General Wood Finishing at WOODWEB's Knowledge Base

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Food Safety and Wood Countertop Finishes

Objective information about wood finish safety for contact with food is hard to come by. August 27, 2012

Spraying Waterborne Paint on a Budget

Finishers discuss the challenge of applying waterborne paints using inexpensive equipment, without having to over-thin. September 18, 2012

Evening Tone on a Mahogany Piano

Pros describe how to darken the lighter parts of a piece in small steps, to achieve an even color. September 18, 2012

Scuff Sanding in the Booth

Will scuff sanding between coats inside the spray booth lead to problems with finishes? September 17, 2012

Preserving a Bleached Appearance

Keeping the blond appearance of stripped, bleached wood, without ambering, is possible with the right choice of coating. September 18, 2012

Outdoor Furniture Finish

All finishes are temporary in outdoor exposures. But here are some suggestions for the more durable alternatives. September 18, 2012

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

Make-your-own stains and glazes

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

Working with Wormy Chestnut

Advice on machining and finishing wormy Chestnut. February 21, 2011

"One Coat" Flax Seed Oil Finish — Is it for Real?

Finishers consider what a new "one coat" wood finish formula based on flax seed oil might actually contain, then move on to a complex technical discussion of the chemical nature of natural oil finishes. August 27, 2012

Protecting Wood and Coatings from Yellowing

Here's an extended technical discussion of wood yellowing, finish yellowing, and the finish formula components that may or may not prevent either one. August 21, 2012

Refinishing Church Pews

Advice on cleaning and refinishing church pews using the original finish (probably a nitrocellulose lacquer). August 21, 2012

Caulking Painted Cabinets: When?

Finishers discuss the sequence of priming, caulking, and painting cabinets. August 27, 2012

Matching a Deep Brown Finish

Suggestions for matching a finish in a photo — something between dark chocolate and eggplant. June 21, 2012

Conversion Varnish and Sanding Sealer

Advice on switching to a clear conversion varnish over a vinyl sanding sealer for a simple, quick two-coat system. April 15, 2013

Cleaning Spray Tips

Advice on cleaning the spray tips of air-assisted airless sprayguns. April 2, 2013

Finish for a Teak Shower Floor

Most finishers agree that Teak in a shower floor should be left natural. Here's why. April 15, 2013

Clear Exterior Door Finish that Won't Alter Wood Color

This post from a woodworker looking for a clear finish for exterior doors that would preserve the color of some beautiful Mahogany doors drew some interesting and detailed responses. April 15, 2012

Matching Stain Jobs on Black Walnut

Along with stain characteristics, wood grain is an important factor in matching a finish. April 29, 2012

De-Waxing Shellac Under Difficult Circumstances

Removing impurities from shop-mixed shellac in a world where impurities come with the territory. April 29, 2012

Waterborne Finish Raising MDF Glue Line

Glued joints in MDF sometimes telegraph through waterborne finishes because of the effects of moisture. Here's advice on prevention and cure. December 31, 2012

Limed Oak Finish Schedule

A finisher gets step-by-step tips on matching a 1950's finish involving pigmented grain filler applied to Oak before the top coat. December 31, 2012

Solventborne over Waterborne?

Applying an oil-based coating over a water-based coat is likely to create trouble. December 31, 2012

Crackling Lacquer

Quick transitions between heat and cold are another way to create a crackle effect in a lacquer finish. December 31, 2012

Building with Pre-Finished Plywood

Pre-finished plywood can streamline the construction and finishing workflow. Here are some tips and stories. July 12, 2012

Applying oil-based polyurethane

Brushing and spraying problems and options. August 25, 2003

Odd Light Spots on Finished Cherry

Is it glue marks? Fingerprints? Bad sanding? Cabinetmakers try to get to the bottom of a peculiar finish defect in stained Cherry. July 28, 2012

Badly Streaking Stain Job

For everyone's amusement — here is a horrendously bad finish job. June 4, 2012

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

Dirt in the Finish

Troubleshooting a problem where pieces being finished with conversion varnish seem to attract dirt and dust out of nowhere.July 16, 2012

Darkening Quilted Maple While Enhancing the Grain

Tips on getting a slight tint on Maple while helping the grain to pop. July 16, 2012

Masking Cabinets for On-Site Finishing

There's more than one way to mask cabinet openings when spraying face frames on site. July 16, 2012

Staining Maple a Dark Color

Here's a variety of suggestions for getting Maple to take a dark, even stain. July 16, 2012

"Pop" for a Walnut Kitchen Counter Finish

Advice on getting interesting grain effects in dark, relatively uniform Walnut. July 16, 2012

Primary Color Dyes as a Substitute for Bottled Tints

You can buy blue, red, and yellow in bulk and make 90% of the colors you would ever want. July 16, 2012

Battery-Powered Respirators

Are the positive pressure ("air fed") facemasks with a battery pack a good idea for finishers? July 16, 2012

Tinting Caulk to Match Dye Stained Wood

Advice on doctoring a tube of caulk, and a commercial source for the same thing. July 16, 2012

Avoiding Glue Marks on Cope-and-Stick Doors

Here's a long discussion about how to avoid fingerprints or glue stains when sanding, gluing, assembling, and finishing raised panel doors. October 13, 2012

Stripes in Fir Plywood

A cabinetmaker's finisher notices a strange defect in some Fir plywood, probably caused by grain compression that happened at the plywood mill. October 13, 2012

Pre-Finished Plywood and Wood Edgebanding

Advice on assembly and finishing of a cabinet made with prefinished plywood interiors and solid wood edgebanding. October 13, 2012

Touching Up Veneer Sand-Throughs

Tips for a first-timer on fixing a sand-through defect. August 16, 2012

Applying High Gloss Black Lacquer

Finishers suggest ways to achieve a glossy black finish on furniture. August 16, 2012

Paint Peeling when Masking Tape is Removed

Troubleshooting a masking tape problem in painted work. July 29, 2012

Conversion Varnish on Marble Table Tops

How to make wood finishes stick to stone. August 16, 2012

Troubleshooting Tiny Hair-Like Fibers in the Finish

A finisher seeks advice eliminating contamination by small hair-like fibers. August 16, 2012

Getting Good Coverage in a Shader Coat

Tweaking the material flow and concentration in the wide fan pattern helps solve a problem of inconsistent coverage. August 16, 2012

Using Wax to Darken Tone?

Wax instead of toner to fix a few too-light doors? Well ... maybe not. August 16, 2012

Painting Nooks and Crannies on Site (Against Gravity)

Figuring out how to paint small detail in hard-to-reach spots on installed cabinets. August 16, 2012

Spraying "Wiping Stains"

Here's a method for fast, even spray application of wiping stains by thinning 5-to-1 with naphtha. June 4, 2012

Brown Finish for Cherry Cabinets

Advice on a stain for Cherry that will darken the color but preserve the characteristic look of the grain. May 15, 2012

Finishing Dimpled MDF

A three-dimensional dimpled pattern made on a CNC in MDF needs a metallic finish. It's not going to be easy.

Getting Even Coverage when Spraying Dye

Advice on how to prevent a dye coat from getting a mottled appearance. June 4, 2012

Bleaching Walnut

New and old school ways to bleach Walnut. June 4, 2012

Sealcoat Before Stain?

A discussion of whether dye stain should be the first or the second step in a finishing schedule. June 4, 2012

Heavy Build Epoxy Finish with Flat Sheen

Methods for getting a flat sheen on a bar top. June 4, 2012

Fine Sandpaper Versus Non-Woven Abrasives

Here's some discussion about when to use sandpaper and when to switch to synthetic scuff pads, and why. October 17, 2012

Mahogany Darkening in Light

A look at the scientific explanation for why some woods change color when exposed to sunlight. February 19, 2013

Tips for Paint Grade Doors

Advice on door materials, spackle, and paint techniques for paint-grade work. February 27, 2013

Sanding Plywood Bullnose Edges

Advice on efficiently sanding the bullnosed edge of plywood panels before finishing. February 19, 2013

Spraying Shellac

Finishers discuss the fine points of applying Shellac, a traditional finish that can produce exceptional results when applied with care. December 31, 2012

Racking, Flipping, and Stacking Large Interior Doors for Finishing

Finishers describe various ways to efficiently handle man doors for spraying and drying. December 31, 2012

Buffing Orange Peel Out Of Lacquer

To remove the orange peel and achieve a high gloss, move up to fine grits in stages. January 14, 2013

Evening Out the Color Variations in Cherry

Playing with a color wheel will help you understand how to tone and stain Cherry when you want more uniformity. January 14, 2013

Removing an Ink Stain from a Catalyzed Finish

To get ink off a finish, start with the mildest cleaners and move up slowly. January 14, 2013

Is Finishing Witchcraft?

Happy Halloween. October 25, 2012

Air bubbles in conversion varnish

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

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

Financial Success in Woodworking

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

Butcher Block Finish Dispute

This long saga of a woodworker's difficulty with a customer who is dissatisfied with the finish on a butcher block shipped cross-country offers lessons on communication, contracts, and credit card company dispute resolution processes. March 26, 2010

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

Finishing Cost (In-House Versus Contracted Out)

A cabinetmaker wonders why bids he gets to finish cabinets don't match his own cost to do the work himself. The question sets off a long discussion of cost, value, markets, and business strategies. May 17, 2010

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

Finding Good Finishing Help

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

Guitar Finishes

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

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

Waterbased Finishes

Advice on selecting a waterborne finish system. February 12, 2010

Choosing an HVLP System

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

Glazing Advice for a High-Volume Shop

Pros give tips on formulating glazes, simplifying the process, and pacing the work. March 18, 2005

Achieving a "Brushed-On" Cabinet Finish Look

Finishers and cabinetmakers discuss whether brush marks are a good or bad thing, and how to create or avoid them, depending. October 15, 2009

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

Stain Chemistry, Solvent Content, Drying Time, and Adhesion

Here's a highly informative, in-depth look at oil-based stain chemistry, along with some de-bunking of the conventional wisdom concerning application windows. May 18, 2010

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

Troubleshooting a Poor Stain Match

Finishers discuss what could have created a glaring mismatch between Maple and Birch components supposedly stained with the same formula. August 6, 2010

Pros and Cons of Waterborne Finishes

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

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

Moisture Issues with Exterior Screen Doors

This extensive thread examines wood choices and finishing methods for custom-made exterior screen doors. March 26, 2010

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

Dark cherry dyes and stains

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

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

No-blotch dying

Methods to achieve uniform finishes. March 5, 2003

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

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

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

Wrinkles in Lacquer

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

Finish Failure at Door Frame Joints

What caused this defect: Wood moisture, glue characteristics, finish issues, or all three? August 17, 2009

- Spraying Dye Stains Smoothly

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

Negotiating Prices with Customers

In custom finishing work, there comes a time when you have to draw a line. March 9, 2010

Stain and Finish Recommendations

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

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

Stain Mixing, Wood Tones, and Color Theory

Starting with the basics, a cogent explanation of how to mix pigments and stains and how to use them to the desired effect on wood. May 18, 2010

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

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

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

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 ......

Avoiding Swirl Marks in Finish Sanding

Grit choices, sander type, and technique can all affect finish sanding performance. May 6, 2010

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

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

Opaque Finish for a 1920's-Look Kitchen

Conversion varnish and high-quality latex enamel are the candidates. Here's a discussion. July 14, 2010

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

Fine Points of Staining Wood

A basic question about whether oil finishes are compatible with waterborne stains kicks of a long technical discussion of the theory and practice of staining. April 17, 2010

Moisture and Cupping with Glued-Up Solid Poplar Panels

This thread about poplar panels that cupped while stored sheds light on wood moisture movement issues in general. June 30, 2009

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

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

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

Sealer Coats with Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Introductory advice on using nitrocellulose lacquer. December 14, 2009

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

Dye Stain Blotching

A newcomer to spraying dye stains negotiates the learning curve. February 17, 2012

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

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

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

Shellac and Linseed Oil Finishes

A long thread on traditional finishes using linseed oil and shellac. May 28, 2010

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

Finishing an Extra-Large Table Top

Advice on positioning a large table top to be accessible for convenient spraying. March 28, 2010

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

CSI Woodweb: Unsolved Pink Mysteries

An unanswered question saved for future reference: Why is a mysterious pink color bleeding through finishes on MDF, or appearing around rubber bumpers? March 4, 2009

Black Spots Under Clear Coat on an Exterior Door

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

Choosing Compressed Air Line Piping Materials

Here's a long, detailed, and well-informed discussion about air supply pipe materials, sizing, and layout. January 19, 2011

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

Choosing a Spraygun for a Small Shop

A thoughtful discussion on the pros and cons of airless, air-assisted, pressure pot, and gravity HVLP sprayguns. December 9, 2010

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

Spraygun Cleaning and Shellac

Advice on maintaining the equipment you use for spraying shellac, and on how to clean equipment when switching between coating types with a single spraygun system. December 1, 2009

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

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

Controlling Overspray when Edgebanding Cabinets

Advice on taping off cabinets before spraying the front, using brush or wipe finishes, or using pre-finished edgebanding. March 4, 2009

Troubleshooting Finish Cracking (Checking) on Veneer

Here's an extended detailed discussion of finish cracks that follow wood veneer grain patterns. Is it wood movement, a veneer adhesion issue, a finish formula problem, or a finish application problem? March 13, 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

Troubleshooting White Pores and Ridges in a Finish

Applying a waterborne clear finish to Mahogany, a finisher runs into a white discoloration that he can't explain. April 16, 2010

"Hand Rubbed" Finishes for Furniture

"Hand rubbed" means different things to different finishers — not to mention the customers. October 14, 2010

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

Walnut Slab Table Top Finishing Tips

Woodworking and finishing tips for a craftsman working on a Walnut slab table. January 8, 2010

Making an Existing Finish Smooth to Touch — In Place

What's a practical way to modify a finish on site that isn't smooth enough for the customer's taste? May 17, 2010

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

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

High Gloss Finishes

Advice on formula choices (including automotive clear-coat urethanes), polishing methods, and finishing schedules for a drop-dead glossy clear finish. December 9, 2010

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

Toning and Shading Basics

Fundamentals of toning for a first-time finisher. April 19, 2011

Railroad Tie Cost and Pricing

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

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

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

Coating Choices for Exterior Wood Doors

Here's another discussion sorting through the options for wood door finishes that have to face exterior exposures. March 28, 2012

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

High-Build Lacquer, Wiping Stain, and Gel Stain

Looking for efficiency and simplicity, finishers compare products and processes. November 3, 2010

The Fine Points of Spraying Dye Stain

Pros supply mixing and application tips. April 14, 2005

Problems with Lacquered Hardwood Plaques Sticking Together

Finishers discuss why a finished pieces would stick together even after months of drying. June 17, 2009

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

How Many Finish Coats Is Enough?

Finishers discuss quality expectations and how to meet them. July 11, 2009

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

Metallic Finishes

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

Evening Out Cherry Color Variations

A discussion of ways to address lightness and darkness differences between Cherry lumber and plywood. December 14, 2009

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

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

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

Troubleshooting Lacquer Adhesion Problems

Advice on improving adhesion of lacquer over a wiping stain. May 17, 2010

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

Wax Finish for a Walnut Slab Table Top

Furnituremakers discuss wax finishes. December 2, 2009

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

Troubleshooting Pinholes with an Air-Assisted Airless Spraygun

Fluid and air pressure adjustments can solve this problem. July 14, 2010

Drying racks for cabinet doors

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

Troubleshooting Bubbles in Spray Polyurethane

Advice on eliminating bubbles from a poly finish on a veneered table. August 17, 2009

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

Toner Exposing Surface Imperfections

Pros advise on the careful use of glaze and toner to enhance color and grain without calling attention to imperfections. August 3, 2009

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

Basics of Furniture Stripping

A newcomer to refinishing learns some early lessons. March 9, 2010

Shellac Under Conversion Varnish in a Fisheye Repair Situation

This discussion digs into the issue of applying CV over shellac, with other considerations involving fisheye. April 16, 2010

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

Spray Booth Fans and Explosion Risk

The scary stories in this thread should convince anyone that explosion-proof fans are a must in any spray operation. August 17, 2009

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

Dye Stains and Gel Stains for Difficult Wood

Dye stains or gel stains (or a combination of both) can produce good results on blotchy woods and detailed profiles. Here's a detailed discussion of product choices and application methods. April 20, 2011

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

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

Working with NGR Stain

Advice on how to achieve a desired effect with successive applications of NGR stain. July 14, 2010

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

Putty for Nail Holes in Windows and Trim

Struggling to find a nail-hole filler that's compatible with waterborne clear finish. December 6, 2011

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

Wood Panel Shrinkage and Bare-Wood Witness Lines

A discussion of how to prevent or repair the tell-tale bare wood lines that may appear on the edge of stained door panels in dry winter conditions. April 29, 2011

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

Refinishing contamination problem

Is contamination at fault for the appearance of fisheye when refinishing furniture? August 29, 2001

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

Troubleshooting Pre-Cat Cracking

Heavy cracking in a pre-catalyzed varnish finish appears to indicate too thick a build. March 26, 2009

Praise for HVLP

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

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

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

Avoiding Runs with Waterbornes

A discussion of formulas, guns, and techniques to prevent drips and runs. June 30, 2009

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

Conversion Varnish Wrinkling Problem

Wrinkles that appear after applying a second coat of CV could be caused by a variety of mis-steps, some related to the "recoat window." October 1, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Dry Particle Problems with Conversion Varnish

Small whitish particles in CV straight from the can could be flatting agent, a temperature issue, or something else. Here are some tips on identifying and solving the problem. July 3, 2008

Yet Another Look at Solvent Pop

Another cabinet finisher struggles with solvent pop. July 11, 2009

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 ......

Art Finish on MDF

An architect asks for a bizarre bleaching and staining job on MDF panels, and a finisher seeks professional help. April 30, 2009

Antiquing Tips, Techniques, and Tools

Finishers reveal the trade secrets of furniture abuse. August 17, 2009

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

Dealing with Silicone Contamination in Wood Pores

Advice on sanding and refinishing an Oak surface after silicone contamination has become evident — but without contaminating your own shop or equipment. March 28, 2010

Spray-Applying Wiping Stains

Practical and economical ways to quickly apply wiping stains, with some related tips. November 15, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Lacquer Failure in Putty Areas

Finishers discuss what may be causing lacquer to fail around putty-filled nail holes — and how best to repair it. May 17, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Finish Cracking over Veneer

Trying to determine the cause of finish defects over veneer — is the the core material, the adhesive, the veneer, or the finish? March 28, 2012

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

Spraying Dye on Maple

Another take on a common problem — avoiding blotchy results when staining Maple. April 18, 2010

Sanding Imperfections out of a High Gloss Finish

Advice on equipment and hand methods for sanding a polishing a "Euro wet look" finish. July 25, 2010

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

Finish Schedule Sample Book — Is There Such a Thing?

Making a standard set of finish samples for public use would be both time-consuming and unreliable. June 13, 2011

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

Puddling of NGR Dyes Over a Sealer Washcoat

A beginner with dyes gets advice on compatibility and application methods. March 3, 2010

Spray Booth Floor Treatment?

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

Glazing Pigmented CV and Sanding Questions

Glazing with conversion varnish can be tricky. Here, finishers discuss some fine points. October 15, 2009

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

Finishing Children's Furniture

Thoughtful advice on child-safe, durable, and simple finishes, both pigmented and clear. March 9, 2010

Toning out Prefinished Cabinets?

Finishers discuss the feasibility of adding one or two more coats to pre-finished imported cabinets in order to adjust the color. April 17, 2010

Using Waterborne Finishes

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

Measuring Very Small Amounts of Catalyst

Finishers use all kinds of smart methods, including weighing with a scale, to measure and mix very small batches of catalyzed finish. July 7, 2011

Troubleshooting Finish Cracking over Crotch Mahogany

Unpredictable wood movement in crotch veneers can lead to problems with finish performance. May 17, 2010

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

Time Frame for Scuff Sanding and Topcoat Application

It turns out that there are physical reasons why manufacturers recommend no overnight waiting between sanding and applying a second coat of a catalyzed finish. Here's a detailed explanation. January 2, 2012

Why Finishers Use Samples with Customers

Customers don't have the vocabulary to describe finishes, or to understand how you describe them. That's why a signed sample is your best assurance of a clear agreement. August 29, 2011

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

The Illusion of Depth in Transparent Coatings

A simple question about easy-to-use lacquers sets off a technical discussion of the optical properties of finishes, and the characteristics that make even thin finishes appear deep and clear to the eye. May 17, 2010

Deodorant Fisheyes

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

Shaders and Toners: Defining Terms

Shades of meaning in finishing terminology. June 18, 2010

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

Water Damage to a Bath Cabinet Finish

Finishers troubleshoot flaking and peeling lacquer on an MDF wood-veneer cabinet in a bathroom. May 13, 2009

Whether to Finish the Undersides of Upper Cabinets

Cabinetmakers discuss whether cabinet undersides should be finished. November 30, 2009

Problems with Conversion Varnish Sanding Dust Residue

Finishers discuss how to get pieces clean between the sanding and topcoat steps. December 2, 2009

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

Thinning Opaque Finishes

Tips and tricks for thinning your formula when you go from clear to opaque finishes. June 17, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Milky White Discoloration on Wenge Veneer

Cabinetmakers and finishers look at the weak points of a kitchen finish system. September 3, 2010

Tung Oil Tips and Tricks

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

Mission Oak Finish

Techniques for achieving a mission-style finish without advanced technology or proprietary formulas. January 25, 2011

A Smooth Honey Finish on Maple

Advice on achieving a warm, even tone on Maple cabinet doors. March 9, 2010

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

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

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

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

Avoiding Small Bubbles in Polyester

Polyester finish performance is sensitive to temperature conditions, thinning proportions, and other factors. This thread offers troubleshooting ideas along with examples of successful strategies. May 18, 2010

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

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

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

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

Visual Wood Match in Door Construction

Wood has natural variations in appearance — you have to explain that to customers. September 30, 2010

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

"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

Finishing for the Small G.C.

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

Minimizing Tell-Tale Un-Stained Lines around Door Panels

Seasonal wood shrinkage often leaves a noticeable unstained margin showing around the edge of a door panel. Here are thoughts on how to minimize the occurrence. March 26, 2009

Objectively Comparing Finish Brands

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

Troubleshooting a Bad Smell in Drawers

Dead bacteria in plywood can cause a rancid odor, and a badly catalyzed finish may also produce offensive smells. March 9, 2010

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

Prefinished Versus Unfinished Plywood for Cabinets

For a moderate up-charge, pre-finished plywood saves a lot of labor and finishing materials cost. December 2, 2010

Staining Resin-Based Composite Moulding

Composite trim has its own little quirks for finishers. Here are some tips on technique. May 13, 2009

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

Finishing Before Assembling — Tips and Tricks

Cabinetmakers who assemble cabinets after finishing discuss their methods. July 31, 2009

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

Slow Curing Times with Post-Cats

A finisher gets some feedback about why post-cat primer and varnish may be taking too long to cure. May 2, 2011

Spray Room Cleaning and Hygeine

For a quality finish you need a clean shop and spray room. Here's advice on getting there. January 2, 2012

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

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

Chatter Marks in Production Moulding

It's hopeless to think of sanding milling defects out of cheap moulding. The lucky thing is, most customers won't necessarily consider this visual characteristic to be a defect. December 9, 2010

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

Butcherblock Countertop Finishing

Simple butcher-block counters are easy to finish on site with natural finishes. February 17, 2012

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

What to Do When You Forget the Catalyst

Is there any quick fix when you suddenly realize that you're spraying conversion varnish but you forgot to mix in the catalyst? Yes, but ... February 2, 2011

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

Waterborne and Shop Temperature or Humidity

Some waterborne products are sensitive to temperature and humidity conditions in the finishing shop. March 9, 2010

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

Front Door Exterior Finish

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

Lighting for Spray Operators

Thoughts on how to light the workspace so you can see how wet you're laying down your finish. June 17, 2009

Coloring Oak Grain

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

Imitating a Distressed Paint Finish

Detailed advice on mimicking a retail-store furniture piece's worn and scraped old paint look. February 21, 2011

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

Nail Hole Filling and Blending

Advice on filling and hiding nail holes at the finishing step in a furniture project. March 13, 2009

Water-Based Polyurethane Over Boiled Linseed Oil

Water-based poly isn't compatible with BLO. Now this furniture maker has to strip off the poly and apply a more suitable top coat. October 1, 2010

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

Hard Paint Finish on Plywood Cabinet Interiors

A first-timer gets advice on applying paint to cabinet interiors. December 14, 2009

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

Durability Issues with an Oil-Based Finish

Finisher wonders why re-coats of Tung-based formula are showing unexpected softness. June 17, 2010

Matching a Dull Brown Stain

Experienced finishers advise on how to sneak up on an existing toned and sprayed brown finish. July 14, 2010

Getting Started in Finishing

A cabinet and furniture builder gets advice on a starter spray-gun setup. December 6, 2011

Color Variations in Finished Maple

A discussion of natural differences in wood color, and the effect of finish techniques that may moderate or exacerbate those differences. January 8, 2010

Post-Catalyzed Lacquer Cure Time

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

Troubleshooting a "Mottled" Look with Solventborne Spray Stains

Advice on tip size, pressure and flow settings, and spray technique to achieve even application of stain. June 30, 2009

Clear Topcoat for Milk Paint

A finisher looks for a clear topcoat that he can apply over milk paint on site. October 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

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

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

Auto-Body Filler as Wood Filler

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

Staining Poplar Raised Panel Doors

Advice on staining poplar raised-panel doors. November 14, 2009

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

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

Opaque lacquer finish

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

Warming a Spray Gun in Cold Weather

When a cold spraygun sends the chill into your bones, what can you do? Suggestions for warming blankets, in-line air heaters, and more. April 20, 2011

Filling Big Cracks in Walnut Veneer

Guidance concerning the art of crack filling for a Walnut veneer table top. April 20, 2011

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

Reasons to Strip before Refinishing

A technically grounded look at why relying on a refinish coat to "burn in" to an existing finish is a risky practice. May 28, 2010

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

Dark Maple Tinted Sealer Finish

Tips on how to achieve very dark coverage using dyes added to vinyl sealer. April 18, 2010

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

Low-End Start-Up Spray-Gun and Compressor Choices

Is there a spray gun that will work with a contractor-grade air compressor? Well ... maybe. Here are some other suggestions. October 1, 2010

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

Fuming white oak

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

Glazing Techniques

Advice on achieving good adhesion and appearance with a glazed finish. January 2, 2012

Finish Turns White When Applied

A clock-maker learns to fight the milky-white blush that comes from finishing in cool, humid conditions. December 6, 2011

Glazes and crackles

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

Glazing Performance with MDF Versus Wood

Will a glazed finish hold up better on wood than it will on MDF? September 29, 2009

Glue Spots that Appear After Stain is Applied

A description of scraping, sanding, and touch-up techniques for correcting unsightly glue spots, with some advice on prior prevention strategies. June 8, 2011

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

Compatibility of Solventborne and Waterborne Formulas

A conversation about the feasibility of using solventborne dyes, a vinyl sanding sealer, and a waterborne topcoat on a single piece. April 17, 2010

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

Sanding and Rubbing Out Spar Varnish

Tricky problem: eliminating brush marks and restoring an even gloss to spar varnish — after the piece is installed. April 19, 2011

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

Filling End-Grain Cracks in Slabs

Finishers discuss reinforced epoxy and similar crack-filling materials. September 29, 2009

Custom Mixing for Specified Sheen

Thoughts on mixing up coatings with desired sheen characteristics, on demand. June 17, 2010

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

Making the Switch to Waterborne Finishes

Given the continuing progress with improved formulations, even some skeptics are beginning to adopt waterborne finish systems. September 3, 2010

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

Polyester Versus Epoxy Wood Fillers

Opinions vary on the pros and cons of epoxy and polyester-based wood fillers. May 24, 2010

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

Finishing Delays and Wood Movement in Solid Wood Cabinets

Woodworkers discuss the risks involved when one side of a solid-wood cabinet panel is finished a week or two before the other side. June 18, 2009

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

Finishing a Walnut Slab Tabletop

Finishers talk about Tung oil and linseed oil. March 26, 2009

Brushed Finishes for On-Site Work

December 1, 2009

Pricing for Painted Versus Stained Cabinet Finish

Painting involves additional steps, and can cost more than staining. October 27, 2009

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

Finish Over Air-Dried Pine

Soft resin and volatile natural solvents in softwoods will interfere with finishes unless the wood is kiln-dried at a high enough temperature to "set the pitch."August 17, 2009

Cracking of Lacquer over Shellac

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

Switching Airless Rig from Lacquer to Latex Paint

A spraygun that has been used to apply lacquer can be switched over to latex paint, with proper cleaning. Here's how. October 15, 2010

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

Nitrocellulose Versus Catalyzed Lacquers for Furniture Finishing

Compared to modern cabinet finish formulas, old-fashioned nitrocellulose offers more ability to fine-tune the color. June 18, 2009

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

Lumber Choices for a Chocolate Brown Finish

Finishers discuss what wood species to start with when a deep brown color is the ultimate goal. July 11, 2009

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

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

Cold Weather Flowout Issues

Troubleshooting a pinhole problem when spraying in a cold shop during winter. May 17, 2010

Catalyzed Varnishes, Offgassing, and Odor

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

Door Finishing and Wood Movement

Thoughts on how to prevent bare wood from being exposed when door panels and frames shrink during dry seasons. November 13, 2009

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

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

Bleed-Through with Paint and Primer

A woodworker describes sanding problems and bleed issues with latex coating. May 28, 2010

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

Mixing Your Own Toner

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

Keeping AAA Tips Spraying when Using Waterborne Finishes

Tips on keeping your tip clean (waterbornes will skin over with even a short pause in the action). April 19, 2011

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

Prices for Finishing a Kitchen

A craftsman who usually finishes only his own cabinetry gets feedback on setting a price to finish someone else's work. March 4, 2009

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

Preventing Blotching on Vertical-Grain Fir

Tips on using a clear wiping stain base before the tinted stain, and related advice to prevent blotchy results. April 30, 2009

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

Troubleshooting Wrinkling in a Conversion Varnish Finish

Pros consider what might cause wrinkling on the second coat of CV on drawer front edges. April 17, 2009

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

Mahogany Color Match Conundrum

Cut one stick in two pieces, and the pieces won't match. Whattayagonna do? April 16, 2009

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

Dark Stain for Maple

Advice on staining maple a dark color, with the use of a washcoat and toners. June 17, 2009

Screw Versus Reciprocating Compressors

Shop owners share thoughts and experiences with different air compressor technologies. August 31, 2009

Shellac Finish Gun and Brush Clean-Up

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

Lacquer Versus Oil Paint for White Cabinet Finishing

Advice on spraying solid white cabinets. June 17, 2010

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

Troubleshooting a Blue Mystery

Finding the culprit when white lacquer mysteriously cures blue. March 28, 2010

Grain Filling: Old School Versus "High Tech"

Extended thoughts on new and old ways to fill grain, without creating an artificial "plastic"" look. June 30, 2009

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

Darkening Wood with Aniline Dyes

Non-grain-raising (NGR) aniline dyes let you get a dark stain into tight-pore wood such as Oak. Here's advice on mixing and application. February 21, 2011

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

Learning to Spray with a Cheap Gun

Bought in quantity and treated as disposable, low-end cup guns have their place. But it's hard for a beginner to troubleshoot his results if he's using cheap equipment. March 4, 2009

Odors from Over-Catalyzed Varnish

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

Waterborne Peeling over Stain

Troubleshooting advice for a case where a waterborne topcoat is peeling away from an oil stain. May 18, 2010

Finishes for Birdseye Maple Veneer

Ideas for enhancing the grain figure of birdseye Maple. February 21, 2011

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

Wood Sink Finish

A finisher seeks ways to protect a Teak sink. December 14, 2009

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

Adhesion Problems over Aluminum "Silver" Leaf

Advice on how to make a clear finish stick to aluminum leafing. October 15, 2009

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

Matching the Look of Aged Barnboards

There's more than one way to make fresh new lumber resemble timeworn barnwood. Here's a choice of methods. October 1, 2010

Spray Booth Safety

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

Lacquer Finish for Timbers with High Moisture Content

Advice on finishing large timbers that may not be completely dry. March 28, 2010

Linseed Oil, Tung Oil, Shellac, Varnish, and Darkening of Cherry

Advice on tweaking an oil-based furniture finish formula, and on the tendency of wood and finish to darken over time. March 9, 2010

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

Second Applications of Wiping Stain

Multiple applications of wiping stain, whether by wiping again or by light spraying, can be tricky. Different finishers report different results. August 6, 2010

Waterborne Finish Systems and Green Credentials

Is the advantage of a "green" rating worth the hassle of switching to a waterborne finish system? August 16, 2009

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

Shopping for a Pressure-Pot Spray Gun

Advice on choosing a low-end spray system, and on which upgrades make sense. August 15, 2011

Both Sides, Now

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

Waterborne Finishes Versus Solventborne Conversion Varnishes

Comparing the characteristics of solventborne and waterborne finishes, with some tips on success with waterbornes. June 30, 2009

Troubleshooting Orange Peel with Waterborne Lacquers

Formula thinning and spraygun adjustments solve an orange peel problem for a finisher. April 29, 2011

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

Filling Pores in Painted Oak Cabinets

Finishers have suggestions for filling grain and pores before the first coat. But after the paint or coating is on, it's tough. December 6, 2011

Making Oak "Look Old"

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

Paint or Matching Conversion Varnish?

Many CV suppliers can match latex paint colors. Here's a conversation on which is more practical for the cabinet finisher to use. April 19, 2011

Discoloration of Waterborne Finish on Imported Oak Plywood

A finisher finds that cheap imported plywood reacts badly with waterborne coatings. A barrier coat of shellac seems to prevent this, however. March 28, 2010

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

Finishing a Teak Table

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

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

Glue Catalyst Bleed-Through on Veneer

Undissolved adhesive catalyst can bleed through and discolor veneer with unsightly spots long after finishing. November 15, 2010

India Ink with Shellac for a Piano Finish

Advice about an uncommon approach to achieving a deep black finish on a piano. December 6, 2011

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

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

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

Is This Fan Explosion Proof?

The electrical code references a range of safety ratings for spray booth fans, which relate to the classifications of hazards and the rules for fan location and control switching. November 16, 2011

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

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

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

Latex as Cabinet Finish?

Some new formulas of latex paint spray almost as easily and hold up almost as well as pigmented varnishes. April 19, 2011

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

Sample Deck for Specifying Finishes

Here's an interesting discussion about how to produce a set of finish samples in various gradations for use in communicating with a distant factory. May 30, 2011

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

Why Is Finish Curling Alder Veneer?

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

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

Converting a Pressure Pot to Liquid-Flow Application

Can a pressure pot be adapted to apply stain as a flowing liquid, not a spray? October 14, 2010

What's the best HVLP system?

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

Paint Additives for Glass-Smooth Brush Finish

Advice on achieving near-perfect flow-out and smoothness with roller-applied and brushed-out paint. May 7, 2009

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

Joint Telegraphing Problem with Conversion Varnish

Trying to identify causes and solutions for lines that show up at wood joints late in the finishing process. February 29, 2012

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

Spraying Carvings without Drips

Advice on guns, tips, and methods for feathering in the finish on detailed carved woodwork. February 21, 2011

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

French Polish Basics

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

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

Compressor and Gun Air Pressure Settings for an HVLP Spraygun

Set the compressor a little high and the gun a little low, then dial it in with test boards — here's how. April 19, 2011

Brushing a Topcoat Onto Lacquered Trim

Brushing a coat of lacquer onto already installed lacquered trim is not a great idea. May 17, 2010

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

Dark Cerused Oak Finish

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

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

Spraying Stain Into Box Corners

Advice on spray and wiping techniques for even coverage on box interiors. August 17, 2009

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

Finishing a Wood Cabinet in a Shower Area

A commercial job in a wet area calls for extra-special care. December 6, 2011

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

Cleaning Up Silicone to Fight Fisheye

Once you have silicone contamination on a cabinet, it's very hard to get rid of. Here's another look at a common and pesky problem. January 2, 2012

Finishing Polyurethane Mouldings

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

Chipped Paint Finish

Tips on achieving the look of chipped, cracked, eroded paint. August 17, 2009

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

Wide Belt Sander Choices

More advice on selecting a widebelt sander. April 27, 2011

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

Matching the Grain Definition of Solvent-Borne Stain Using Waterbornes

Careful colorant choice, some formula tweaking, and careful application may do the trick. July 14, 2010

Brushing on a Waterborne Primer

A small-time cabinetmaker looks for a primer he can brush onto the edges of door panels. September 3, 2011

Conversion Varnish Pot Life and Durability

Does extended pot life (days or longer) in a conversion varnish come at the expense of other desirable qualities? July 7, 2011

Exterior Door Re-Finishing In Place

Is it possible (or advisable) to re-coat a wood entry door on site? January 18, 2011

Suggested AAA Settings for Waterborne

Instructions for a beginner on dialing in an air-assisted airless spraygun. November 3, 2010

Troubleshooting a Mold Problem on Redwood Siding

An unusual insulated wall assembly with redwood siding over asphalt paper and studs has a mold problem — but just between the studs. April 24, 2009

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

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

Cleaning an Air-Assisted Airless after^ Using Pigmented Products

If you use the same AAA gun for applying pigmented as well as clear finishes, you should practice careful cleaning. April 19, 2011

Durability of Wax Finishes

Traditional wax finishes such as beeswax or carnauba wax can last for many years if not exposed to wear or chemicals. September 5, 2010

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

Cleaning Oil-Based Enamel Paint Overspray Off Conversion Varnish

Clay bar or a mild solvent is recommended for removing paint overspray from a CV finish. February 12, 2010

MDF Panel Warpage

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

Tips for a Black Finish with Rub-Through

Advice on formulas, application, and sanding for a distressed black-over-brown sand-through finish. September 30, 2009

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

Preventing Blushing of Pre-Cat in Humid Weather

White haze (blushing) in pre-catalyzed finishes is a common problem in hot, humid weather. Here are tips on preventing it, and correcting it when it does occur. December 9, 2010

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

Hook and Loop Versus Peel and Stick Sanding Pads

Cabinetmakers discuss sandpaper preferences. April 16, 2010

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

Sanding Tool Choices: Pneumatic Versus Electric

Woodworkers discuss the merits and drawbacks of various finish sander options. April 14, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Lifting Problems with Urethane on Bare Wood

An isolation coat is recommended for this guitar maker struggling with lifting of urethane coatings from oily wood fretboards. July 11, 2009

Cabinet Door Spraying Setups

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

Adhesion Problems with Gold Leaf and Nitrocellulose

A finisher looks for ideas to improve gold leaf performance. April 16, 2010

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

Is It Worth Clear Coating over Opaque Finishes?

Applying a clear topcoat over a pigmented conversion varnish has advantages and drawbacks. November 15, 2011

Shellac Thickness and Finish Compatibility

Thoughts on shellac choices and application techniques to improve performance of topcoats over the shellac. May 17, 2010

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

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

Repairing Damage to Laquered Woodwork

Advice on sanding and touching up some trimwork that has been attacked by drips of some sort of solvent-containing substance. January 18, 2011

Spots in Toner Coat

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

Sanding Inside Corners of Drawer Boxes

Short answer: sanding sponges. March 26, 2010

Oops! Fixes for an Under-Catalyzed Finish

When you spray conversion varnish without the proper dose of catalyst, is there any remedy short of stripping and starting over? July 29, 2011

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

Tip Clogging in Air-Assisted Airless Guns

The low pressure and low flow can lead to a lot of clogging at the tip. Here's some discussion about filtering and cleaning.December 6, 2011

Dye Basics

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

Filling Deep Knotholes

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

Yet Another Fisheye Mystery

Finishers add more names to the long list of usual suspects in a fisheye case. April 19, 2011

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

2K Poly Versus Conversion Varnish

Comparing two-component polyurethane with converersion varnish on practical terms. April 15, 2012

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

Staining Resin Corbels to Match Walnut

Advice on a finishing schedule to make synthetic trim elements blend in with natural wood. December 2, 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

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

Applying Nosing to Prefinished Plywood

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

Respirator Filter Storage

For long life, respirator filter cartridges should be stored in a sealed bag or container when not in use. April 30, 2009

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

Finishing Brightwork on Boats

Sailors and woodworkers describe what boat finishing is really all about. March 28, 2012

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

Lower Temperature Limits for Spraying Finishes

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

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

Toning with Waterborne Lacquer

Tips on sneaking up on the tone you want. August 15, 2011

Touching Up Spray Acrylic Pigmented Lacquer

Advice on touch-up methods for an acrylic lacquer spray job on built-in cabinetry. May 21, 2009

Finish Troubles on Cedar

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

Hand-Rubbed Finish Ideas

"Hand-rubbed" may mean different things to different people. March 28, 2010

Lingering Odor in Enclosed Space

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

Re-Glazing Factory-Finished Doors

Thoughts on how to refinish brand new painted and glazed cabinet doors, for more consistent results. August 17, 2009

Turbine Versus Compressor

Which is better with an HVLP gun? March 28, 2012

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

Black Waterborne Finishes

How to get excellent results with black waterborne lacquer. November 15, 2010

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

On-Site Kitchen Finishing Advice

Tips on spray finishing kitchen cabinets on site. May 13, 2009

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

DIY Poly Finishes for Furnituremakers

Furnituremakers who finish their own table tops don't have to settle for finish failures. April 20, 2011

Micro-Bubbles with an Air-Assisted Airless

Compared to a cup gun, an AAA spraygun might shear the fluid and introduce gas that creates tiny bubbles in the wet coat. Here are some suggested work-arounds. April 19, 2011

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

Matching Finish on Cherry

Cherry darkens over time from exposure to light. Matching older pieces is tricky. February 12, 2010

Comparing Canister and Bulk Contact Adhesives

It's tricky to make an apples-to-apples comparison between different contact cement formulas in a production environment. March 13, 2009

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

Exceeding Pot Life on Conversion Varnish

Thoughts on pushing the pot-life envelope with conversion varnish after catalyzing a batch. August 16, 2009

Achieving a Silky Feel with a Lacquer Finish

A finisher looks for an additive or surface treatment to make a finished surface feel smooth to the touch. October 1, 2010

Touching Up CV in the Field

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

Waterborne Lacquer Adhesion Mystery

Finishers discuss factors that could prevent lacquer from sticking to Oak furniture. May 17, 2010

Prepping End Grain for Finishing to Prevent Too-Dark Results

There's more than one way to condition end grain so it won't soak up too much finish and look different when compared to the rest of the piece. November 15, 2010

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

Hand-Made Appearance of a Scrub Plane

To get the scalloped look of this made-in-Mexico cabinet, you need a scrub plane — a traditional tool that some woodworkers really like. March 4, 2009

How to Clean Spray Booth Exhaust Stacks

Finishers discuss whether it's worth the effort to clean the exhaust vent stack for a spray booth. April 18, 2010

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

Lacquer over Stain Adhesion Problem

Troubleshooting a case where lacquer easily flakes off after application over a popular stain product. October 26, 2011

Aging and Distressing Douglas Fir

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

Why Use Both Dye and Stain

Pros explain the value of using dyes and stains in combination, and provide advice on technique. December 14, 2009

Filtering out isocyanates

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

Applying Waterborne Urethane over Solventborne Stain

Solvents in an undercoat are likely to adversely affect waterborne topcoats. Shellac in between is the way to play it safe. December 6, 2011

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

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

Protecting the Back Side from Overspray

Ideas for supporting small workpieces so that overspray doesn't bounce back and get on the back of the piece. November 15, 2010

Finish Causing Ripples in Veneer

Troubleshooting a bad interaction between finish formulas and veneer adhesives. May 18, 2009

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

Applying UV-Cured Coatings to Flooring

Commercial pre-finished flooring comes with a UV-cured urethane finish, but that's an advanced process best left to the specialists. June 17, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Cracking Precat

Pre-catalyzed finishes can have problems with brittle failure, cracking, and crazing (especially some of the early formulations). The only fix is to strip and start over. January 2, 2012

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

How Many Times to Sand During Finishing

Finishers discuss when and how often to sand when spraying multiple coats of waterborne finish. December 2, 2009

Tung-Oil Based Finishes for Walnut Trim

Questions and answers about using Tung oil to finish trimwork on site. June 30, 2009

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

Fingerprints in Finish

A cabinetmaker tries to figure out how his pieces are getting fingerprints on them. January 2, 2012

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

A "Green" Finish for a Cuban Mahogany Bench

Thoughts on the meaning of environmental correctness for clear wood finishes, and some interesting history about Cuban Mahogany, a nearly-extinct wood that is making a comeback. March 4, 2009

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

Padding for Drying Racks

Ideas for soft material to apply to wire drying racks to avoid indentations in lacquer finish. August 6, 2010

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

Difficult Staining Poplar

A beginner gets advice on finishing a Poplar bookcase. March 28, 2010

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

Soft-Starting a Compressor

A properly located buffer tank in the air line can keep a compressor from stalling or tripping the breaker on start-up. June 13, 2011

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

Finishing an Exposed Exterior Door

The harsh conditions of a south-facing exterior environment can trash any finish, and the door under it. But here's a closer look at the best bets. October 3, 2011

Polyester Pitfalls

Old hands caution: polyester is a tricky material for the newbie to take on. February 21, 2011

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

Brushed-On Cabinet Finishes

The architect wants a "brushed-on" look — but how can we create that with modern finishes? October 3, 2011

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

Gloss Paint on Veneer

Pondering how to get an opaque finish to look good on veneered cabinet ends. February 16, 2012

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

Finishing Oak: Tips for a Beginner

Advice on finishing a Red Oak gun cabinet, for a newcomer to finishing. October 26, 2011

Sanding and Finishing MDF

How much sanding is involved in getting a nice finish on MDF? September 29, 2009

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

Toning Down Cherry to Match an Older Piece

Same wood, same stain, five years later, doesn't match the original. Whaddaya gonna do? March 4, 2009

Painting wood cabinets

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

Neutralizing a Pink Stain

Picky customers sometimes pick up on color variations between day and night lighting conditions. Fixing that is a puzzle. Here's discussion of a case. March 4, 2009

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

Spray Painting House Exteriors

Quick advice on equipment options and methods for painting houses. December 6, 2011

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

Gun Cleaning Solvents for Waterborne Finishes

Finishers recommend cleaning solutions that will cut waterbornes. March 26, 2009

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

Caulking the Joints of Painted Doors

To caulk or not to caulk? And if to caulk, how to caulk? Good tips here on tips. February 21, 2011

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

Touching Up Potassium Dichromate Sand-Throughs

A tricky problem — how to touch up just a few areas where the finisher has sanded through wood stained with potassium dichromate. March 28, 2010

Cleaning Routine for an Air-Assisted Airless Pump

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

Filling Pores on Fine Carvings

Thorough advice on filling pores without obscuring fine carved detail. June 18, 2010

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

Troubleshooting Finish Blush on a Table Edge

A little denatured alcohol did the trick this time. Can you hear that sigh of relief? April 19, 2011

Spraying White Lacquer

Advice on mixing thinner and retarder into lacquer and primer for good coverage without runs. June 18, 2010

Spraying Latex Paints

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

High-Performance Respirator Cartridges

Thoughts on respirator cartridges that really work. August 17, 2009

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

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