- 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 ......
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
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
- Rolling Out the Grains This technique uses a graining tool to create a "false wood" finish. July 26, 2005
'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
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
Four Decorative Finishes Step-by-step directions for producing four distinctive finishing looks. July 28, 2005
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
Danger in the Woods Woodworkers should be aware of the reactions some people may have to certain species and take appropriate precautions. August 13, 2005
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
A Mysterious Metallic Toner Finish A little investigative work following a sales call reveals the secret to a unique finish. August 13, 2005
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
‘Aging’ Your Finishes Some easy techniques for producing today’s popular looks. August 13, 2005
Marketing Your Business Assessing the value of various types of advertising and marketing tools. 1998.
Making Oak "Look Old" Pros share methods for antiquing oak furniture and cabinets. August 30, 2005
Learning Faux Finishing A discussion of informational and educational resources for beginning faux finishers. August 21, 2006
Options for Carving on Cabinet Doors A cabinetmaker looks for practical ways to make bas-relief carvings on wood cabinet door faces. September 23, 2006
Chatoyance Some woods (with some finishes) offer different looks when struck by light at different angles. Call it shimmer, moire, chatoyance, or whatever — this thread tells you all about where it comes from and how to enhance it. September 26, 2006