finishing-specific slang and jargon, defined. 1998.

Finishing Inside the Drawers of a Fine Walnut Vanity

Advice on whether to finish the drawer interiors of a period furniture piece, and with what. February 26, 2007

Advantages to Waterborne Finishes

Waterborne fans tell a beginner why they like waterborne, and recommend their favorites. February 8, 2008

Heat Issues with Turbine Air Supply and HVLP Sprayers

The rumored heat problems with air-supply turbines aren't actually such a big deal. March 29, 2008

Hard or Soft Maple for Stained Cabinets?

Thoughts on choosing Maple for cabinet frames, and on staining versus applying dye and toner. April 9, 2008

Dealing with Fisheye

A finisher finds the source of his fisheye problem (silicon overspray from an auto detailer next door) and the solution (cleaning contaminated surfaces with ammonia). October 26, 2005

Solvent Pop Versus Air Bubbles

Solvent pop and air bubbles look similar, but are caused by different mechanisms. In either case, the micro-bubbles are challenging to get rid of. January 27, 2007

Lacquer Retarder with Shellac

The right additives can help keep spray-applied shellac from drying in the air before it hits the workpiece. June 30, 2007

A Matte Finish for Open Wood Grain

A wood sculptor likes the look he gets with straight sanding sealer on his sand-blasted pieces, but he worries about future color changes. Pros comment. July 3, 2008

Opening the Grain on Polished Molding

A discussion of how to prepare wood grain to better accept an oil-based stain. March 29, 2006

Troubleshooting Finish Chipping

A finisher asks for help with top-coat chipping of catalyzed finishes. A change in sanding methods turns out to be the culprit. August 30, 2005

MDF Panel Warpage

MDF panels may warp after finishing if the back of the panel is not also finished. August 30, 2005

Spraying Cabinets in Occupied Apartments

Advice on masking and application methods, and commentary on customer behaviors. September 16, 2008

Polyester finishing system

Is it possible to use urethane/polyester in an HVLP spray system? April 4, 2001

Electrical Grounding for Spray Systems

Effective grounding for your spray setup may reduce risks associated with static electriciy buildup. March 29, 2008

Polishing Out Polyurethane

Hand-rubbing a polyurethane finish with fine sandpaper or pumice can overcome poly's "plastic" or "removed" look, and bring back some of the wood's natural tone. October 19, 2005

Water-based vs. oil-based polyurethanes

Finishers compare notes, experiences, and opinions on the comparative durability of water- and oil-based polyurethane topcoats. July 18, 2000

Accentuating the Grain when Finishing Maple

A light blond shellac applied under a clear waterborne coating will help pop the grain and bring out the character of Maple. May 7, 2007

UV-Cured Finishes for Fast Production

Ultraviolet-curing finishes may be the best answer for high volume with low emissions and quick turnaround. March 30, 2008

Avoiding Green Tint when Bleaching Maple

Some technical tips to help get the best results when bleaching new wood. July 3, 2008

Spraying a Big, Heavy, Complicated Piece

Finishers consider ways to approach spraying a complicated job. May 15, 2008

Iridescent Finishes

Some woods show natural iridescence, especially if sawn the right way. But you can also get an iridescent look using various specialty finish coatings. February 23, 2008

Rubbed-Out Antique Finish

How to get an old-world, hand-rubbed look on fine furniture no swirl marks (even in bright sun). September 14, 2006

A Wax Finish for Walnut Wall Panels

Advice on choosing and applying a wax finish for architectural woodwork. June 8, 2008

Dyes and Wash Coats

Conditioning "naturally blotchy" woods to accept stains and dye uniformly. February 26, 2005

A Case of Blushing in a Cherry Cabinet

In humid conditions, cooling as the finish dries pulls condensation into it. March 18, 2005

Orbital Sander Tips

Cabinetmakers give advice on avoiding swirl marks. July 22, 2005

Learning Faux Finishing

A discussion of informational and educational resources for beginning faux finishers. August 21, 2006

Red Cedar Grain Patterns

A craftsman gets advice on sawing techniques for achieving beautiful book-matched grain effects. June 22, 2005

Troubleshooting Peeling Conversion Varnish

Looking for the causes of peeling second coat on a conversion varnish finish. October 25, 2006

Explosion-proof spray room lighting

The practical and regulatory aspects of explosion-proof lighting in finishing rooms. July 18, 2000

Cabinet Door Spraying Setups

Off-the-shelf door-spraying racks versus shop-rigged setups. June 9, 2007

Gold Showing Through Black

Tips on achieving an artistic finish: A gold undercoat showing through a sanded-back black topcoat. February 13, 2006

Finishes for High-End Auto Woodwork

A discussion of finishes and techniques for putting the gleam into restored woodwork in classic Rolls Royces and Jaguars. May 27, 2008

Troubleshooting Fisheyes

The dreaded fish-eye rears its ugly head again, and pros provide systematic troubleshooting tips to identify the source of the contamination. August 9, 2005

Tweaking Viscosity for Good Flow-Out with Conversion Varnish

Getting a CV to behave right takes a delicate balance between thinner proportions and gun tip size. Here, pros describe the trial-and-error process they use to get it right. December 1, 2005

Finishing Poplar

Poplar heartwood and sapwood take stain differently, an obstacle to finishing. Here, pros explain solutions involving washcoats and tinted topcoats. January 13, 2006

Creating a dead-flat finish

Think your life is dull? It's nothing compared to *this* finish. April 4, 2001

Pre-Finishing Cabinet Doors

Should you finish cabinet doors before or after you assemble them? Cabinetmakers and finishers discuss their processes. May 24, 2006

Box Lid Alignment Issues

Problems with jewelry box tolerances may be related to moisture in finishes. December 27, 2008

Settings for an Air-Assisted Airless Spray Gun

Pros advise a beginner on how to ease up on the right fluid and air pressure settings for his new AAA equipment. April 19, 2006

Spots in Toner Coat

A finisher asks for help with a spotty toner finish. Will a thinner application solve the problem? July 11, 2005

A "Rub-through" Glaze/Paint Finish

Answering a first-timer's question, pros explain how to get that "burn-through" finish using stain, paint, and glaze. June 28, 2005

Why Is Finish Curling Alder Veneer?

Finish applied to thin veneer may cause curling. July 29, 2007

Dye Basics

Some simple info about how to use dye stains. May 23, 2007

Spraying Varnish on a Long Table

Overspray is causing trouble with large tables that are too big to reach across. Here, finishers discuss ways to prevent or repair the problem. December 15, 2005

Rub-Through Applications with Waterborne Finishes

Rub-through methods are a little tricky with latex paint because of its rubbery consistency. Here are some other suggestions. November 8, 2007

Wash Coats for Maple

More thoughts on sealing maple to allow even staining. April 19, 2006

Re-Coating an Old Door

A cabinetmaker asks advice on how to deliver on an extra: refinishing some existing passage doors at the same time as he finishes his own product. February 13, 2009

Filling Grain on Oak Veneer

Advice on using a pore filler after staining and sealing, to fill grain without hiding the dark grain pattern. March 12, 2006

Finishes for Decorative Butcher Block

In search of a durable finish for a non-working butcher-block cutting board. January 29, 2009

Tracking Contamination Back to the Source

A finisher thinks tack-rag residue may be contaminating his finish. But colleagues suggest many other possible sources of the trouble. July 24, 2005

Finishing a Teak Table

Tips on treating Teak with appropriate respect. December 11, 2007

Getting the Red Out

Tips and advice for neutralizing a red stain under urethane on mahogany, using "opposite-color" theory. August 9, 2005

Troubleshooting Fisheye Problems with Waterbased Lacquer

Fisheye is a well-known, common problem. Here, finishers round up the usual suspects again. December 1, 2005

Protecting edges of installed cabinets

Protecting newly installed cabinetry from the chaos of continuing construction. November 15, 2000

Basic Cabinet-Painting Advice

What to tell a DIY friend about painting cabinets. January 29, 2009

Spraying in Humid Conditions

Finishers discuss ways to adapt to hot, humid weather. October 18, 2005

Painting Exterior Wood

What solid-color paint will hold up on an outdoor porch swing? Finishers kick around the choices. May 11, 2006

Glaze finish procedures

Finishers share the steps they take with glaze finishes using conversion varnish. September 19, 2001

Finish Before or After Hinge Insertion?

Press-in hinges raise the question of whether to spray cabinets before or after installing the hinges. November 6, 2007

Comparing Lacquers and Conversion Varnish

Post-catalized lacquers, pre-catalized lacquers, and conversion varnishes — pros compare experiences. July 6, 2005

Should a Cabinetmaker Take Up Finishing?

A cabinetmaker considers bringing finish operations in house, and get advice both pro and con. May 11, 2006

Bubbles in lacquer topcoat

What causes bubbles in lacquer topcoats? September 26, 2000

Finishing Laser-Cut Edges

A manufacturer asks how to finish the charred edges of laser-cut Baltic Birch. April 14, 2005

Additives for a Flat Finish

Info on how to modify high-gloss finish formulas for a flat look. January 14, 2008

Lacquer Thinner Price Versus Quality

When lacquer thinner prices are rising, buyers look for better bargains. But are the lower-priced options reliable? July 7, 2005

Achieving Consistent Color on Large Jobs

It can be tricky to keep color consistent on a large area of wall paneling. Here, finishers discuss the approaches that work. February 13, 2006

Water-Based Lacquer Versus Water-Based Urethane

Properties vary within product categories, as well as across them. March 18, 2005

Waterborne vs. solvent based

Advantages and disadvantages of water-based finishes

Pinholes: Causes and Cures

A finisher reports pinholes in the topcoat, and learns about what may be causing them. June 28, 2005

Compressor Oil Leaks in the Finishing Shop

If your compressor blows oil into your finishing shop air, you could be entering a world of hurt. Here's advice. October 13, 2008

Sizing Exhaust to Minimize Overspray

You want a fan large enough to move lots of air, but without creating turbulence. Here are some useful formulas. September 26, 2006

Tinted Lacquers or Sealers for Quick Antiquing

Advice on simple techniques using tinted sanding sealers or lacquers for sand-through antique-look finishing. July 29, 2007

Midnight-Black Stain for Maple Plywood

Dead black is a tall order if you want a stain, not a paint. Here's advice on techniques that work. January 27, 2007

Finishing Figured, Spalted Maple

A discussion of how to enhance the grain and figure of spalted maple. November 13, 2005

Thinning Enamel Paint

Thinning paint for spraying has gotten a little tricky now that the solvent content of the paints themselves has been cut back by regulations. May 7, 2007

Checking for Contamination in Conversion Varnish

Ideas and a checklist for troubleshooting a "gritty" CV finish. June 10, 2006

Telegraphing of Epoxy Filler

Pros discuss ways to prevent epoxy fillers from telegraphing through finish coats. February 13, 2006

Resources for conversion varnish

Learning the fundamentals of finishing with CV. September 2, 2002

Spray Setup for Occasional Paint Jobs

What's an affordable spray system for once-in-a-while paint spraying? September 14, 2006

Oil Finishes

A few facts on tung oil and linseed oil finishing products. May 11, 2006

Spray Paint for Outdoor Furniture

Nothing lasts forever on wood outside. But here's advice on what ingredients to look for in a durable spray paint. July 3, 2008

A Smooth Finish for Cabinet Interiors

Tips and techniques for eliminating surface roughness in water-based finishes for cabinet interiors. April 30, 2006

Pink Maple Mystery

Sunlight can give some woods a pinkish cast. March 17, 2005

Topcoat Adhesion over Stain Markers

Stain markers can interact with finishes, as this example demonstrates. November 12, 2006

Finishing a Chain-Saw Carved Oak Tree

Here's a one-of-a-kind challenge: finish this lighthouse sculpture, carved from a standing oak stump using a chain saw. March 29, 2008

Finish Troubles on Cedar

Oils in Western Red Cedar can interfere with finish performance. October 8, 2005

Lingering Odor in Enclosed Space

Odor and irritation issues come up for cabinets finished inside a small trailer. November 26, 2007

Finishing a Wood Kitchen Sink Island Countertop

It's risky, but some finishers say a wood counter with an undermount sink can be finished and perform acceptably. January 14, 2008

Avoiding "Stripes" in a Flat Finish

Boxing the spray pattern with a criss-cross application may help avoid visible stripes or overlap streaks. December 30, 2007

Flushing and Cleaning Spray Equipment

Finishers describe their maintenance cleaning routines. February 19, 2006

Cleaning Airless Spray-Gun Tips

Pros suggest methods using needles and various solvents. October 2, 2005

Troubleshooting a Conversion Varnish Table Finish

Milky cast and unexpected damage — pros say too-thick application is the likely culprit. July 9, 2005

Priming Baltic Birch Plywood for Paint

Advice on a heavy-bodied primer that won't raise the grain of birch plywood. January 29, 2009

Problems with Orange Peel in On-Site Lacquer Application

Thinning, retarding, and modifying the application technique may help an architectural woodwork finisher reduce this top-coat orange-peel problem. January 27, 2007

Spraying Satin Polyurethane with an Entry-Level Gun

Can a beginner get decent results spraying poly with an "El Cheapo" gun? Pros chime in with advice. May 17, 2005

Shellac That Won't Dissolve

Shellac has a limited shelf life. Here are some insights about how to judge when it is no longer useful. October 28, 2008

Finishing maple like aged cherry

Getting a dark, aged effect on maple. February 13, 2001

Breathing Protection with Conversion Varnishes

Finishers discuss respiratory health and personal protection issues relating to the application of acid-catalyzed coatings. October 27, 2005

Finishing Doors

Finishers discuss ways to efficiently spray large quantities of interior doors. September 11, 2006

A Whitewash Finish for Oak Flooring

Advice on a very tricky floor finish: bleaching the oak, tinting it white, and covering with a durable clear. August 14, 2007

Masking and Tenting for Spraying in a House

A finisher contemplating using his HVLP gun in a customer's house gets advice on explosion and fire risks, tips for protecting the furniture, and suggestions for switching to waterborne products. January 29, 2009

Remotely Located Air Compressors

Cabinetmakers and finishers discuss how to locate their compressors in an outbuilding or basement. February 9, 2006

Scratch Marks from Hand Sanding

Basic advice on appropriate hand sanding technique to minimize visible scratch marks. December 29, 2008

Finishing Outdoor Teak

No outdoor finish is permanent, but here are some reasonably durable options. August 30, 2005

Finishing Bamboo Plywood

Plywood's natural shade variations make consistent color matching difficult. Here are ideas for dealing with that problem. March 29, 2006

Cutting Edge Miters in a Small Shop

Without investing in a sliding table saw, how can a small furniture maker set up to cut accurate, consistent edge miters? December 29, 2008

Fill and Finish for an Inlaid Walnut Cutting Board

Walnut is an unusual choice for a cutting board. Here are thoughts on how to finish it. April 21, 2008

Matching Compressor Capacity to Air-Assisted Spray Guns

The compressor needs to handle both the fluid flow and the air assist requirements. In this thread, pros explain the fine points. October 28, 2005

Clear Finishes for Mahogany

Suggestions for applying a clear finish to mahogany, without darkening the wood. October 27, 2005

High-Build Gloss Finishes for Guitars

Some of the newer products give excellent results, fast. July 3, 2008

Flat Finish for Walnut

Non-finishing furniture maker gets advice on a simple flat finish for a walnut bookcase. August 9, 2005

Mixing Dyes from Primary Colors

With three primary colors, and perhaps a few off-the-shelf blends, you can prepare a full palette of wood dye hues — once you get the hang of it. August 25, 2008

How Many Coats of Primer?

Can you get away with using just one coat of primer under conversion varnish, when applying with an air-assisted airless sprayer? December 8, 2006

Durable Coating for an MDF Product

A manufacturer seeks a prime coat that will protect his MDF pieces from dings during handling or shipping. March 29, 2006

Wine Room Finish

Should wine racks be left natural, or finished (and with what)? Experienced voices chime in. June 20, 2005

Laminating Rockers

Advise on sawing, prep, lay-up, and glue-up for laminated chair rockers. January 13, 2006

Touching Up CV in the Field

Tips and tricks on how to fix dings and scratches in conversion varnish finishes. October 2, 2005

Staining Mahogany Plywood

Tips on bringing out the grain in mahogany. October 19, 2005

Matching a Satin Nickel Finish

Suggestions for how to finish a wood mirror frame to match nearby brushed nickel faucets. March 30, 2008

Beech as an Alternative to Maple

Cabinetmakers discuss Beech pricing, workability, and finishing characteristics. June 8, 2008

Recreating a pine patina

Mixing just the right color to match an old finish. October 2, 2001

Ebonizing Wood

Techniques for achieving a dark black "ebony" stain, with photo examples. July 24, 2006

Aging and Distressing Douglas Fir

Advice on how to help Douglas Fir look old fast. July 12, 2005

Filtering out isocyanates

Is an organic respirator capable of filtering out isocyanates? December 6, 2000

Power Buffing Conversion Varnish Finishes

A tiny spot repair turns into a blending hassle: how to buff a not-quite-glossy sheen into a conversion varnish coating that is at its mil-thickness limit. February 12, 2007

Achieving a High-Gloss Finish with Tung Oil

Pure tung oil can't provide high gloss, but modified tung oils or a topcoat over tung oil are options worth considering. December 1, 2005

Blotchiness on Finished Cherry

Cherry can look a little blotchy when freshly finished (part of the natural charm). A lot of it fades as the cherry darkens over time. February 8, 2008

Staining Anegre Evenly

When time is a factor, spraying a dye stain may be the best way to get even color on large anegre (anigre) panels. November 25, 2006

Troubleshooting Sheen Variability

Finishers discuss the subtleties of attaining even sheen in a pre-catalyzed lacquer topcoat. September 11, 2006

Cost of Clear-Coat Versus Paint Finishes

Paints involve more steps and more time than clear coatings, which adds cost — but how much? January 13, 2006

Finish Defect Spots on Outsourced Doors

Contamination during handling is an occasional problem with doors shipped unfinished. September 16, 2008

Sizing a Compressor for Spraying in the Field

A cabinetmaker is bringing his shop spray gun out on site. What will he need for a portable compressor? July 8, 2005

Using Pre-Cat as Its Own Seal-Coat

Trouble with a vinyl sanding sealer leads a finisher to consider the pros and cons of using pre-catalyzed lacquer as its own sealer. June 30, 2007

Waterborne vs. solvent finish

Professionals tell which they prefer and why. April 11, 2001

Finishing Over Pre-Finished Plywood

Pre-finished plywood takes additional coats nicely, pros report. December 10, 2007

Achieving a Dark Burgundy Color on Cherry

Pros suggest formulas and application methods for staining cherry a deep, dark burgundy. July 29, 2007

Troubleshooting Fine Flecks in Paint

Finishers try to figure out the source of tiny solid flecks in a batch of paint. November 11, 2006

Tag-Teaming Two Compressors

You can boost volume, but not pressure, by hooking two compressors to the same air line. Here's advice. October 28, 2008

Lightness Variation in Bookmatched Veneer Panels

Because of grain differences, the way bookmatched sawn veneers reflect light varies depending on their orientation. It's called "chatoyance" — but what can you do about it? May 24, 2006

Leveling and Polishing Poured Epoxy

Epoxy can be tricky to work with, especially in combination with other finishes. Here's a good example for learning. March 9, 2008

Bubbles in polyurethane topcoat

What causes bubbles in polyurethane topcoats applied by brushing? March 24, 2000

Troubleshooting Belt Loading when Sanding White Pine

What makes sander belts gum up, and how can you get them clean? Shop operators share experiences and ideas. June 28, 2005

Dark Cerused Oak Finish

Finishers discuss the steps needed to create the white-filled pore effect of cerused oak. August 21, 2006

Whether to Spray-Finish Cabinets on Site

Finishing on site is more troublesome, but may have some advantages. May 12, 2008

Finishing Dovetail Drawer Fronts

A furniture builder gets help figuring out how to finish the fronts of some dovetail drawers in a custom piece. August 14, 2007

Matching stain to existing work

Techniques for matching the finish of new work to that of the existing cabinets in a cherry kitchen. November 7, 2000

HVLP Tip Size

Too small a spray-gun tip will dry wood finishes and require too many passes for adequate build. November 11, 2006

Sanding Sealer Compatibility

Finishers discuss the use of various sanding sealers with various topcoats. September 14, 2006

Coping with an Anti-Silicone Snafu

How to clean up and start over when anti-silicone additives make an orange-peel problem worse. June 28, 2006

Spraying Small Quantities with Air-Assisted Airless Equipment

A cup attachment lets you apply small amounts with minimal waste. September 14, 2006

Durability Comparison: Pre-Catalyzed Lacquers Versus Conversion Varnishes

Lacquers can be dissolved by some solvents after coalescing, while CV finishes cure by cross-linking and are solvent-resistant. Here, finishers discuss the comparison and its significance. November 13, 2005

Oil-Sanded and Buffed Finish for a Table Top

Tips on a custom furniture finish include advice on wet-sanding with natural oil to fill grain, then waxing and buffing to a high gloss. May 24, 2006

Eliminating Overspray on Door Backs

Finishers explain how to keep overspray off cabinet door backs when spraying the fronts. September 11, 2006

Warping of a Tabletop with an Unbalanced Finish

A teachable moment: Finishers explain why tabletops finished on one side only (and in humid conditions to boot) experienced bad warping. December 31, 2005

Cleaning Sprayroom Floors

Advice on how to remove coating overspray build-up from a concrete spray booth floor. August 30, 2005

Wiping Stain and Seal-Coat Compatibility

Be careful mixing a stain into a sealer — they don't always play together nicely. January 29, 2009

Achieving the "Fumed" Look on White Oak

A discussion of workable finish schedules to approximate a "fumed" finish. February 18, 2006

Rack for finishing doors

Designing a rack for finishing interior doors as efficiently as possible. November 7, 2001

Fine-Tuning Conversion Varnish Application Technique

Tip selection and formula adjustments can help prevent micro-bubble hazing and orange peel. March 29, 2006

Re-Creating a Historic 1775 Finish

Walnut shells? Milk paint? Finishers discuss farmhouse furniture finishes from our forefathers' time. October 25, 2007

Matching Rosewood with Cherry

Compare your samples with the original on the actual site (but a good match will still be hard to achieve). March 26, 2007

Film on finish

Remedying a blush on finish which can be wiped off but reappears. September 25, 2002

Choosing paint for shelving

Choosing a paint that will be suitable for bookshelves. April 2, 2002

Extending the Working Time of Waterborne Stains?

Waterborne formulas dry quickly. Here are some tips on how to give yourself a few more minutes for hand application. February 12, 2007

Adjusting Pressure and Fan Patterns for HVLP Sprayguns

Finishers provide tips on setting up and adjusting pressure-pot-equipped HVLP sprayguns. December 31, 2005

Filling Large Knotholes in Alder

Thoughts on dealing with the big knotholes in rustic-looking Knotty Alder wood. February 24, 2008

Micro-Bubble Solvent Pop Fix (Again)

Okay, one more time: Spray thinner coats; use a retarder. June 28, 2006

Enamel on Kitchen Cabinets

Oil-based or water-based, enamel paints are a time-tested and still valued trim and cabinet finish. Here, finishers discuss experiences and techniques. May 24, 2006

Painting wood cabinets

Suggested paint-grade materials for cabinets. October 15, 2001

Water-Based Wiping Stain as a Glaze

A finisher likes the simplicity of using his water-based stain as a glaze, but wonders if he will have problems in the long run. September 16, 2008

Filling MDF Edges

Tips on filling and sealing exposed MDF "grain" so finishes won't soak in. October 14, 2006

Cross-Brand Use of Lacquer Thinners

Thinners are formulated to work with certain coatings (and vice versa). But using a different thinner brand can serve certain purposes — if you're careful. October 28, 2005

Correcting a Yellow Cast on Cherry

A little timely advice helps a finisher get the right brown tone, while simplifying his finishing schedule. November 12, 2006

Wash Coat Tips

Mix ratios and application methods for wash coats. November 13, 2005

Finish Defects with Waterborne Over Oil Stain

A finisher gets advice on how to fix blemishes caused by applying two finish coats that don't play well together. January 14, 2008

Cleaning Routine for an Air-Assisted Airless Pump

Finishers advise on taking care of our AAA unit, before and after use. October 25, 2006

Staining Cherry to Even Out Color

Cherry is a tricky wood to stain — it takes stain unevenly and darkens by itself over time. Here's some advice on sanding and toning cherry to achieve a more even finish. December 15, 2005

Washcoat and Toner Technique

With help from colleagues on the Finishing forum, a craftsman works out how to match the finish on a maple table. November 13, 2005

Finishing Racks for Cabinet Doors

More ideas for shop-built or store-bought cabinet door spraying and drying racks. June 5, 2006

Finish Coating Toughness Comparisons

This discussion about how to choose a tough finish includes a brief explanation of the industry TR standard rating system. March 29, 2006

Flat Black Finish that Shows Grain

Finishers discuss ways to apply a thin, flat, black finish. November 13, 2005

Spraying Latex Paints

Finishers trade tips on spraying latex paint. August 14, 2007

Finishing Quilted Maple Veneer

Ideas on how to make a "wavy" material (with different grain patterns running every which way) take on a high gloss and smooth surface. December 27, 2006

Recommended finishes for MDF mouldings

The right products and techniques for getting a smooth, even finish on MDF mouldings. January 16, 2001

Finish for an Ipe Countertop

Ipe is such a troublesome wood to work and finish that these pros suggest using a different wood for an indoor project. August 26, 2006

Pressure Pot Settings

Less expensive pressure pots sometimes need a little creative tweaking when it comes to getting the pressure into a practical range. July 3, 2008

Fixing Little Dents and Dings Before Finishing

Tips for finding and filling small dents in wood before applying finish. June 30, 2007

Toning Large Panels

Toner applications require many light passes with a consistent, even touch. Light or dark stripes or inconsistent color are an ever-present risk. May 17, 2005

Glue Interfering with Door Finish

A discussion about dealing with glue near raised-panel cabinet door joints that stops the wood from taking an even finish. January 14, 2008

Finishing Backs of Face Frames

Is it worth the trouble to finish the back of a cabinet face frame? Cabinetmakers swap opinions and methods. October 13, 2005

Spraying Mounted Cabinet Doors

Finishing doors while they're on the cabinets is a questionable practice, but some finishers succeed with it. October 14, 2006

Tinting Polyurethane Top Coats

How to get back to black on a black-dyed floor that took a golden tinge from the poly topcoat. July 3, 2008

Distressed finish

Techniques for making new furniture look old and beat up. February 19, 2002

Clips to Hang Doors for Finishing

Choosing and using pointy metal spring clips to suspend doors for easy spray finishing. October 28, 2008

Finishing Wood Edge-Banding

Advice on applying finish to edgebanding, or to already edge-banded parts, without a spray setup. January 27, 2008

UTC Colorant Compatibility

UTC 824 and UTC 844 colorants are different compounds, and are compatible with different finish formulas. Choose appropriately to avoid mixing problems. March 28, 2008

Filling Deep Knotholes

Techniques for filling knotholes before applying clear finish to a rustic Walnut table top. May 27, 2008

Learning the Art of Color Matching

Old hands give a newcomer some advice on how to train himself to match finish colors. October 19, 2005

Tweaking Conversion Varnish for Hot-Weather Performance

Finishers suggest additives to eliminate CV orange-peel problems in hot weather. November 8, 2007

Troubleshooting a Crackling Lacquer Finish

Nitrocellulose lacquers can crackle because of rapid temperature changes. April 30, 2006

Spray room set-up and operation

Hot to get lighting and exhaust details right, eliminating safety risks in spray-finishing operations. February 13, 2001

Aging of Cherry

No finish will stop cherry from changing color over time — period. November 12, 2006

Clear topcoats

Basics on post- and pre-catalyzed finishes and more. January 16, 2002

Filling Inlay Gap with Epoxy

Finishers debate the idea of filling a low inlay groove with epoxy to bring the surface flush. November 8, 2007

Evenly Staining Birch

Another helpful thread about achieving non-blotchy finishes on birch, with several practical approaches described. January 14, 2008

Spray Booth Makeup Air

Pulling makeup air through an auxiliary space such as an attic for tempering offers only a marginal benefit. July 3, 2008

Material Build-Up Problem on Spray-Gun Tip

Advice on correcting a spray-gun performance issue: build-up of material on the spray tip, causing "fingers" in the wet finish. February 15, 2009

Final Buffing in Place for a Poly Cabinet Finish

Pros suggest brown paper, buffing pads, and other options. September 16, 2008

Conversion varnish primer

pot life and durability. May 2, 2001

Avoiding "wrinkling" in conversion varnish

Causes and solutions for "wrinkling" problems in conversion varnish topcoats. January 3, 2001

Black Dye Staining an Old Parquet Floor

Finishers supply a first-timer with how-to details on applying a dead-black floor finish. January 14, 2008

Finish Sanding Hand-Planed Boards -- Without Losing the Look

A woodworker wonders how to efficiently smooth a surface enough to take finish, without ruining the hand-planed texture. February 8, 2005

A Stain-Matching Example

Matching the color shown here could begin with an "equalizing stain." June 28, 2006

Hand-Rubbed Wax and Shellac Finishes

Thoughts and information on applying this beautiful, but less moisture-resistant, finish. May 24, 2006

Correcting a Too-Red Stain

Green moves red in the direction of brown. Here are tips on careful application of that color correction. January 9, 2007

Troubleshooting a Flaking Finish

Finishers help a cabinetmaker diagnose a finish problem on Maple and MDF cabinet doors. October 2, 2005

What's a Durable Hand-Applied Finish for Cherry Kitchen Cabinets?

The customer doesn't want a spray application. Here are some suggestions for brushed-on alternatives that supply that "hand-rubbed" look. January 27, 2007

Spray Equipment Basics

Finishers discuss basic choices for a spray setup. October 18, 2005

Tuning Color With Dye Toners

Dyes change appearance as they dry, and also when top-coated. Accurately predicting the final results takes a lot of practice. August 30, 2007

How to Stain Maple without Blotching

Another discussion offers several points of view on how to stain Maple evenly. February 23, 2008

Sand-Through Finish Using Two Water-Based Stains

It's unusual and tricky, but here are some ideas for accomplishing it. March 12, 2006

How to Spray a Cabinet Door

Basic advice on spraygun settings and spray patterns for an even, consistent finish on a raised-panel door. May 7, 2007

Shellacking Setup for Light Use

Advice on choosing a spray system for occasional use with shellac and waterborne coatings. September 14, 2006

Spraying Latex Primer and Paint with HVLP

Basic advice for a first-timer on product selection, tip choice, and thinning. June 28, 2006

Avoiding Blush in a Clear Lacquer Finish

To avoid condensation that causes clear lacquer to take on a milky white blush, keep an eye on ambient temperature and humidity. March 12, 2006

Water-based basics

A primer for folks interested in using water-based stains and topcoats. 1998.

Matching Old Red Walnut

Advice on how to finish a new set of walnut cabinet doors so they'll match the red color that the cabinet has aged to. March 9, 2008

A Satin Oil Finish on a Wood Instrument

Finishers discuss a customer request for an unusual finish on a musical instrument. October 26, 2007

Imitating Aged Oriental Lacquer

Searching for the Chinese antique finish look, start with a glaze. November 26, 2007

Correcting Sun Striping in Cherry

Techniques to re-blend sections of a Cherry piece that show the effects of sun and shading. July 2, 2008

Avoiding Sanding Scratches with a High-Sheen Conversion Varnish

Advice on sanding and finishing methods to prevent sanding scratches from telegraphing through high-sheen finishes. February 19, 2006

Prepping for a Kitchen Re-Finish

Advice regarding stripping, sanding, and sealing before refinishing with pre-cat lacquer. April 9, 2007

Fine-Tuning a Crackle Finish

Advice on how to create a crackle finish that only breaks through in selected areas. April 19, 2006

Explosion-proof fans

Building a safe spray booth to eliminate the risk of explosions. January 24, 2001

Options for Finishing Cherry

Cabinetmaker gets advice on finish combinations and application techniques. July 9, 2005

HVLP + compressor vs. HVLP + turbine

Participants offer their preferences between compressor- and turbine-driven HVLP spray finishing systems. March 13, 2000

Finishing Ipe Outdoors

Finishers discuss the best finish for an Ipe wood porch floor. May 24, 2006

Scuffing Vinyl Sealcoat Before Glazing

Fine points of the scuffing step in a glaze finish process. July 27, 2008

Applying Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer over a Tung Oil Wash-Coat

A light coat of thinned oil finish can work as a wash coat under precatalyzed lacquer, but there might be better alternatives. September 16, 2008

Masking Lacquer Odor

A spray operation near a residential neighborhood seeks ways to improve the smell of its exhaust. June 10, 2006

Packing Materials for Finished Furniture

without scratching the finish. February 13, 2006

Basic glazing technique

Pictures and descriptions of glazing methods. September 23, 2003

Heat Problem with a Turbine Sprayer

Solvent-borne finish application problems are traced to the turbine air supply: heat generated in the turbine is making the finish flash off before it hits the wood. November 13, 2005

A Faded Gray Finish for Exterior Wood

Finishers suggest ways to reproduce an example of a weathered, gray, natural-looking finish. February 8, 2008

Spraying shellac

Removing water, which damages appearance of shellac, from air compressor output. May 2, 2001

Custom Stain-Mixing Systems

Various ways to formulate your own stains — any color you like. February 13, 2006

Masking Cabinet Interiors Against Overspray

Cabinetmakers describe how they mask off cabinets to protect interiors while spraying exteriors. November 11, 2006

Color-Matching Basics

Tips on mixing pigments for matching existing tints. June 10, 2006

Gold and Black Door Finish

Advise on achieving a tricky finish for raised panel doors: black background with gold on just the panel raises. July 29, 2007

Applying Nosing to Prefinished Plywood

The search for a satisfactory way to treat the seam where nosing meets plywood. May 10, 2005

Sheen of Conversion Varnish

Thorough mixing is required to keep flatting agents dispersed in the formula. Also, sheen dulls somewhat as the finish cures. May 11, 2006

Labor Time and Glaze Finishes

Is there any way to make glaze finish application less labor-intensive and time-consuming? December 15, 2005

Spray Booth Air Intake in a Hot, Dry Climate

Using shop air conditioned by an evaporative cooler ("swamp cooler") should allow good finishing results, rather than drawing in baked-dry outdoor air. June 30, 2007

Fixing a Dent

A ding in a brand-new cabinet — what's the solution? Experienced craftsman suggest several fixes. July 9, 2005

Buffing to a High Shine

Progressively finer sandpaper, then buffing compound, will raise a liquid gleam on a gloss conversion varnish. October 9, 2006

Strange Brew — Trouble Ahead?

A finisher gets a look he likes with a "mish mosh" sequence (latex paint, shellac, waterborne glaze, and clear lacquer). But will the combination perform over time? August 30, 2007

Pigment Staining Through Finish Coats

Objects left on furniture (such as candles or pumpkins) may stain the underlying wood right through the finish coating. January 14, 2008

Hard maple versus soft Maple

Aesthetic and functional differences between hard and soft maple

Troubleshooting "Hiccups" with an Air-Assisted Airless Gun

Woodweb comes to the rescue again, diagnosing a finisher's spraygun malfunction and saving him a bundle of cash. April 10, 2008

Routine Cleaning for a Pressure Cup Gun

A meticulous daily cleaning is time well invested. January 14, 2008

Air-Drying Systems for Large-Volume Spray Operations

If you're spraying a lot, get serious about a clean air supply. September 14, 2006

Electrostatics and Finishing

The role electrostatics play when used in a finishing environment

Fixing a Conversion-Varnish Finish

How to knock down a high-gloss CV finish with orange-peel problems, and refinish in satin. January 13, 2006

Attaining a Flat Sheen on Furniture

A flat finish on furniture is challenging, especially in the case of touch-up and repair. Here, the pros supply some advice. January 14, 2008

Matching the Stain on Manufactured Cabinets

Large suppliers can supply you with the same stain they used on pieces you purchase. December 30, 2005

Flushing and Draining AAA Fluid Hoses

How to get hoses clean and prepped for the next day's work. January 27, 2007

Black Stain for a White Oak Floor

Experienced floor finishers describe an iron-and-vinegar formula for a penetrating black wood treatment that works on oak floors. June 30, 2007

Two finishes, same problem

Troubleshooting the cause of a problem existing in each of two distinctly different types of finish. April 8, 2000

Staining MDF

Products and techniques for best results. July 28, 2004

Applying Milk Paint to a Large Piece

A finisher is using milk paint under clear lacquer on a large piece of furniture, and asks for advice on technique. November 8, 2007

The Search for the Perfect Finish

In your dreams, what properties would the ideal finish coating have? Pros exchange thoughts and opinions. July 6, 2005

Darkening a Finished CV-coated Piece

Advice on how to add a new, darker conversion-varnish topcoat to an already varnished piece. February 19, 2006

Spray finishing tricks

A compendium of handy contraptions and tricks to help produce beautiful, efficient sprayed finishes. January 24, 2001

Spray Equipment for Latex Paint

Here's advice on a budget set-up for occasional latex spray jobs. October 8, 2005

Finishes for Drawer Interiors

A cabinetmaker looks for advice on drawer finishes that are tough, and don't smell bad. September 16, 2008

Clear Grain Filler for a Writing Desktop

Finishers discuss the attributes of a good clear grain filler. February 13, 2006

Clear Filler for Worm Tracks

Advice on clear filler for wormholes in an old walnut piece with character. April 10, 2008

Basic drying room components

Finishers offer advice on the essential elements in a drying room. October 24, 2001

Re-Circulating Filtered Air in a Paint Booth

There is technology to filter and re-circulate exhaust air from a spray finishing operation, but it is prohibitively expensive. June 8, 2008

Topcoating Over Gold Leaf

Thoughts on whether and how to finish over gold leaf. November 25, 2008

Minimizing Overspray When Finishing Drawers

Advice on drawer-spraying technique, for a smooth finish and minimal material waste. July 17, 2008

Matching the "Stickley" Look on White Oak

Trying to accentuate the rays in stained oak? Fuming for different times or tweaking stain strengths can help fine-tune the piece's finished appearance. August 30, 2005

Post-cat lacquer vs. conversion varnish

What is the difference between these two finishes? July 24, 2002

Clear Finish for a Metal-Inlaid Table Top

Bar or table tops with metal inlays do well with a clear epoxy finish. Here are some tips on the process. May 24, 2006

Automotive Clearcoat for an Exterior Door

Some finishers say automotive finishes work well on exterior wood, but the manufacturers reportedly won't stand behind it. March 12, 2006

Conversion varnish application advice

Techniques for applying ML Campbell conversion varnish. March 20, 2001

Painting a Flexible Wood Seat

Paint will naturally crack if you ask it to flex. But some automotive finishes might be able to handle minor flexing. April 21, 2008

Job-Site Sprayer Choices

Pros discuss basic equipment for spraying in the field. November 12, 2006

Which finish to use?

Various options for topcoats, and what specific problems each can help to solve. March 20, 2001

Open Face Booth

Pros and cons. February 26, 2005

Hiding Nail Holes

Finishers share info on products and techniques. August 30, 2005

Cleaning a Neglected Spraygun

Advice on salvaging a spraygun that is all gunked up with dried-on polyurethane finish. April 21, 2008

Stain Application: Spray Versus Wipe

Pros discuss the fine points of stain application, with a view to good results. November 8, 2007

Wet Mils, Dry Mils, and Quality Control

Finish coat thickness is a critical issue for coating performance. Here's some info on how to measure thickness of coats, wet and dry. July 17, 2008

Bubbles in an Epoxy Finish

Tips for preventing bubbles from appearing during the curing for a poured epoxy job, and tips for how to fix it when they do appear. May 7, 2007

Troubleshooting An Air-Bubble Problem

Finishers suggest ways to prevent pinholes and air bubbles when spraying a clear conversion varnish on a porous wood such as red oak. February 19, 2006

Sap Bleeding Through Primer on Ceiling Boards

Advice on stain-blocking primer, on cleaning up sap, and on proper wood drying. January 14, 2009

Wood Trim Touch-Up

Advice on touching up trim when filler in the nail holes doesn't quite match the main finish on the pieces. November 9, 2008

Respirator Fit and Function

Advice and information about personal breathing protection for bearded men. March 12, 2006

Vinyl Sealer Versus Regular Sanding Sealer

What's the difference, and why does it matter? Top pros weigh in. July 3, 2008

Understanding Washcoats

Basic explanations of what a wash-coat is. October 25, 2006

Alternative Touchup Graining Liquids

Several different types of product can be used to dissolve pigment powders for graining or touch-up purposes. November 12, 2006

Supporting Doors for Spray Finishing

More tips on how to sit, stand, rack or stack cabinet doors while spraying them. April 21, 2007

Spray Tip Maintenance

If spray patterns start to degrade when tips are about a year old, check your seals (and look to your air and fluid settings). January 27, 2007

Tung Oil Finishes for Wood Veneer

Recommendations for effective tung oil finish formulations. July 18, 2008

Electric or Propane Heat for a Small Spray Booth?

Unvented propane heaters add moisture to the shop air. Here, pros discuss whether that is a problem, and suggest electric-heat alternatives. December 1, 2005

Custom Tung Oil Dye Stains

More tips on mixing your own tinted Tung oil toners. July 3, 2008

Fine-Tuning Spraygun Performance

A finisher isn't getting a nice fan pattern from his gravity-feed gun. Others help troubleshoot, and discuss the equipment's air-supply needs. December 15, 2005

Buffing to Reduce Sheen

Pros share tips and tricks for dulling a too-shiny tabletop. December 31, 2005

Painting Over Cracking Conversion Varnish

Finishers discuss why a kitchen CV finish would have cracked, and how to paint over it. December 10, 2007

Retarder to correct overspray?

A discussion of the usefulness of lacquer retarder in minimizing overspray on cabinet interiors. August 10, 2000

Troubleshooting Micro-Bubbles in a Water Based Finish

Another case of tiny bubbles, solved by dialing in the "right" air and fluid pressure settings. March 1, 2006

Applying Water-Based Lacquer

How much is too much? Pros give tips for applying a wet coat that flows, but doesn't run. October 18, 2005

Hand Cleaning Tips and Tricks

or keep it off in the first place. October 26, 2005

Decorative Finishes

A few sample images. March 14, 2004

Compressors, Vacuum Pumps, Air Dryers, Air Makeup

Thumbnail descriptions of various kinds of equipment that move air. September 20, 2008

Troubleshooting Airless Air-Assist Overspray

Clogged ventilation filters in the spray booth or static in the air could cause overspray to occur underneath panels. May 17, 2005

Stretching the Pot Life of Conversion Varnish

There are ways to prolong the pot life of conversion varnishes, but they are less than satisfactory and may not be worth the effort. September 16, 2008

Finishing Problem - When Excess Glue Interferes with Stain

Residual glue squeeze-out on a door causes problems with stain absorption, and finishers offer fixes. March 25, 2007

Prep Coats for Oak Before Spraying Lacquer

A shellac coating applied before the lacquer goes on will improve results and help prevent problems. March 28, 2008

Spraygun Cup Choices

Pros and cons of various spraygun cups. November 25, 2008

Getting a Fine Stipple Texture Finish

How to tweak fluid and air settings to get a textured finish coat. November 11, 2008

Cherry Finish for Poplar

and offer some advice. June 19, 2005

Tracking Down a Silicone Contamination Source

Thoughts on how to figure out where that bad stuff is coming from. June 9, 2007

Sanding Methods for Face Frames

Is it worth using the wide-belt sander, or will a random-orbital sander get the job done? Pros share opinions and experiences. July 22, 2005

Natural Pore Filler for a Tung Oil Finish

A finisher gets suggestions for filling pores on Walnut stool tops before applying Tung oil. July 3, 2008

Chocolate Stain for Cherry or Maple

Burnt Umber is a good start. Or, how about switch to Walnut and go from there? February 15, 2009

Standards for Shop Priming

What are reasonable specs when you pre-prime cabinets for a builder? May 17, 2005

Post catalyzed lacquer -- the best?

Finishers discuss their favorite brands of post-catalyzed lacquer. August 23, 2000

External Crosslinkers, Explained

Finishing Chemistry 301 is now in session. February 26, 2005

Evening Out Finish Tones

Maintain an even stain by applying multiple thinned coats. March 12, 2006

Seeking a sweeter-smelling finish

Potential sources for less noxious finishing materials. November 29, 2000

Paint Quality Considerations

Finishers consider their choices for oil-based paint to be brush-applied to cabinets in a historic building. March 29, 2006

Prime Coat for PVC Columns

What kind of coating will stick to PVC plastic pipe? January 29, 2009

Toning or Glazing Cherry Using Waterborne Finish

Advice on products and methods for glazing and toning. August 26, 2006

Blotchiness on stained birch veneer

Preventing a blotchy appearance when staining birch v

Dark Black Stain for a Red Oak Floor

Finishing suggestions for making an oak floor a deep black. March 29, 2008

Wiping Stain Struggles

Some "wiping" stains flash so quickly that they may actually work better when sprayed rather than wiped. In this thread, finishers discuss various ways to obtain good results. October 27, 2005

Tips for an Effective Pickling Stain Job

When a pickling stain doesn't lighten oak as well as expected, a finisher seeks advice on improving his results. July 25, 2005

Budget Spray Guns

A finisher reports decent results from a cheap spray gun. June 28, 2006

Finishing Panels, One Side Only

Can a cabinetmaker get away with finishing the inside of panels before assembly, and the outside face later? Probably. June 28, 2006

Spray-Applied Grain Filler

Is there such a thing? Maybe... October 26, 2005

Recirculating Spray-Booth Air

Regulations don't allow it, because it raises concentrations of potentially dangerous chemicals. December 1, 2005

A Bug in the Top Coat

If you can't get rid of it, why not feature it? January 8, 2007

Blotchy glue marks after finishing

How to prevent glue stains from ruining finishes. October 2, 2001

Pickling (Liming) Oak Doors

Finishers suggest approaches for getting a "pickled Oak" finish. September 27, 2008

Distressing and Staining Alder

Thoughts about how to make alder wood cabinets look beat-up and funky. May 17, 2005

Troubleshooting Blotchy Endgrain on Raised Panels

Consistent end-grain finish starts with careful sanding. October 19, 2005

Dealing with Fine Scratches in Black Lacquer

Suggestions for effective final buffing of a black finish. March 9, 2008

Finishing Butcher-Block Tops

Pros discuss paraffin, tung oil, and other finishes for a butcher-block food preparation surface. March 2, 2006

Lightening a Too-Dark Spray Stain

After listening to advice, a finisher has good luck using thinner to wipe off some excess stain. October 26, 2007

Hole Filling Tips

Advice on filling and hiding holes in an obvious visible location on cabinet doors. November 11, 2006

Adding Alcohol to Speed Drying of Waterborne Dyes

Advice on speeding up drying, and other tips for water-based dye use. July 2, 2008

Whether to Finish Hidden Cabinet Ends

Cabinetmakers discuss whether to finish the ends of cabinets that abut slide-in appliances. April 9, 2008

Black Dye Stains for Maple

Tips and tricks for applying a dark stain to maple while still revealing the grain. Pros recommend various methods using inks, dyes, and toners. October 28, 2005

Stain and Paint - What's the Difference?

Definitions and descriptions concerning the distinction between stain and paint. October 26, 2007

Alternatives for Spar Varnish on Mahogany

Spar varnish's softness and flexibility matches well with mahogany's softness, but dry times are an issue. Here, finishers discuss other choices. April 30, 2006

Matching Sun-Darkened Cherry

Color-matching new work with old is tricky when the wood is Cherry, because of the way Cherry darkens when exposed to light. May 24, 2006

Low-sheen finishes

Are streaks and scratches impossible to avoid with hand-rubbed finishes? June 24, 2001

Balancing a Table Top

Balancing the veneers, the finishes, and the construction sequence will help keep the table flat. March 30, 2008

Re-Toning to Mute a Too-Gold Finish

Successive light toner coats tinted blue should gradually push this finish toward brown. January 27, 2007

Toned and Clear Pre-Cat Application

Finishers discuss the fine points of toning, thinner, and retarder ratios in pre-catalyzed lacquer finish applications. September 14, 2006

Dyeing Ipe

Ipe is a very challenging wood to color or coat, but here are some tips on how to approach it. August 8, 2008

Coloring lacquer

Materials and methods for adding colorant to a clear lacquer base. June 5, 2001

Ticking, Mottling, and Blotching

like blotching, but different. July 3, 2008

Finishing Over a Decal

A customer wants a company logo on a custom table top. But how to keep the finish from peeling? Pros supply ideas. July 24, 2005

Revealing the Grain in Maple

Maple is tricky wood to stain. Too light a sealcoat, and the results may be blotchy; too heavy, and the grain may not show. July 17, 2008

Holding Mouldings While Spraying with Finish

Thoughts on how to arrange mouldings for convenient spraying and drying, without bounce-back or overspray. November 12, 2006

Retarder and Rub-Out

Adding retarder to a pre-cat finish won't prevent you from rubbing the finish out, but it may affect your wait time. April 30, 2006

All about polyester finishes

Cure times and application techniques for polyester finishes. January 31, 2001

Pigmented Coatings for Cabinets

Thoughts on latex paints and pigmented lacquers for cabinet finishing. March 29, 2006

Fine Points of Glaze Removal

A discussion of soft cloths, brushes, synthetic abrasive pads, and the craftsman's touch. May 11, 2006

Tricks for sanding things smooth

Tried and true techniques for sanding and oil finishing. January 24, 2001

Glazing to Show Wood Grain

Techniques for achieving clarity. April 2, 2004

Front Door Varnish Choices

Choosing a wood finish for an old entry door, based on price and looks. January 13, 2009

Will Sawmill Blade Lubricants Cause Trouble with Finishes?

but here's a tip on how to test substances for troublesome interactions with finishes. April 9, 2007

Matching a Dead-Flat Finish

A zero-sheen finish is tough to achieve, especially if it needs to be durable. Here, finishers discuss the fine points. October 28, 2005

Food prep finish

The finish and wood to use (and what not to use) on butcherblock tops. August 29, 2001

Cleaning the Kremlin Airmix system

Solvent recycling methods and hose products to help decrease the cost of cleaning and maintaining the Kremlin Airmix system. November 21, 2000

No-Odor Finish for Fine Furniture

Modified tung oil is odorless after curing and brings out the beauty of unique wood pieces. July 17, 2008

Syringe Sources

Syringes are handy for measuring and mixing custom-tinted finishes. Here are tips on where to find suitable syringes for finishing purposes. February 13, 2006

Durability of Pre-Cat on Edges

Multiple coats over a vinyl sealer may help pre-catalyzed lacquer hold up better on door and drawer edges. August 21, 2006

Substitutes for Mahogany

Either lyptus wood or luan (also called "meranti") may be an acceptable lower-cost alternative to mahogany in cabinets. March 12, 2006

Dry Spots with Wipe-On Poly on Bubinga

Finishers discuss ways to get even finish coverage on oily hardwoods like Bubinga. September 27, 2008

On-Site Finishing Setup

Equipment and formula considerations when finishing on site. May 11, 2006

Troubleshooting Bubbles in Lacquer

"Solvent pop" may be causing bubbling in a lacquer coat. Solutions include applying lighter coats, or using retarder in place of straight thinner. October 2, 2005

Conversion Varnish "Bubbling" Concern

Thinning, application and clean-up tips for trouble-free CV work. October 28, 2005

Ultraviolet-Light Tracer Dye for Glue

For easy detection of glue streaks before finishing, use a fluorescent glue or add a fluorescent additive. February 7, 2009

First CV Experience

A first time experience with ML Campbell's Krystal conversion varnish spurs some questions and answers about application technique. July 13, 2005

Adding Ultraviolet Absorbers to Linseed Oil

Tips on adding ultraviolet light absorbers to linseed oil or modified tung oil for use on exterior wood doors. August 25, 2008

Masking and Spraying Face Frames

Tips on how to finish wood face frames without damaging their melamine cabinet walls. August 23, 2006

Gravity-Cup Add-On Option for Air-Assisted Airless Setups

Here's a look at an accessory gravity-cup arrangement that makes it convenient to occasionally apply small amounts of special finishes. July 17, 2008

Staining and Graining Flex Moulding

Tips and techniques to modify the appearance of flex moulding. August 9, 2005

Troubleshooting a Blotchy Tung-Oil-and-Wax Finish

Finishers try to figure out why a customer-applied oil-and-wax finish ended up looking like the aftermath of a bad sunburn. June 30, 2007

Distressed Black Glaze over Conversion Varnish

Advice on a finishing schedule for black glaze in combination with a conversion varnish. March 29, 2006

Clear Topcoats for Custom Finished Guitars

A discussion of gloss finishes for guitars. July 17, 2008

Glazed finishes for antique look

How can this effect be acheived? January 28, 2002

Spraying Latex Paint on Kitchen Cabinets

It can be hard to get good flow-out and leveling when spraying a water-based latex paint on cabinets. January 29, 2009

Glues Interfering With Water-Borne Stain on Veneer

Advice on fixing a problem where glued veneer seams telegraph through water-borne stain finishes. June 9, 2007

Textured glaze finish

Achieving a textured, glaze finish over stain. August 23, 2000

Managing Color Differences in Cherry Plywood

A finisher has trouble making his whole job look like the approved sample, because of inconsistent plywood. February 15, 2009

Fixing Uneven Toner Coverage

Strip to wood and start over, say the experts — with a few tips on achieving even coverage this time. March 9, 2006

Alternatives to Automotive Epoxy for Wood Filling

Woodworkers discuss hard, sandable wood-filling compounds. March 25, 2007

Rag Sources for Finishers

Finishers discuss where to get the right kind of rags (soft, absorbent, and free from lint or contamination). June 30, 2007

Touching Up a Water-Based Clear Finish

Finishers suggest products and methods for spot repairs of minor scratches and mars. March 2, 2006

Preconditioner: A prerequisite?

Is preconditioner an absolute necessity for water-based stains? March 20, 2001

Cherry Knob Finish Is Darker Than Cabinet Finish

Exposed end grain on the knobs causes them to behave differently than the flat wood of the doors and frames. But there are solutions. November 12, 2006

Filter Clogging with Cup Sprayguns

A clogged or deteriorated filter cup or a plugged air hole can starve a cup gun for air, causing intermittent sputtering. February 12, 2007

Materials for Rubbing Out Overspray

The old paper-bag ploy, and other time-honored tricks. October 14, 2006

Glue and Finish for a Wood Trivet

Thoughts on how a small item designed to protect tabletops from hot pots and pans can be detailed to withstand the heat itself. November 8, 2007

Water-Based Finishes for a Straw Board Product

Advice on how to seal before staining, to minimize swelling and grain raise. October 2, 2005

Fly-Speck Application Techniques

Finishers suggest half a dozen ways to make quick work of a fly-speck finish. August 21, 2006

Multiple Coats of Reactive Finishes

Two-part finishes don't "burn in" to previous layers of the same coating. Here are tips on careful scuff-sanding and re-application for building up the finish on a fine piece such as a musical instrument. February 12, 2007

HVLP, LVLP, and Air-Assisted Airless Guns

A brief discussion of how different spray-gun types work, and the effect it has on finish results. April 30, 2006

Glossy Finish for Purpleheart

A musical instrument maker gets advice on pore-filling glossy finishes that impede UV and oxidation color changes in exotic hardwoods. July 3, 2008

Reducing Grain Definition

Pros share tips for filling pores to keep stain from over-enhancing the natural grain patterns of ash. June 28, 2005

Finishing Trimwork with an Airless Spraygun

A trim carpenter gets some tips on finishing his own work. June 8, 2007

Maple Stain Techniques

Tips on achieving an even tint in Maple using spray dye, a seal coat, and a wiping stain. October 13, 2008

Oops! Forgot the Catalyst

A finisher grabbed the thinner instead of the catalyst, and now the coat won't cure. Fellow pros suggest stripping techniques, as well as ways to catalyze the uncured coat in place. January 13, 2006

Dye concentrate

Dye stain basics. October 16, 2003

Finishing MDF

How to achieve a smooth finish on MDF, where the sealed face has been removed. November 29, 2000

Waterborne Glazes over a Pre-Cat Finish

Many water-borne and solvent-borne (oil-based) finishes are mutually compatible, and coats may be alternated (with certain cautions). May 27, 2008

Leaving lacquer in spray gun

Will a few hours between coats gum up the gun? September 2, 2002

Clear Finish that Won't Color Wood?

Is there any clear finish that will not modify the natural hue of a pine door? November 8, 2007

Troubleshooting Rough-Textured Pre-Cat

It's important to stir it... September 26, 2006

Buffing Out Two-Part Polyurethane

Hard urethane coats need careful treatment to avoid fine scratches. January 14, 2009

Sanding Dust Interfering with Finish

Tips on prevention and cure when sanding dust messes up a lacquer spray job. June 9, 2007

Fire and Health Risks of Potassium Dichromate

Potassium Dichromate is a strong oxidizer and a carcinogen, so don't mess around. August 26, 2008

Specs for Building a Spray Booth

A cabinetmaker wonders how complicated it would be to build his own booth — and gets an earful of advice. July 11, 2005

Staining Birch Bright Colors

A cabinetmaker wants to stain birch a bright red, but still reveal some grain. Experts supply ideas. August 30, 2005

Durability of Table-Top Finishes

Even the toughest clear finish is subject to scratching and wear. You need to make customers aware of that. July 17, 2008

Removing Black Dye and Applying a White Coat

Bleach is good for removing dye, and shellac makes a good barrier coat before topcoating. August 8, 2008

Viewing Angle and Finishing Maple Plywood

Selecting a plywood with the right kind of veneer may help this finisher avoid the "barber-pole" effect caused by different orientations of light and viewpoint. January 9, 2007

Staining Shelf Pin Holes

Tips for a pesky detail: coloring the inside of shelf pin holes so they won't stand out against the finished piece. August 30, 2007

Working with Ribbon Mahogany and Brazilian Cherry

Tips on machining and staining two very hard, and very visually interesting, exotic hardwoods. October 27, 2005

Correcting Stain Problems Caused by Glue on Wood

Where the trim installers glued their joints and wiped off the squeeze-out, stain may not take properly. Here are ways to cope with the problem. December 27, 2006

Spraying Finish with a Small Compressor

A finisher wants to spray small amounts of moulding and face-frame stock, but has only a small compressor. Solution? A mini gun. November 25, 2008

Metallic Finishes on Wood

Woodworkers pursue some out-there metallic finish looks, using products from the automotive finishing world. April 10, 2008

Flexible Crown Molding

Pros discuss product choices and finishing methods. May 4, 2005

Air-Line Drying Options

Advice on setups to extract water from your sprayer air supply system. September 10, 2007

Troubleshooting a Sagging Water-Based Varnish

Use a higher viscosity product or try the "tack on tack" method, say the pros. October 2, 2005

Improvised Mixing Containers

Little plastic doo-dads you can use to mix colorants in. February 23, 2008

In Search of White Dye

There are no white "dyes" as such, but there may be other ways to achieve the desired effect. May 23, 2007

Correcting a Pink Tone on a White-Washed Oak Floor

Pros advise on a tricky staining problem. March 26, 2007

Final Sanding on a Fly-Speck Finish

The last licks with 320-grit paper can make all the difference. January 9, 2007

Heating Water-Borne Coatings

Using an in-line heater to heat waterborne coatings brings similar benefits with water-borne coatings as with solvent-borneMarch 9, 2008

Sealing the Edges of MDF

Various suggestions for sealing the cut ends of MDF panels. November 13, 2005

Discoloration of Conversion Varnish

Acidic conversion varnish formulas can react with metals in the application system or with wood chemistry, causing a red, black, or gray discoloration. Here are some suggested precautions for prevention. March 29, 2006

Dull Haze Problem when Cleaning Lacquer with Naphtha

A finisher gets advice on why he's getting a dull, cloudy look an a nitrocellulose finish after using naphtha to clean the surface. February 15, 2009

Condensation Drips from a Respirator Mask

Moisture dripping from your facemask can be a problem. Here are some suggested work-arounds. July 28, 2008

Re-Coating a Scratched Conversion-Varnish Table Top

Conversion varnishes take time to fully harden, and a customer used this one too soon. Luckily, repair is feasible: in this thread, finishers provide advice on sanding and re-coating. July 24, 2005

Lightening Up Alder

Alder mellows out naturally over time, but you can choose a finish that keeps it headed the way you like it to go. July 3, 2008

Adjusting to Changing Temperature as You Spray

As the day warms up, think about adding more retarder. October 3, 2007

Thinning Precatalyzed Lacquer

Adding thinner reduces the solids ratio of the mixture; warming it up does not. April 19, 2006

Slowing Cherry's Color Change

you can slow it down, but you can't stop it. Here's a collection of ideas. March 9, 2008

Distressing wood

Creating a well-worn look on newly built furniture. February 6, 2002

Exterior Primers for Strong Adhesion

Finishers recommend their preferred exterior primers for use with latex paint. July 24, 2006

Scuff Scratches Between Coats of Pre-Cat

With catalyzed finishes, it works best to apply successive coats before the previous coat is fully cross-linked, so the coats melt together. tober 28, 2008

Separation of 844 Colorants

Over time, stored colorants will clump or settle, and there's not much you can do to fix it. September 16, 2008

Heating Finishes in the Can

Ways to keep finishes warm overnight in an unheated building. December 27, 2006

Heating Finishes

A north-country finisher with an unheated shop gets ideas for heating his finishes in the can, or in the line. February 28, 2006

Why You Can't Recirculate Spray Booth Air

Filtering and re-using spray room air is not feasible, as this thread explains. October 27, 2005

Wait Time Between Coats

A finisher with a rush job to complete gets advice on dry and cure times between coats. August 21, 2006

Faking mahogany

What species are closest to mahogany in grain structure, so, when stained, will look like the real thing? March 20, 2000

UV-resistant, non-yellowing finish

Should claims of UV-resistance in topcoats be trusted for the long haul? September 6, 2000

Best Finish for Bar Top?

Finishers discuss the options for a bar top, considering durability and the ability to apply on site. February 15, 2009

Pricing: Paint Grade Versus Stain Grade Work

Many cost factors differ between a paint-grade job and a stain-grade job. March 18, 2005

De-Waxed Shellac

A few notes on the chemistry of de-waxed shellac. July 3, 2008

Rub-Through Effects with Black Lacquer

Advice on how to create an aged look (worn black lacquer and exposed stained wood) on a piece of furniture. July 17, 2008

Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer Odors

Pre-cat lacquers do create an odor that fades over time, so some finishers prefer to use waterborne finishes for drawer and cabinet interiors. September 11, 2006

Combining Long-0il and Short-Oil Finishes

A finishing schedule that includes both long-oil and short-oil varnishes can provide the water-resistance of one and the glossiness of the other. April 30, 2006

Finishing Schedule and Photo: Shellac Washcoat and Mahogany Toner on Poplar

Here's a picture of some finished Poplar moulding, with the recipe that got it there. October 3, 2007

Finishing an Outdoor Cedar Log Bench

Advice on a durable outdoor finish for a half-log bench. August 30, 2007

Sprayed-On No-Wipe Glaze Application

Touch-up type sprayguns with small spray patterns let you apply glaze just to cracks and crevices, avoiding the need to wipe glaze off. December 30, 2007

High-Gloss Tips and Tricks

Pro tips for a high gloss finish. November 11, 2006

Gray Aging to Match Old Weathered Wood

Finishers suggest acid formulas to gray out new oak boards. September 16, 2008

Coating Formula Terminology

Quick definitions for "pre-cat," "conversion varnish," et cetera. November 11, 2006

Applying a Chip-Through Finish

Wax or petroleum jelly applied in spots will break adhesion and allow the topcoat to chip off, exposing the undercoat. November 26, 2007

Good Atomizing with an Airless Air-Assist Spraygun

Advice on how to get a good spray pattern and prevent striping with an AAA gun. January 14, 2008

Keeping solid doors flat

Techniques for preventing warpage of solid wood cabinet doors. June 14, 2000

A Hard Bar Finish for Soft Wood

No finish will make a soft wood hard. But for a redwood bar top, some finishers suggest a penetrating epoxy. August 21, 2006

Troubleshooting Orange Peel

Basic tips on preventing and repairing "orange peel" with an HVLP sprayer. June 20, 2005

Finishing Teak

Teak is a "greasy" wood that can pose finishing challenges. Here, finishers suggest formulas and approaches that have worked for them. April 30, 2006

Rubbing Out for a Smooth "Hand Feel"

Advice on hand rubbing techniques to give fine furniture pieces that silky smooth softness. April 9, 2007

Conversion varnish crackle finish

How small-scale finishers can achieve big-manufacturer results. May 22, 2002

Brewing Up an Ebonizing Dye Stain

Iron steeped in vinegar makes an interesting stain for darkening wood. February 14, 2006

Green blushing in stained finish

Possible causes and solutions for green blushing in an NGR-stained finish. 1998.

Durable Topcoats for Pigmented Lacquer

Finishers discuss using a clear topcoat over a pigmented lacquer, and give other suggestions for durable pigmented cabinet finishes. July 24, 2006

Finishing Equipment

Basic description of production line finishing equipment. November 11, 2008

"Wenge-ing" white oak

Turning oak black with an old-time method. August 29, 2001

Creating colored lacquers

Information on tinting and coloring lacquer topcoats. August 23, 2000

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