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    Knowledge Base Results:

    Rubbing Out Wood Finishes
    Rubbing out a finish is the last step in finishing. The point is to remove imperfections, even out and smooth the surface, and establish a consistent sheen to the finish. Here's a detailed how-to from finishing maestro Jeff Jewitt. February 17, 2007

    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

    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

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

    Making Time in Production Finishing
    Finishers talk about how to organize an efficient, high-volume cabinet finishing operation. May 15, 2008

    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

    Regular or dewaxed shellac?
    is an appropriate primer coat. May 22, 2002

    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

    Moisture Issues with Exterior Screen Doors
    This extensive thread examines wood choices and finishing methods for custom-made exterior screen doors. March 26, 2010

    Yellowing Paint on New Poplar Doors
    This long discussion deals partly with the performance of paint on poplar, and partly with the division of responsibility between the cabinetmaker and the finisher. January 24, 2014

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

    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

    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

    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

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

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

    A 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

    Still Can't Get To The Bottom Of This Pinhole Issue.
    09/30/2014

    Cabinet Door Finish Failure — Diagnosis and Repair
    Finishers play detective on a case of finish failure, and suggest fixes. February 13, 2009

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

    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

    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

    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

    Mahogany Finish - Custom Woodwork Finish for a Brazilian Boat Cabin
    Want to get technical? Read along with this conversation as a newcomer to finishing gets expert feedback on his evolving technique for refinishing a yacht interior in Brazil. April 29, 2012

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

    Tung Oil Finish Differences
    A discussion of the various finish types containing Tung oil and their performance differences. February 27, 2013

    How Not to Finish an Exterior Door
    Sometimes, "finished" is another way to say "all done." February 17, 2014

    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

    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

    Shellac as a Sealer under Lacquer
    Pros discuss the fine points of applying a sealer coat of shellac when refinishing furniture. July 11, 2005

    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

    Hiring a First-Class Finisher
    and how to assess those abilities. July 2, 2008

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

    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

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

    Food Safety and Wood Countertop Finishes
    Objective information about wood finish safety for contact with food is hard to come by. August 27, 2012

    How Many Finish Coats Is Enough?
    Finishers discuss quality expectations and how to meet them. July 11, 2009

    Troubleshooting Wrinkled Shellac
    A refinishing job consists of a wiping stain over the existing finish, then two coats of shellac. What's making the second shellac coat wrinkle? Pros weigh in with advice. August 30, 2005

    Shellac Under Oil or Varnish
    Finishers discuss compatibility and wear issues with using shellac in combination with Tung oil and varnish. October 13, 2008

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

    Is Finishing Witchcraft?
    Happy Halloween. October 25, 2012

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

    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

    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

    Minimum Finish Room Space for a Small Shop
    A startup cabinet shop owner in a small rural market with no commercial finishers asks about a basic finish-room setup for his shop.October 19, 2013

    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

    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

    Why We Like Shellac
    A finisher who's unfamiliar with shellac gets advice on its use, advantages, and limitations. November 5, 2013

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

    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

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

    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

    Shellac Finish Gun and Brush Clean-Up
    Tips on cleaning up equipment after applying shellac. November 27, 2007

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

    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

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

    NC lacquer for kitchen cabinets
    Why shouldn't this old standby be used? March 23, 2003

    Fish-Eye Problems in a Table Refinishing Job
    Here's a detailed and comprehensive thread about the causes of fisheye and the options for fixing it, from simple to advanced.June 18, 2013

    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

    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

    Bleaching, Pickling and Antiquing -- Hardwood Flooring and Millwork
    Customized hardwood finishes offer new decorative dimension. December 3, 2001

    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

    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

    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

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

    Fisheyes and Cleaning Between Coats
    this time involving waterbased finishes on bamboo. October 26, 2007

    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

    Refinishing Outdoor Mahogany Furniture
    Detailed advice on stripping automotive finish from Mahogany furniture and restoring the piece with something more suitable. July 23, 2014

    Dark cherry dyes and stains
    How to get a great-looking, deep cherry finish. June 24, 2001

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

    Waxing Troubles on a Conference Table
    A finisher wants advice on how to successfully wax a finished conference table, but what he gets is mostly advice on how to apply a rubbed-out finish that won't need to be waxed at all. January 25, 2013

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

    Wrinkling of a Shellac Re-Finish
    Pros advise on what could have caused the trouble in an application of shellac to an already finished wood bench. July 28, 2008

    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

    Pricing Finished Versus Unfinished Cabinetry
    Thoughts on breaking the cost of finishing out of the cost of a cabinet job. March 26, 2010

    Charging for Finish Samples and Color-Matching
    Matching a customer's finish sample introduces complications. Here's how some cabinetmakers manage the process and the costs. August 19, 2008

    Sealer Coats with Nitrocellulose Lacquer
    Introductory advice on using nitrocellulose lacquer. December 14, 2009

    Using Prefinished Plywood
    Cabinetmakers discuss why they use material that's finished on both sides, even where only one side will show. March 26, 2008

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

    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

    Waterborne Finishes - Pros and Cons
    Here's a long thread with finishers comparing the attributes of waterborne finishes to solventborne products. May 27, 2014

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

    What's Better for Built-Ins: A Dull or Satin Finish?
    Finishers consider the practical and esthetic aspects of dull, satin, and glossy wood finishes. December 23, 2014

    Re-Finishing Kitchen Cabinets to Hide Yellowing
    Five years down the road, a white lacquer finish on cabinets has yellowed. What are the choices for a re-coat? November 12, 2006

    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

    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

    Linseed Oil Finish for a Period Home
    The clients want an authentic old-time linseed oil finish. A contractor gets advice on how to make it work. July 9, 2005

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

    Wax Finish for a Walnut Slab Table Top
    Furnituremakers discuss wax finishes. December 2, 2009

    Salvaging a Bad Shellac Job
    When a customer's efforts at tinted shellac finishing go haywire, how can a pro help? Here's advice on approaches to a fix. July 29, 2007

    Refinishing Restaurant Tables with Existing Nitrocellulose Lacquer
    best to sand it off and apply something tougher. July 10, 2007

    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

    Preventing a Dull or Flat Look with Waterborne Poly
    If you don't want a waterborne poly finish to look lifeless and drab, take a look at these tips on finish choice and application technique. July 8, 2014

    Finishing Over Pre-Finished Plywood
    Pre-finished plywood takes additional coats nicely, pros report. December 10, 2007

    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

    Hand-Rubbed Wax and Shellac Finishes
    Thoughts and information on applying this beautiful, but less moisture-resistant, finish. May 24, 2006

    Heat Damage to a Shellac and Polyurethane Finish
    Shellac has limited tolerance for heat. In this case, a laptop computer apparently damaged the shellac undercoat. April 17, 2010

    Durable, Repairable Finish for Small Items
    What's a good finish for a small wood item that may get rough use (such as wood cups for headphones)? It's a tough straddle. November 29, 2014

    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

    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

    Wash Coats Under Waterbornes
    Will a shellac wash coat eliminate a sanding step when finishing with waterbornes? Probably not. December 23, 2014

    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

    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

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

    Farmhouse Tabletop Finish
    Finishers evaluate options for furniture coatings. November 27, 2007

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

    Professional Brush Finishes
    Considering the finish options for a kitchen when the architect wants an old-fashioned brushed-on appearance. October 19, 2013

    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 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

    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

    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

    Oil-Based Stain for a Bookcase
    A professional who has used lots of oil-based Minwax stain describes its characteristics. September 18, 2012

    Refinishing a Wax-Finished Table Top
    Advice on removing and existing wax coating, sealing the piece with shellac, and applying a compatible lacquer topcoat. December 30, 2007

    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

    A Smooth Honey Finish on Maple
    Advice on achieving a warm, even tone on Maple cabinet doors. March 9, 2010

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

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

    Troubleshooting Bubbles in Spray Polyurethane
    Advice on eliminating bubbles from a poly finish on a veneered table. August 17, 2009

    Sealing Over Water-Soluble Aniline Dyes
    Bleeding between products makes getting that "piano" finish tricky, but it can be done. March 18, 2005

    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

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

    No-blotch dying
    Methods to achieve uniform finishes. March 5, 2003

    Old-Furniture Refinishing Question: Dye or Stain? Lacquer or Shellac?
    Pros discuss the differences between finishes, and share advice for thoughtfully refinishing old furniture. December 1, 2005

    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

    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

    A Satin Oil Finish on a Wood Instrument
    Finishers discuss a customer request for an unusual finish on a musical instrument. October 26, 2007

    Choosing a Brushable Cabinet Finish to Match Floor Finish
    A finisher needs a finish he can apply to cabinetry on site that will match the floor finish planned for the job. February 17, 2014

    Troubleshooting Spots in a Wiping Stain and Pre-Cat Finish
    This defect could be caused by interaction between the oil stain and the waterborne top coat; or, something might have penetrated through cracks in the top coat. October 26, 2012

    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

    When Lacquer Goes Bad...
    Finishers explain why a lacquer finish would fail after prolonged exposure to moisture, and suggest how to go about refinishing the affected cabinets. April 18, 2006

    Switching to Water-Borne Finishes
    Finishers discuss their experiences working with water-borne finishes. October 26, 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

    Shellac Before Poly Finish on a Custom Table
    Shellac is a good sealer coat to apply to a furniture piece while still under construction, during a delay before final finishing with poly.October 19, 2014

    How To Correct Blotchy Stain on Cherry
    Here's a complicated finishing situation that draws a lot of different opinions, and some useful insights. February 15, 2015

    "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

    Minimizing Grain Raise with Waterborne Finishes
    Finishers discuss pro methods to avoid or counteract the grain-raising effect of water in finish formulas. September 25, 2014

    Finishing Oils
    Here are some opinions and some learning resources for a finisher trying to choose a natural oil finish. July 18, 2013

    Recoating Over a Mystery Finish
    We're not sure what's on this table, but it might be polyurethane. Can anything safely go over it? Now that's a messy subject. October 14, 2006

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

    Finish 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

    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

    Distressing Wood
    Learning how to give new furniture that well-worn look. January 6, 2005

    Advice to a Beginner on Finishing Maple
    The best course may be to hire a pro who has the right equipment and experience. But failing that, here are some ideas about finishing Maple with wipe-on products. March 13, 2014

    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

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

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

    Test results: Waterborne products
    Comparison and testing of several different waterborne products

    Tips for Defect-Free Sanding to a High Gloss
    Finishers trade advice on how to eliminate visible sanding scratches when polishing their work to a high gloss. November 5, 2013

    Staining Black Walnut
    A detailed discussion on staining kiln-dried Walnut. November 14, 2009

    Whether to Finish the Undersides of Upper Cabinets
    Cabinetmakers discuss whether cabinet undersides should be finished. November 30, 2009

    Troubleshooting a Chipping Finish
    The chipping problem in this case could be an adhesion failure caused by sanding wood with too fine a grit. February 16, 2014

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Finishing a Walnut Slab Tabletop
    Finishers talk about Tung oil and linseed oil. March 26, 2009

    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

    Low-Tech Finish for Wood Turnings
    Shellac and a spar varnish dip are two suggestions for a shop with minimal capabilities. January 4, 2014

    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

    Whether to Paint Cabinets Before or After Assembly
    A shop that mass-produces cabinetry looks for a way to speed up its finishing operation. December 23, 2014

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

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

    Matching Antique White Oak
    A finisher gets advice on making new White Oak stock blend in with a piece of reclaimed wood with an oil finish.June 18, 2013

    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

    Fair Wage for a Color Matching Specialist
    What's fair pay for a worker who's skilled and experienced at formulating a finish to match existing? January 4, 2014

    Finishing a Mahogany Bar Top
    Various suggestions for a bar top job. June 8, 2008

    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

    Renewable Finish for High-Traffic Doors
    Finishers discuss how to finish some old doors that take a lot of abuse, so that maintenance staff can periodically do touch-up repairs. October 14, 2006

    Proper nail hole touchup
    Using a material to fill holes that will be compatible with the finish. July 9, 2002

    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

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

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

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

    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

    Cleaning Old Cabinets Before Re-Finishing
    Finishers share their secrets to remove old wax, cleaners, polishes, grease, and grime from existing cabinets before re-finishing. November 25, 2006

    Cutting dadoes and spraying
    Finding the best order to assemble, finish and dado. (Cabinetmaking Forum) May 1, 2003

    Troubleshooting Air-Assisted Airless Performance
    A finisher isn't sure whether he's shopping for a new gun or trying to fix the one he has. Either way, he gets some advice in this thread. October 19, 2013

    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

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

    Troubleshooting a Wrinkled Finish
    Advice on finding out the cause of a wrinkled topcoat. April 18, 2015

    Understanding "TR" and "OP" Durability Ratings
    The TR and OP durability ratings published by the Architectural Woodworking Institute refer to specific categories of finish, and have to be understood to be useful. August 22, 2013

    Waterborne vs. solvent based
    Advantages and disadvantages of water-based finishes

    Water-Based Lacquer Versus Water-Based Urethane
    Properties vary within product categories, as well as across them. March 18, 2005

    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

    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

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

    Finish for a Maple Countertop with Undermount Sink
    Here's a wide-ranging discussion about finishing kitchen countertops made with wood. October 19, 2013

    Finishing Children's Furniture
    Thoughtful advice on child-safe, durable, and simple finishes, both pigmented and clear. March 9, 2010

    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

    Removing Tung Oil from Existing Finished Cabinets
    How do you get Tung Oil off cabinets without damaging the underlying previous finish? That depends on the nature of the underlying coat. May 6, 2014

    On-Site Kitchen Finishing Advice
    Tips on spray finishing kitchen cabinets on site. May 13, 2009

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

    Recoating with Conversion Varnish over an Old Finish
    Adding a more durable topcoat over an existing softer finish can introduce tricky problems. August 26, 2006

    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

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

    Avoiding Raised Grain on Oak Using Water-Based Finish
    It takes the right schedule of spraying, drying and sanding. March 18, 2005

    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

    When to use waterbornes
    Applications where waterborne coatings will and won't work. May 22, 2002

    Troubleshooting Rough Veneer on Furniture
    An extended discussion of the adhesive, veneering or finish issues that could create roughness on veneered pieces after some time in service. June 11, 2014

    Square-Foot Pricing for Volume Work
    When a potential customer suggests a low-ball price for a volume job, finishers chime in with information about the realistic costs of such a project. May 27, 2014

    Toning On Site with Water-Borne Formulas
    Detailed info for a finisher preparing to refinish all the woodwork in a 9000-square-foot house. October 25, 2006

    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

    Waterborne Finishes Versus Solventborne Conversion Varnishes
    Comparing the characteristics of solventborne and waterborne finishes, with some tips on success with waterbornes. June 30, 2009

    Sealing Up a Bleeding Finish
    Shellac is the go-to barrier coat for evil spirits that soak through topcoats. But don't sand the shellac or you'll defeat its effectiveness. June 18, 2013

    Fine Points of Glazed Finish Applications
    A long discussion of glaze formulation and application techniques. July 29, 2007

    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

    Hard Paint Finish on Plywood Cabinet Interiors
    A first-timer gets advice on applying paint to cabinet interiors. December 14, 2009

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

    Filling Pores on Oak Flooring
    A woodworker wants a natural finish on an Oak floor, but he wants to keep dirt out of the pores. June 28, 2010

    Finishing Wood Stairs on Site
    Formulas and methods for finishing a new staircase in a home. February 21, 2011

    Black Spots Under Clear Coat on an Exterior Door
    Finishers troubleshoot finish failure on an exterior door sprayed with clear lacquer. September 27, 2008

    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

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

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

    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

    A Hard Bar Finish for Soft Wood
    No finish will make a soft wood hard. But for a redwood bar top, some finishers suggest a penetrating epoxy. August 21, 2006

    Trapped Bubbles in Waterborne Finish Coats
    Pros troubleshoot another case of those pesky bubbles. July 3, 2008

    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

    Walnut Slab Table Top Finishing Tips
    Woodworking and finishing tips for a craftsman working on a Walnut slab table. January 8, 2010

    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

    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

    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

    Shellac and Lacquer On Rosewood
    One finisher's S.O.P. for finishing Rosewood. May 21, 2009

    Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets on Site
    Here's an in-depth discussion of the difficulties of re-finishing a kitchen full of cabinetry in place. June 30, 2014

    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

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

    Prep Coats for Oak Before Spraying Lacquer
    A shellac coating applied before the lacquer goes on will improve results and help prevent problems. March 28, 2008

    A Clear Topcoat over Antique Paint
    Old paint (maybe egg tempera) on antique corbels presents a puzzle for finishers — how to protect it without damaging it? February 13, 2009

    Cleaning and Restoring a Historic Door Finish
    Here's some detailed advice on gently and safely cleaning historic doors without damaging existing old finishes. July 2, 2008

    Darkening a Danish Oil Finish on Walnut
    Thoughts on tweaking the color of Walnut after it has already been coated with an oil-based home brew.September 18, 2014

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

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

    Dulling Down a Poly Finish
    It's hard to remove gloss by sanding or polishing. A new topcoat may be the only practical answer. July 3, 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

    Cleaning Up a Shellac Spot
    How to level out an accidental drip of shellac sealer. February 19, 2006

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

    Troubleshooting Blushing on Cabinet Doors in Use
    Three months after the job, doors finished with waterborne conversion varnish are blushing. The culprit turns out to be ammonia in a household cleaner.October 20, 2013

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

    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

    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

    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

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

    Shellac for Exterior Priming
    Shellac isn't recommended for outdoor use. But some people report that they've gotten away with it. June 18, 2009

    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

    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

    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

    Finish Stripping Basics
    Tips on stripping finishes without damaging the cabinet or furniture piece. March 3, 2010

    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

    Refinishing Doors Dulled by Cleaning Products
    It's a case of over-zealous cleaning. What's the fix? November 15, 2010

    Cupping of a Solid Wood Countertop
    Woodworkers troubleshoot a case of moisture-related movement in a kitchen countertop. April 14, 2010

    Blotching on maple
    Staining maple without blotching

    Duplicating a Ceruse Finish
    A finisher tries to figure out how to copy the finish in a photo — but then he gets the answer. April 18, 2015

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

    Achieving the "Fumed" Look on White Oak
    A discussion of workable finish schedules to approximate a "fumed" finish. February 18, 2006

    Troubleshooting a Rough Finish Inside Drawer Boxes
    Here's a long thread full of advice for spraying the insides of drawers. October 20, 2013

    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

    Troubleshooting Milky White Discoloration on Wenge Veneer
    Cabinetmakers and finishers look at the weak points of a kitchen finish system. September 3, 2010

    Waterbased Finish Schedule for a Cherry Kitchen
    Finishers share their schedules for Cherry kitchen cabinets. January 29, 2009

    Soft, "Buttery"-Feeling Finishes
    How do commercial cabinet companies achieve the pleasing tactile surface feeling some finishes seem to have? April 18, 2015

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

    Tung Oil Finishes for Wood Veneer
    Recommendations for effective tung oil finish formulations. July 18, 2008

    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

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

    Filling Dents with Burn-In Sticks
    Detailed advice from experienced pros on how to touch up dings and dents in furniture. November 8, 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

    Re-Painting Kitchen Cabinets
    Finishers discuss the options for painting cabinets in a home, while the owners are living there. August 24, 2008

    Problems with Conversion Varnish Sanding Dust Residue
    Finishers discuss how to get pieces clean between the sanding and topcoat steps. December 2, 2009

    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

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

    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

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

    Gluing to Pre-Finished Plywood
    Nothing seems to stick to the UV-cured finishes on pre-finished plywood. March 25, 2010

    Refinish Rosewood Antiques with Shellac
    Advice on sourcing shellac for a period piece, and on refinishing for an old-style look. August 1, 2011

    Finishing Zebra Wood
    One finisher's experience with applying finish to Zebrawood cabinets and turnings. January 27, 2008

    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

    Appearance Defects with Waterborne Finishes Applied to Plywood
    As plywood quality declines, finishing problems multiply. Here's a look at why plywood is so hard to finish these days. November 29, 2014

    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

    Dark Refinish for Existing Maple Cabinets
    Advice on using sealcoat and toner over a factory finish to darken maple cabinets — a tricky process that may yield unsatisfactory results. January 28, 2013

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

    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

    Troubleshooting a Wrinkling Problem
    A clear conversion varnish sealer is wrinkling in a few spots over an oil-based stain. What's the problem? July 11, 2013

    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

    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

    Waterborne and Shop Temperature or Humidity
    Some waterborne products are sensitive to temperature and humidity conditions in the finishing shop. March 9, 2010

    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

    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

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

    Tung-Oil Based Finishes for Walnut Trim
    Questions and answers about using Tung oil to finish trimwork on site. June 30, 2009

    Tinting Waterbornes for an Amber Effect
    Is there any way to make waterborne finishes take on the warm amber glow characteristic of solventborne formulas? July 18, 2013

    Struggling to Remove a Super-Tough Finish
    A seemingly bulletproof finish that seems to resist all chemical strippers finally yields to a heat gun. April 15, 2012

    Witness Lines from Shellac Application
    Advice on hand-applying and sanding shellac in combination with transtint dyes and linseed oil. July 7, 2011

    Estimating Time to Finish One Free-Standing Wood Cabinet
    Finishing one piece of furniture can be surprisingly time-consuming. September 27, 2008

    Furniture Refinishing Basics
    A beginner gets advice on cleaning, stripping, and refinishing several pieces of furniture. October 13, 2008

    Matching Old and New Floor Finishes
    A floor refinisher struggles with achieving a visual blend between old oil-finished floors and a waterborne refinish job. November 3, 2010

    "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

    Getting a Higher Sheen on Existing Conversion Varnish
    Trying to make a kitchen cabinet shinier, in place. October 19, 2013

    Lacquer Checking in Crotch Mahogany Veneer
    When nitrocellulose lacquer checks on veneered furniture, pros suggest other finishes. March 9, 2008

    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

    Matching Stain Jobs on Black Walnut
    Along with stain characteristics, wood grain is an important factor in matching a finish. April 29, 2012

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

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

    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

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

    Lacquer Finish for Timbers with High Moisture Content
    Advice on finishing large timbers that may not be completely dry. March 28, 2010

    Fisheye in a Kitchen Re-Finish
    Cleaning and seal-coat advice for a kitchen refinish job plagued with fisheye problems. March 3, 2010

    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

    Finishing Cherry Without Blotching
    More tips and tricks for even staining with Cherry wood. February 13, 2009

    Exterior Door Re-Finishing In Place
    Is it possible (or advisable) to re-coat a wood entry door on site? January 18, 2011

    Finishing a Wooden Sink
    Suggestions for an extreme case: a finish to protect a sink made from Mahogany. August 31, 2009

    Finishing a Black Walnut Slab Table Top
    Finishers recommend hand-rubbed natural oils for a rich, deep finish on beautiful walnut. December 30, 2007

    Finishing Over Epoxy Acrylate
    It's an all-solid UV-cured finish, probably very hard but maybe brittle. February 8, 2008

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

    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

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

    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

    Carton Marks on Finished Furniture
    A furnituremaker considers how to prevent his cardboard packaging from abrading the finish on his pieces. February 15, 2015

    Contact Cement Failure with Veneer after Finishing
    Is the problem caused by the finish, the solvent carrier, the adhesive, or what? September 25, 2014

    Advice for a Beginner on Finishing Cherry Cabinets
    Here's some help along the learning curve for a newbie to cabinet finishing. April 24, 2014

    Barrier Coat Between Polyurethane and Lacquer
    De-waxed shellac should work well to protect an existing waterborne poly from a new coat of pre-catalyzed lacquer. May 7, 2007

    Conversion Varnish over Shellac?
    Finishers describe their experiences using shellac coats under CV. February 27, 2013

    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

    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

    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

    Yet Another Look at Solvent Pop
    Another cabinet finisher struggles with solvent pop. July 11, 2009

    Troubleshooting "Craters" in 2K Poly
    Is it fisheye? Solvent pop? Water in the lines? A finisher gets help with a finish defect. March 12, 2015

    Solid Color Finishes for Kitchens
    Finishers share views on the selection and application of solid-color finishes for kitchen cabinetry (including thoughts on site application and/or touch-up).November 29, 2014

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

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

    Waterborne Glazes over a Pre-Cat Finish
    Many water-borne and solvent-borne (oil-based) finishes are mutually compatible, and coats may be alternated (with certain cautions). May 27, 2008

    Tung-Oil Varnish over Shellac
    You can apply oil-based varnish over shellac, but you don't need both — just pick one or the other. May 7, 2007

    Glazing and Toning over Clear Lacquer
    Detailed advice on formulas and application methods that will achieve a dark walnut tone on oak cabinets that already have a coat of clear lacquer. May 17, 2005

    Matching Red Oak to Existing White Oak Cabinets
    A difficult (if not impossible) matching problem leads to a discussion on how to get a uniform look in different woods. June 8, 2007

    Refinishing a Silicone-Contaminated Antique
    Silicone-containing furniture polish residue can be a refinisher's nightmare. Here, pros discuss the problem and suggest ways to cope. March 2, 2006

    Replicating a Finish Color
    Same stain brand and color, different result: what's up with that? Advice for a new finisher on getting the color he wants. August 29, 2014

    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

    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

    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

    "Paint" Cabinet Finish 101
    and needs basic advice for getting started with opaque color finishes. July 3, 2008

    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 Split-Jamb Doors in the Shop
    Advice on handling and stacking unwieldy split-jamb doors while finishing before installation. July 18, 2013

    Grain Sinking with Nitrocellulose Finish on a Guitar Body
    An old-fashioned nitro finish on a guitar can require multiple coats and many weeks of curing time. January 29, 2014

    Removing Lacquer Without Removing Stain
    A guitar repair job brings up the tricky problem of how to gently remove lacquer from a stained piece. March 8, 2007

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

    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

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

    Re-Creating a Historic 1775 Finish
    Walnut shells? Milk paint? Finishers discuss farmhouse furniture finishes from our forefathers' time. October 25, 2007

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

    Making Acrylic Paint Stick Over Oil Paint
    Quick answer: shellac primer. July 29, 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

    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

    Adding Glaze to Factory Cabinets
    Recommendations for glazing stock cabinet doors in a way that will be compatible with the existing factory finish. April 24, 2014

    Durability Issues with an Oil-Based Finish
    Finisher wonders why re-coats of Tung-based formula are showing unexpected softness. June 17, 2010

    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

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

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

    Dull Haze Problem when Cleaning Lacquer with Naphtha
    A finisher gets advice on why he's getting a dull, cloudy look an a nitrocellulose finish after using naphtha to clean the surface. February 15, 2009

    Coating Over Tung Oil
    Once they're dry, tung oil finishes can be recoated with lacquer. November 12, 2006

    Stabilizing Details for a Mahogany Island Top
    Concerned about wood movement, pros consider options including threaded rod reinforcement, sliding dovetails, or thin-sawing the wood. December 10, 2008

    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

    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

    Uniform Dark Stain for Cherry
    Finishers share their formulas and methods for staining and toning cherry. June 30, 2007

    The Fine Points of Spraying Dye Stain
    Pros supply mixing and application tips. April 14, 2005

    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

    Shaders and Toners: Defining Terms
    Shades of meaning in finishing terminology. June 18, 2010

    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

    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

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

    Finish Failure at Door Frame Joints
    What caused this defect: Wood moisture, glue characteristics, finish issues, or all three? August 17, 2009

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

    Finishing Big Batches of Cabinet Doors
    A finisher gets advice on finish schedules, color consistency, and efficiency for a high-volume job. June 18, 2009

    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

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

    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

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

    Finishing a Metal and Wood Assembly
    A furnituremaker struggles to find a finish that will work on a rough-contoured surface that includes both metal and wood. April 29, 2013

    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

    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

    Options for Finishing Cherry
    Cabinetmaker gets advice on finish combinations and application techniques. July 9, 2005

    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

    Finish Choices for the High School Shop
    What finish is advisable for instructional purposes in a high school? April 17, 2009

    Multiple Coats of Reactive Finishes
    Two-part finishes don't "burn in" to previous layers of the same coating. Here are tips on careful scuff-sanding and re-application for building up the finish on a fine piece such as a musical instrument. February 12, 2007

    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

    Automatic Flat-Line Finishing Systems
    Is an automatic flat-line reciprocating high-volume spraying setup practical? February 23, 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

    Dye Stains for Exterior Door Refinishing
    Some finishers have had success pairing stain or pigment components with well-known exterior semi-transparent coatings. February 21, 2011

    Application Advice for Pigmented Lacquer
    Advice on application and touch-up methods for pigmented pre-catalyzed finishes. November 29, 2014

    Can Spray Finishing Co-Exist with Hand Brushing?
    Yes, in an on-site refinishing situation, some pros have success removing the doors for spraying in the shop, and brushing the carcases on site. Here are some details. April 21, 2008

    De-Waxing Shellac Under Difficult Circumstances
    Removing impurities from shop-mixed shellac in a world where impurities come with the territory. April 29, 2012

    Clear Finish that Won't Color Wood?
    Is there any clear finish that will not modify the natural hue of a pine door? November 8, 2007

    Catalyzed Finishes
    There are many different types of catalyzed finishes; lacquers, conversion varnish, polyurethanes, polyesters and even some vinyl sealers. Each of these finishes has their own particular set of characteristics with different strengths and weaknesses. Here's a rundown on catalyzed finishes and what m ......

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Troubleshooting Waterborne Finish Beading on "Green" Particleboard
    A finisher tackles compatibility problems with architect specs on a "green" commercial job. April 18, 2010

    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

    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

    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

    Repairing a Deep Gouge in Veneer
    Expert advice on filling, patching, and blending for a repair job. November 14, 2009

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

    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

    Natural Finish for Barnwood Table Top
    Here's a collection of tried and proven recipes for finishing furniture built with reclaimed barn siding and framing timbers. April 15, 2013

    Finishing Techniques for Blotch-Prone Wood
    A cabinetmaker who uses a lot of Alder gets some advice on finishing the wood without creating a blotchy appearance. June 18, 2013

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

    Finishing a Hand-Scraped Wood Surface
    Finishers and furnituremakers discuss the fine points of scraping and hand-planing, and of applying finish to a hand-worked wood surface. February 15, 2015

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

    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

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

    Repairing Small Cracks in Wood Under an Oil Finish
    This thread offers fine points of repairing wood under a low-build finish, along with some interesting info on surface defects related to bacterial wood infection. May 15, 2012

    Eliminating "Waviness" in a Polyester Full Fill Panel Finish
    The trick is to make the panel dead flat before finishing. Here's advice on sanding methods. October 28, 2009

    Refinishing Old Church Pews
    Thoughts on how to figure out what the original finish is on some church pews, and refinish with a compatible formula. February 13, 2009

    Replicating a Dark Pearl Finish
    Thoughts on a challenging finishing project: imitating a "mother of pearl" finish. March 4, 2009

    Metallic Finishes on Wood
    Woodworkers pursue some out-there metallic finish looks, using products from the automotive finishing world. April 10, 2008

    Gun Recommendations for Spraying Shellac
    Advice on gun and tip choices for use with shellac. December 6, 2011

    Retouching Shellac Finish Errors
    Pencil and brush techniques for touch-up on a tinted shellac repair job. December 28, 2007

    Dangers of On-Site Finishing
    Health and fire risks that accompany improper ventilation. September 20, 2004

    Avoiding Swirl Marks in Finish Sanding
    Grit choices, sander type, and technique can all affect finish sanding performance. May 6, 2010

    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

    Basics of Furniture Stripping
    A newcomer to refinishing learns some early lessons. March 9, 2010

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

    Achieving a 3-D Effect with Curly Maple
    Comments on enhancing grain figure and chatoyance. December 27, 2006

    Choosing Oak for a Cerused (Limed) Finish
    Advice on choosing wood with the appropriate grain for an attractive look when given a ceruse finish. November 14, 2014

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

    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

    Automotive Spray Guns for Wood Finish
    A few thoughts on how guns like Iwata and Sata compare with air-assisted airless spray setups. February 15, 2015

    Decal Delaminating from Epoxy Finish
    Troubleshooting a situation where a decal on a wood table is lifting under the epoxy finish. March 13, 2014

    Applying Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer over a Tung Oil Wash-Coat
    A light coat of thinned oil finish can work as a wash coat under precatalyzed lacquer, but there might be better alternatives. September 16, 2008

    Barrier Coat Between Aniline Dye and Waterborne Urethane Topcoat
    Finishers give advice on how to prevent a brushed-on waterborne urethane topcoat from re-dissolving and streaking a dye coat. September 29, 2009

    Correcting Finish Fading Caused by Light
    Advice on how to even up the finish tone in an area where a hanging mirror has left its shadow on a cabinet end. May 16, 2014

    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

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

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

    Understanding Lacquer Thinner
    Is it okay to combine your preferred brand of finish with a thinner made by a different manufacturer? Here's a close, careful look at that question. April 29, 2013

    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

    Switching from a Cup Gun to an Air-Assisted Airless
    Finishers give advice about how to adjust to the differences between cup spray-guns and air-assisted airless models. May 27, 2014

    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

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

    Topcoat Adhesion over Stain Markers
    Stain markers can interact with finishes, as this example demonstrates. November 12, 2006

    Shellac Compatibility with Various Topcoats
    Finishers comment on the practicality of using tinted shellac as a color coat under a clear top coat, and discuss their results when applying shellac before applying various solventborne or waterborne topcoat formulas. October 19, 2014

    Understanding Waterborne Chemistry
    A discussion of the role of water in waterborne formulas, with explanations of why water can't re-dissolve fully cured finishes. June 18, 2010

    Toner Mix Proportion Guidelines
    Recipes for toner formulas vary depending on the the dyes or pigments and solvents used, and the intended purpose of the mixture. May 21, 2009

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

    Sanding Dust Trapped Under Post-Catalyzed Lacquer
    A finishing mistake left white dust trapped under the finish. Now, stripping and refinishing is the only fix. October 8, 2005

    Sealing Over Nitrocellulose on Existing Cabinets
    Nothing beats shellac for sealing between coats. June 18, 2009

    Refinishing Old Pickled Oak
    A finisher needs to strip and refinish a 100-year-old staircase that has been "pickled" with white stain. A lively discussion ensues about dyes, stains, toners, strippers, samples, and the risks you take on one-of-a-kind old work. October 28, 2005

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

    Prepping Kitchen Cabinet Doors for Re-Painting
    Here's a heaping helping of advice for a first-timer about to recoat some kitchen cabinet doors with an opaque finish. January 28, 2013

    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

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

    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

    Refinishing Silicone-Contaminated Furniture
    Suggestions for stripping, cleaning, and sealing furniture that may have been contaminated with silicone-containing furniture polish. February 21, 2011

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

    Recoating Over an Existing Finish
    Finishers advise on a cautious approach to recoating cabinets without sanding down to bare wood. August 21, 2006

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

    Restaurant Table Refinishing
    A beginner gets advice on stripping and refinishing some restaurant table tops. July 29, 2007

    Fixing Little Dents and Dings Before Finishing
    Tips for finding and filling small dents in wood before applying finish. June 30, 2007

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

    Keeping the Gun Clean with Waterborne Finishes
    Easy routines to keep your spraygun from accumulating dried-on finish at the tip. December 23, 2014

    Masking Cabinet Interiors Against Overspray
    Cabinetmakers describe how they mask off cabinets to protect interiors while spraying exteriors. November 11, 2006

    Hanging Finish Lines Versus Horizontal Flow Coaters
    A volume shop considers options for a production finishing line. March 26, 2009

    Fixing Dust Specks in Finish
    Here are a few touch-up suggestions for occasional dust blemishes in a finish coat. December 31, 2013

    Fisheye with a Rattle-Can Repair
    Advice on cleaning and sealcoating to prevent fisheye in a repair to an existing finish. February 1, 2015

    Finishing Room Ventilation
    For low-volume work with brush application of waterborne finishes, the ventilation system can be relatively modest. January 8, 2010

    Is It Worth Learning Touch-Up Techniques?
    Is it worth taking a class on touching up finishes? Some say yes, and some say absolutely. November 28, 2014

    Resources on French polish finishes
    How is this old-world look is achieved, and the modern alternatives. January 16, 2002

    Finishes for a Butcher-Block Countertop with an Undermount Sink
    Suggestions for finishing wood in a tough environment. April 21, 2011

    Prefinished Plywood Repairs
    Touch-up finish products that are compatible with prefinished plywood factory coatings. January 29, 2009

    Finishing Edgebanding
    Thoughts on how to finish edgebanding, before or after application to prefinished panels. November 25, 2008

    Cleaning Off White Dusted Surfaces Caused by Over-Catalyzed Conversion Varnish
    Advice on cleaning off finished surfaces that are experiencing white dust from overcatalyzation. September 8, 2014

    Brushed Finishes for On-Site Work
    December 1, 2009

    B-72 Acrylic
    Detailed information on the properties and use of B-72 acrylic, a versatile sealant widely used as a barrier coating in furniture restoration and conservation. April 10, 2008

    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

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

    Applying High Gloss Black Lacquer
    Finishers suggest ways to achieve a glossy black finish on furniture. August 16, 2012

    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

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

    Choosing an Oil Finish for Veneered Furniture
    Considerations bearing on the choice between Tung oil or urethane for nice furniture. June 17, 2010

    Achieving Consistency When Spray-Finishing a Large Table
    A finisher struggles with keeping his finish from flashing off prematurely when finishing a large piece of furniture. November 29, 2014

    Best Finish for Bar Top?
    Finishers discuss the options for a bar top, considering durability and the ability to apply on site. February 15, 2009

    Bubbling Failure with Shellac and Spar Varnish on Garage Door
    An unusual coating combination fails dramatically in an exterior exposure. December 30, 2007

    Duplicating a Stickley Hand-Rubbed Finish
    Advice and speculation about how to mimic the finish on a period Stickley furniture piece. January 18, 2011

    An Appropriate Finish for Slate
    Wood finishes won't work well with stone. Instead, use a stone sealer. June 10, 2006

    Does Lacquer "Burn in" to Shellac?
    Shellac and lacquer melt together when applied in layers. January 9, 2007

    Troubleshooting Failure with an Iron-On Dried-Glue Veneer Application
    Pros discuss the probable reasons for bubbling of veneer that was applied using a hot iron and dried yellow glue. September 27, 2008

    Troubleshooting Lacquer Adhesion Problems
    Advice on improving adhesion of lacquer over a wiping stain. May 17, 2010

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

    Troubleshooting Finish Cracking over Crotch Mahogany
    Unpredictable wood movement in crotch veneers can lead to problems with finish performance. May 17, 2010

    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

    Troubleshooting "Prints" on a Waxed Table
    Sock-foot imprints on a waxed, factory-finished table turned out to be only in the wax on top. March 9, 2010

    Sand-Like Imperfections in a Conversion Varnish Finish
    Finishers troubleshoot an unusual flaw. November 26, 2007

    Spraying Both Sides of Cabinet Doors
    Finishers describe table and hanger systems that allow them to spray all sides of a set of doors in a single efficient operation. October 16, 2012

    Should I Finish Cabinet Backs and Drawer Bottoms?
    even the ones that don't show. December 28, 2007

    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

    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

    Waterborne Lacquer over Solvent Lacquer
    Product reps won't promise good performance, but some finishers have had good results by cleaning and sanding for a strong mechanical bond. September 3, 2011

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

    Understanding Why Burnished Wood Fails to Hold Finish
    Oxidation of heated wood surfaces explains why heating up wood during machining or sanding can make the surface resistant to adhesion of various finishes or adhesives. October 19, 2014

    Waterborne Bleed-Through Problem
    Advice on using prime coats and shellac to address bleed-through of grain with waterborne finishes. December 9, 2010

    Will Lacquer Re-Dissolve Shellac?
    Most top-coats include some sort of solvent that could melt into shellac. Here's advice on prep sanding and other issues relating to shellac as a bond coat. May 18, 2010

    Ways to Minimize Grain Raising
    Sand after wetting, or seal with shellac before finishing. January 13, 2006

    Measuring and Mixing Small Batches of Finish
    Here's a long, useful discussion of practical ways to measure out your finish, thinner, and catalyst when you only need a very small amount. April 29, 2013

    Problems with Lacquered Hardwood Plaques Sticking Together
    Finishers discuss why a finished pieces would stick together even after months of drying. June 17, 2009

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

    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

    Refinishing an Old Leather Table Top
    Here's a wealth of opinions on how to put a worn leather table top through rehab. March 30, 2008

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

    Finishing Cherry for a Uniform Color
    Cherry is photosensitive and prone to blotching, so trying to overcome the natural differences in color between pieces by sealing and tinting has low odds of success. July 11, 2013

    Glazing Performance with MDF Versus Wood
    Will a glazed finish hold up better on wood than it will on MDF? September 29, 2009

    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

    Metallic Speckles for a Custom Finish
    Inventive ideas for applying metallic speckles in between the dark base coat and clear finish coat of an art piece. December 23, 2014

    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

    Fish-Eye Problem in Re-Finish Following Water Damage
    The story starts with water damage to a conference table caused by leaks during a re-roof of the building, and just gets better from there. August 22, 2013

    Finishing a Wood Cabinet in a Shower Area
    A commercial job in a wet area calls for extra-special care. December 6, 2011

    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

    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

    Preventing Fingerprints on a Black Satin Finish
    Products and techniques to keep fingerprints from marring a black waterborne finish. February 27, 2013

    Lower Temperature Limits for Spraying Finishes
    How cold is too cold for wood finishing? March 12, 2009

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

    Rubbing Out a Waterborne Finish
    Is it worth rubbing out a finish after repairing a few small defects to restore the original sheen? November 15, 2011

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

    Removing Black Dye and Applying a White Coat
    Bleach is good for removing dye, and shellac makes a good barrier coat before topcoating. August 8, 2008

    Glossy Finish for Purpleheart
    A musical instrument maker gets advice on pore-filling glossy finishes that impede UV and oxidation color changes in exotic hardwoods. July 3, 2008

    Low-VOC Finish Recommendations
    California finishers share their views on finishes that comply with tough West Coast VOC regulations. December 8, 2012

    Old Finish (or Stripper) Bleeding Through New
    Deficiencies in stripping and cleaning can cause problems with re-finish coats. July 18, 2008

    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

    Options for Finishing an Ipe Deck
    Finishers chime in with approaches that have worked for them on Ipe decks. December 30, 2007

    Lacquer over Urethane on Site
    A builder gets advice for using a shellac inter-coat to isolate a lacquer top coat from already-applied urethane. October 28, 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

    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

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

    Antiquing Tips, Techniques, and Tools
    Finishers reveal the trade secrets of furniture abuse. August 17, 2009

    Achieving a Gray Finish on Cherry Cabinets
    A discussion of playing with white, black, and color — and some suggestions about trying a different kind of wood, too. November 5, 2013

    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

    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

    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

    Distressed and Rub-Through Finishing Techniques
    Finishers suggest an assortment of methods for achieving a worn look in finished cabinets and furniture. March 28, 2015

    Adhesion Problems with Gold Leaf and Nitrocellulose
    A finisher looks for ideas to improve gold leaf performance. April 16, 2010

    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

    Definition of "Burnishing"
    The term "burnish" is used in a variety of ways in wood finishing. They all have something to do with rubbing. March 13, 2009

    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

    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

    Troubleshooting Micro Bubbles in Pigmented Conversion Varnish
    Sometimes the simplest quick answer is to switch brands. May 16, 2014

    Touching Up a Burn-Through in Maple Plywood
    Striving for perfection in a tough touch-up: finishers swap expert tips. July 29, 2011

    Toning Oak Cabinets in the Direction of Cherry
    Here's a discussion of the ins and outs of toning existing cabinets. June 30, 2014

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

    Spray Booth Floor Treatment?
    Pros discuss strategies to keep floors clean and protected for trouble-free spraying. August 30, 2007

    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

    Staining Poplar Raised Panel Doors
    Advice on staining poplar raised-panel doors. November 14, 2009

    Shopping for a Cup Gun
    A finisher who is used to air-assisted airless equipment gets advice on choosing a cup gun or turbine setup for small projects. June 16, 2014

    Staining, Toning and Shading Maple
    More discussion on the fine points of obtaining even color effects on maple. April 30, 2006

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

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

    Troubleshooting Small Bumps in Finish
    Here's a long list of suggestions for what might be causing small bumps to appear in a finish coat. April 18, 2015

    Why Is Finish Curling Alder Veneer?
    Finish applied to thin veneer may cause curling. July 29, 2007

    Using Toner and Glaze to Darken Existing Cabinets
    Tips and cautions for on-site application of toner and glaze over an existing finish. July 29, 2007

    Touching Up Veneer Sand-Throughs
    Tips for a first-timer on fixing a sand-through defect. August 16, 2012

    Sand-Through Finish Using Two Water-Based Stains
    It's unusual and tricky, but here are some ideas for accomplishing it. March 12, 2006

    Topcoating Over Gold Leaf
    Thoughts on whether and how to finish over gold leaf. November 25, 2008

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

    Touching Up Finger-Rubbed Glossy Areas Near Knobs
    Quick thoughts on how to correct shiny areas near cabinet door knobs, caused by continual rubbing by fingers in use. July 26, 2010

    Troubleshooting Cracks in a Conversion Varnish Finish
    Cracking in a CV finish might relate to excessive thickness. June 9, 2012

    Tung-Oil Floor Finishes
    Thoughts about the characteristics of floor finishes based on or including Tung oil. July 3, 2008

    Sanding Epoxy Inlay to a Gloss
    When sanding an epoxy inlay fill with a fine grit, a woodworker worries about finish adhering to the adjacent wood. December 31, 2013

    The Use of Wax Finishes on Pre-Industrial American Furniture
    Here's a scholarly paper on the history of wax finishes applied to early American furniture, and the difficult challenges of identifying and restoring original wax finishes. December 11, 2007

    Working with "Green" Wipe-On Oil Finishes
    Tung oil is environmentally friendly in its own way, but drying times can be a problematic issue. July 3, 2008

    Shellac Sources
    Looking for shellac powder or flake? Here are some leads. March 3, 2010

    Lacquer without sealer
    A beginner asks for opinions on his system and gets the pros and cons of using a sealer. August 29, 2001

    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

    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

    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

    Refinishing Reproduction Furniture
    A finisher gets advice on how to make repairs to a piece that's not really an antique, but looks a lot like one. December 23, 2014

    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

    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

    Odors from Over-Catalyzed Varnish
    Too much catalyst can cause offensive smells in a varnish job. Here, finishers discuss possible fixes. October 18, 2005

    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

    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

    Making Oak "Look Old"
    Pros share methods for antiquing oak furniture and cabinets. August 30, 2005

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

    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

    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

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

    Finish Defect Spots on Outsourced Doors
    Contamination during handling is an occasional problem with doors shipped unfinished. September 16, 2008

    Painting MDF Cabinet Doors
    Some finishes raise the fibers on MDF (especially at machined profiles), creating sanding and recoat headaches. Here's advice on minimizing the problem. October 19, 2014

    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

    Packaging Finished Products for Shipping or Transport
    Advice on ways to wrap cabinet doors or other finished pieces so they won't stick together. December 14, 2009

    Grain Darkening and Stain Recipe Match for Oak
    A finisher gets a few suggestions for how to match a piece of stained oak. December 9, 2010

    Lacquer Versus Polyurethane
    A question about lacquer and polyurethane drying times ends with a neat explanation of the differing ways in which waterborne and solventborne finishes dry and cure. July 14, 2010

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

    Re-Finishing Factory Cabinet Doors
    Advice on cleaning, sanding, and refinishing factory-finished cabinet doors. October 19, 2013

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

    Finishing Edgebanding for Frameless Cabinets
    More tips and tricks for finishing wood edgebanding. December 14, 2009

    Renewing a Poly Exterior Door Finish
    Short of stripping to bare wood, is there a way to freshen up a polyurethane finish on a door? April 17, 2009

    Peeling Failure of a Consumer-Grade Poly Re-Coat
    Well, that sure didn't work. Here's why. March 9, 2008

    High-End Finishing On Site
    Painting cabinets on-site can yield good results, or bad. October 1, 2010

    Finishing Sapele Solid Lumber and Plywood
    Advice on getting a consistent finish appearance on a piece made with Sapele using both solid wood and plywood. April 15, 2012

    Finishing Equipment
    Basic description of production line finishing equipment. November 11, 2008

    Rub-Through Distressed Solid Finish Ideas
    Antiqued rub-through furniture finishes are more art than science. Here are two takes on getting it done. March 9, 2010

    Color matching and grain repair
    Learning the necessary skills. (From WOODWEB's Finishing Forum) January 21, 2003

    Air-Assisted Airless: Advice for a New User
    Tip choice, spray technique, and equipment care and maintenance advice for a finisher who has just purchased his first AAA setup. February 17, 2014

    Cold Temperatures Retard Floor Finish
    A cautionary tale: with the room at 50°F, a poly floor finish fails to cure. October 18, 2012

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

    A Wax Finish for Walnut Wall Panels
    Advice on choosing and applying a wax finish for architectural woodwork. June 8, 2008

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

    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

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

    Discoloration at Door Bumpers
    Cabinetmakers puzzle over what seems to be some kind of chemical interaction between a soft door bumper and a lacquer finish. June 17, 2009

    Toning a Table Top
    This finishing problem is really more of a customer relations issue. But it's worth reading just for a look at the table top (a lovely piece of work). August 22, 2013

    Toning and Shading Basics
    Fundamentals of toning for a first-time finisher. April 19, 2011

    Troubleshooting Sand-Through Problems with Dye Finish
    Here's a detailed discussion of sanding materials and techniques, with a view to avoiding the problem of sanding through light finishes while scuff-sanding between coats. October 19, 2014

    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

    Touching Up Furniture that Won't Take Stain
    Sometimes a piece is still sealed, or has been sanded down to a glue-saturated veneer ply. Here are tips on restoring color to those pieces. May 24, 2006

    Teak Oil Facts and Fiction
    Teak Oil: it's not just for teak. April 24, 2014

    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

    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

    Spraying Opaque Finishes on Millwork
    Here's a lot of information on spraying acrylic paint (and its drawbacks), plus some advice on better opaque pigmented coating choices. June 18, 2013

    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

    Working with Grain when Painting Ash
    You can use a grain filler to achieve a uniform finish, or try other techniques to emphasize the grain. April 24, 2014

    Stain Matching for Beginners
    Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish: easier said than done. January 25, 2013

    Waxy Stripper Residue Problem
    How to get stripper residue off imperfectly stripped and sanded doors, before spraying an opaque finish. May 7, 2009

    Stripping Veneer
    How to get old finish off a veneered desktop without damaging or lifting the veneer. April 30, 2009

    Troubleshooting Grain Raise with Waterborne Finishes
    Waterborne finishes raise the grain of wood, requiring extra sanding. Here's advice on how to minimize the extra labor. July 15, 2014

    Temperature and Humidity Issues When Spraying On Site
    Watch out — if it's too cool, catalyzed finishes will not properly cross-link. June 8, 2008

    Safe Finishes for Toy Blocks
    What's a practical finish for childrens' wooden blocks? December 9, 2010

    Simulated Goat Skin Finish
    remember the '80s?)June 18, 2013

    Sealing MDF Edges for a Clear Finish
    How to seal the porous edges of MDF panels prior to applying a clear finish. March 9, 2008

    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

    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

    High-Build Lacquer, Wiping Stain, and Gel Stain
    Looking for efficiency and simplicity, finishers compare products and processes. November 3, 2010

    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

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

    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

    Fixing an Uncatalyzed Top Coat
    The finisher forgot to add the catalyst. Can the sticky, uncured top coat be fixed? Maybe ... March 26, 2013

    Refinishing a Conference Table
    A discussion about the challenges and potential pitfalls of restoring a high-build finish on a business conference table.June 16, 2014

    Pigmented CV for Paint-Grade Kitchens
    Conversion varnish makes a good opaque finish, but good prep and application are important. May 15, 2012

    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

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

    Removing Furniture Polish
    Tips on restoring the sheen to a catalyzed finish that was made to look "waxy" by application of furniture polish. November 25, 2008

    Minimizing Overspray When Finishing Drawers
    Advice on drawer-spraying technique, for a smooth finish and minimal material waste. July 17, 2008

    Hide Glue Crackle Tips
    Advice on using hide glue as a base coat for a crackle finish. June 17, 2009

    Preconditioner: A prerequisite?
    Is preconditioner an absolute necessity for water-based stains? March 20, 2001

    Matching an "Antique Oatmeal" Finish with a Dark Glaze
    Advice on matching a particular cabinet finish and a discussion of color matching in general, with a little geography and civics on the side. June 17, 2009

    Painting and Glazing One Job in Two Locations
    Advice on getting a consistent color response when finishing the doors in the shop, and the frames on site. June 18, 2010

    Finishing Schedule and Photo: Shellac Washcoat and Mahogany Toner on Poplar
    Here's a picture of some finished Poplar moulding, with the recipe that got it there. October 3, 2007

    Fuzzy Finish on MDF
    A smooth surface on finished MDF requires sanding. April 17, 2009

    Patching Scratches in Pre-Finished Plywood
    Thoughts on scratch repair, cutting, gluing, and prices for pre-finished plywood. March 1, 2006

    Finishing Restaurant Tables
    Official rules may override your customer's preference — and testing some samples might be a good idea. December 10, 2008

    Finishing Carved Mahogany Doors
    Techniques for staining and finishing intricately carved door panels. September 14, 2006

    Finishing Tricks for Edgebanding
    or, how about this nifty drum rig? July 3, 2008

    Finishes for Curly Maple
    Finishers offer a few custom finish approaches for curly or quilted maple. January 14, 2009

    Filling Grain on Finished Furniture
    Advice on prepping finished furniture pieces before applying a gloss lacquer topcoat. February 12, 2010

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

    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

    Custom-Tinting a Dark Pigmented Precat
    A cabinetmaker asks a finishing question: How to create a dark opaque version of a tinted pre-catalyzed conversion varnish. November 29, 2014

    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

    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

    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

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

    Cleaning White Sanding Dust out of the Wood Grain
    Advice on keeping white dust out of wood grain when sanding a finish coat smooth. May 17, 2010

    Black Dye Staining an Old Parquet Floor
    Finishers supply a first-timer with how-to details on applying a dead-black floor finish. January 14, 2008

    A Faded Gray Finish for Exterior Wood
    Finishers suggest ways to reproduce an example of a weathered, gray, natural-looking finish. February 8, 2008

    Blonde Oak Finish
    Advice on lightening Oak with a pickling stain or a white pigmented toner. June 18, 2010

    Choosing a White Lacquer
    Cabinet finishers talk about their preferences and experiences with opaque white spray finishes. January 18, 2011

    Cherry Knob Finish Is Darker Than Cabinet Finish
    Exposed end grain on the knobs causes them to behave differently than the flat wood of the doors and frames. But there are solutions. November 12, 2006

    Cleaning Silicone Adhesive off Finished Wood
    Silicone is hard to get off finished surfaces without damaging the finish. Here are some tips. February 15, 2009

    Artistic Effects in Finishing
    Striated finishes, ceruse, and five kinds of frottage: here's an illustrated tour of some advanced artistic wood finishing effects from top expert Ron Bryze. December 28, 2007

    Touch Up, Refinish, or Reface?
    Thoughts on approaching some worn kitchen doors in a systematic, step-by-step way. September 3, 2010

    Safe Spraying on Site
    Here's a discussion about how to prevent overspray from setting off alarms or explosions when finishing on site in a high-rise building. July 18, 2013

    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

    Staining Racks for High Production
    Ideas for racking systems for high-volume staining of sawn wood members. June 30, 2014

    Spraying Carvings without Drips
    Advice on guns, tips, and methods for feathering in the finish on detailed carved woodwork. February 21, 2011

    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

    Troubleshooting a Bumpy Finish with Post-Cat Lacquer
    Small surface bumps might be the result of solvent pop. January 24, 2014

    Sunken Joints at the Glue Seam
    Here's a good explanation of why glue seams in cabinet doors may appear visibly depressed. April 29, 2013

    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

    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 Water-Based Finishes in Cold Weather
    Here's solid advice on maintaining good temperature conditions for spray finishing, without wasting heating energy. December 15, 2005

    Tinted Primer as the Color Coat
    Instead of a tinted topcoat, is it practical to tint the primer coat (shellac or tinted CV primer), and then top with clear? July 14, 2010

    Spraying Finish with a Small Compressor
    A finisher wants to spray small amounts of moulding and face-frame stock, but has only a small compressor. Solution? A mini gun. November 25, 2008

    Tinted Shellac with a Clear Topcoat
    Tinting shellac can give you a great pastel finish. June 17, 2009

    Troubleshooting Thin Build at MDF Edges
    Advice on improving coverage of MDF substrates, with a highly technical description of the way surface electrical charges affect the wet behavior of finishes. May 17, 2010

    Using Nib Files on Pre-Catalyzed Finishes
    Tips on getting good results with a nib file. March 28, 2010

    The Illusion of Age
    Creating a distressed finish is like playing a musical instrument, explains expert finisher Ron Bryze. September 18, 2009

    Estimating and Pricing for Finishing
    a good finisher who's a poor businessman. July 3, 2008

    Finishing an Extra-Large Table Top
    Advice on positioning a large table top to be accessible for convenient spraying. March 28, 2010

    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

    Extending the Working Time on Glaze Finishes
    A finisher struggles with glazing applied over waterbased paints. Problem? The glaze sets up too fast. December 8, 2012

    Glazing Pigmented CV and Sanding Questions
    Glazing with conversion varnish can be tricky. Here, finishers discuss some fine points. October 15, 2009

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

    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

    Pricing for Painted Versus Stained Cabinet Finish
    Painting involves additional steps, and can cost more than staining. October 27, 2009

    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

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

    Magic Marker Stains on Cured Conversion Varnish
    Advice on getting magic marker ink off a varnished countertop. July 24, 2006

    Polishing a Table Top
    Advice on polishing a two-component poly finish to a high sheen. October 17, 2012

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

    Furniture Finishing Process Outline
    A furniture refinishing expert lists the steps in a full finish treatment of manufactured furniture. November 16, 2009

    Opaque Finishes Applied Indoors on Site
    It takes a lot of masking, but you can spray opaque finishes on built-ins after they're installed. October 19, 2013

    Paint Over Pre-Cat for Kitchen Cabinets
    Can you paint over a pre-catalyzed cabinet finish when the customers change their minds? Sure. Should you? Not so sure ... July 3, 2008

    Is Vinyl Sealer Worth It?
    With new moisture- and vapor-resistant formulations of topcoat on the market, a separate coat of vinyl sealer may or may not be necessary in the particular case. April 21, 2011

    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.

    Glue Joint Finish Problems
    Joint movement associated with moisture in glue may be causing this reported finish defect at the joints. June 17, 2009

    Filler and Finish for Antique Wood Surfaces
    July 7, 2011

    No-Odor Finish for Fine Furniture
    Modified tung oil is odorless after curing and brings out the beauty of unique wood pieces. July 17, 2008

    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

    Finish Cracking at Face Frame Joints
    Ways to prevent or correct finish cracking at cabinet joints. July 3, 2008

    Natural Hand-Rubbed Finish Formulas
    When you get the notion to mix up a potion ... February 12, 2010

    Finishing Area Temperature Control and Quality
    Finishes tend to perform best in ideal temperature conditions, but controlling those can cost money. March 3, 2010

    Museum Archive-Safe Finishes
    Expert advice on cabinet materials and finishes that won't damage sensitive materials stored in the piece. April 17, 2009

    Re-Coating Painted Furniture
    Advice on applying a compatible, high-quality re-coat to painted furniture. January 14, 2008

    Repairing a Table-Top Finish with Bad Fish-Eye
    When it's this bad, you start over. Here's some detailed advice. January 14, 2008

    How to "Non-Finish" a Rustic Recycled Door
    Ideas for refinishing an old salvaged door to preserve its existing bare-wood-and-old-paint appearance. October 15, 2009

    Finish Room - Coating a Finish-Room Floor
    Epoxy is an option, but so is fire-retardant reinforced paper. January 25, 2013

    Reducing the Gloss of Finished Cabinets
    Tips on rubbing or sanding methods for intentionally dulling a cabinet finish. January 4, 2014

    Matching the Amber Tint of Pre-Finished Plywood
    A finisher gets advice on adding a slight amber glow to drawer fronts and boxes to match his prefinished plywood cabinet interiors. September 3, 2010

    Dark Glaze Over Light Lacquer (On Site)
    Here's a long thread about a tricky re-glazing job, with some excellent tips and insights. July 2, 2008

    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

    Creating a Thin Striated Glaze
    Finishers discuss improvised tools and hand techniques for obtaining a pattern of thin lines ("striations") on a finished surface. January 24, 2014

    Dark Stain for Maple
    Advice on staining maple a dark color, with the use of a washcoat and toners. June 17, 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

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

    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

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

    Avoiding "Stripes" in a Flat Finish
    Boxing the spray pattern with a criss-cross application may help avoid visible stripes or overlap streaks. December 30, 2007

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

    Achieving a High-Gloss Finish with Tung Oil
    Pure tung oil can't provide high gloss, but modified tung oils or a topcoat over tung oil are options worth considering. December 1, 2005

    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

    Buffing and Polishing Polyurethane
    Suggestions for buffing a poly finish to a high gloss. October 19, 2013

    Clear Topcoats for Custom Finished Guitars
    A discussion of gloss finishes for guitars. July 17, 2008

    Spray-Applying Wiping Stains
    Practical and economical ways to quickly apply wiping stains, with some related tips. November 15, 2010

    Whether to Thin a Conversion-Varnish Seal Coat
    A discussion of seal coat application and performance with conversion varnishes. September 16, 2008

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

    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

    Turbines Versus Compressors for Spraying On Site
    Finishers discuss their experiences with different setups for on-site finishing work. October 26, 2013

    Touching Up Natural Maple
    Here's an extended discussion of using colorants and finishes to blend a repair into a finished Maple piece. March 26, 2013

    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

    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

    Troubleshooting Orange Peel with Waterborne Lacquers
    Formula thinning and spraygun adjustments solve an orange peel problem for a finisher. April 29, 2011

    Spraying a Big, Heavy, Complicated Piece
    Finishers consider ways to approach spraying a complicated job. May 15, 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

    Stripping Garage and Entry Doors
    Advice on tackling a big architectural stripping and re-finishing job. July 14, 2010

    Sanding Schedule to Avoid Swirl Marks
    To remove mechanical sanding marks, you have to hand sand at the end. Here's more. March 26, 2013

    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

    Staining Resin Corbels to Match Walnut
    Advice on a finishing schedule to make synthetic trim elements blend in with natural wood. December 2, 2009

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

    Should I Use a Tinted Undercoat?
    A finisher who's having trouble hiding color variations in a Poplar project gets suggestions for tinting the undercoat. August 12, 2014

    Troubleshooting Micro-Bubbles in a Water Based Finish
    Another case of tiny bubbles, solved by dialing in the "right" air and fluid pressure settings. March 1, 2006

    Quick and Dirty Refinish of Old Cabinetry
    Ideas for a simple cleanup and refinish of an old, cheap bath vanity. November 15, 2010

    Staining Shelf Pin Holes
    Tips for a pesky detail: coloring the inside of shelf pin holes so they won't stand out against the finished piece. August 30, 2007

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

    Stirring, Flatting, and Sheen
    Inconsistent sheen in a finish job could be related to insufficient shaking, stirring, or mixing of the material. October 18, 2012

    Streaking with Spar Varnish Wipe-On Application
    Advice on limiting visible streaks in wiped-on spar varnish finishes. June 28, 2010

    Tung Oil Versus Bar Top Sealer
    It's labor-intensive, but Tung oil can rival an epoxy bar finish for toughness and water protection. July 11, 2009

    Spray Finishing Aluminum
    Tips on cleaning and finishing sheet aluminum. September 27, 2008

    Wood Finish for Wet Sinks
    What the heck do people use for a finish on a wood sink or bathtub? April 19, 2011

    Staining and Leaching with Oil Finishes
    Using natural oil finishes on bookshelves or clothing storage shelves is risky because the oil stays active and may stain your things. January 28, 2013

    Whether to Use a Pumice Rub on Pre-Cat
    Finishers try rubbing out a pre-catalyzed lacquer finish with pumice, and like the results. November 24, 2008

    Radius Cabinet Job - Project Review
    October 27, 2003

    Fine Points of Pigments and Dye Stains
    Here's an extended, in-depth discussion of the alternatives for coloring wood before applying a clear top coat. December 31, 2013

    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

    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

    Paint Cracks in Five-Piece Doors
    Some cracking is pretty much inevitable when you paint five-piece wood cabinet doors. September 25, 2014

    Paint Peeling Off Manufactured Cabinets
    Troubleshooting a particulary bad case of paint peeling away from mass-produced kitchen and bath cabinets. December 23, 2014

    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

    Refinishing Chairs Attacked by Cleaning Compound
    Murphy's Oil Soap can degrade some of the less durable finishes. Here's advice on cleaning and refinishing. March 16, 2015

    Replicating the Look of Salvaged Wood
    Finishers consider the problem of how to make fresh lumber look like boards sawn from 100-year-old salvaged timbers. December 23, 2014

    Gel Stains in a Production Setting
    Can gel stains be practical in a high-volume finishing shop? Opinions vary. October 26, 2007

    Removing Black Stains from Oak
    Advice on getting water stains out of Oak. January 24, 2010

    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

    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

    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

    Finishing Crotch and Ribbon Mahogany
    Suggestions for finishing a fine Mahogany table to accentuate and enhance the figure. June 18, 2013

    Repairing Steam Blush to Lacquer Finish
    Advice on fixing blush in a lacquer finish caused by someone using the tabletop as an ironing board. December 11, 2012

    Finish Causing Ripples in Veneer
    Troubleshooting a bad interaction between finish formulas and veneer adhesives. May 18, 2009

    Rubbing Out Badly Applied Conversion Varnish
    Rubbing out conversion varnish might work well under ideal conditions. But will it save a badly applied finish? October 28, 2014

    Routine Cleaning for a Pressure Cup Gun
    A meticulous daily cleaning is time well invested. January 14, 2008

    Re-Polishing a Polyurethane Table Top Finish
    Re-buffing an existing glossy finish involves some tricky procedures. July 2, 2008

    Natural Pore Filler for a Tung Oil Finish
    A finisher gets suggestions for filling pores on Walnut stool tops before applying Tung oil. July 3, 2008

    Pickling (Liming) Oak Doors
    Finishers suggest approaches for getting a "pickled Oak" finish. September 27, 2008

    Refinishing Melamine Cabinets
    Whether you want a solid color or a faux wood finish, melamine makes a decent substrate for a number of available finish coatings. July 3, 2008

    Full Fill Finishes on Open-Grained Wood
    Several approaches to grain filling with Oak, Mahogany, and similar open-grained species. September 30, 2009

    Gravity-Cup Add-On Option for Air-Assisted Airless Setups
    Here's a look at an accessory gravity-cup arrangement that makes it convenient to occasionally apply small amounts of special finishes. July 17, 2008

    Fire and Health Risks of Potassium Dichromate
    Potassium Dichromate is a strong oxidizer and a carcinogen, so don't mess around. August 26, 2008

    Refinishing Commercial Interior Paneling
    Advice on touching up and "freshening" large areas of finished wall paneling in a public building with poor ventilation. April 24, 2014

    Replicating a Limed White Oak Finish
    White glaze over red oak tends to accentuate the pink hues. So how can you achieve a more gray or blue hue in the final product? December 31, 2012

    Pre-Primed MDO Finishing Issues
    Finishers report mixed results finishing cabinets built using medium-density overlay (MDO) panels. July 3, 2008

    Reproducing a Two-Tone "Haloed" Finish
    Suggestions for imitating a custom toned and glazed finish on drawer faces. April 16, 2010

    Masking Between a Painted Exterior and a Natural Interior
    Determining where to locate the transition between finished cabinet interiors and the exterior, and details of masking to isolate one from the other. December 6, 2011

    Hole Filling and Touch-Up for Lacquer-Based Solid Color Finishes
    Advice on filling nail holes and joints in a lacquer "paint" finish. August 31, 2009

    Historic Ship Finish Coatings and Treatments
    How did they finish wooden ships, back in the age of sail? A Woodweb member has the answer. September 8, 2014

    Finishing Restaurant Table Tops
    A tough finish, and a cure time before cleaning staff are allowed to attack, are the recommendations. April 19, 2011

    Replicating a Sam Maloof Varnish
    How to mix your own formula to obtain that "warm glow" finish look. January 24, 2010

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

    Finishing Teak Furniture
    A discussion of finish methods that can deal with the naturally oily character of Teak. July 16, 2008

    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

    Avoiding Overspray Problems Inside Small Cabinet Boxes
    Small boxes such as cubbyholes present an overspray concern. Here are some tips. April 10, 2008

    Clear Topcoat for Milk Paint
    A finisher looks for a clear topcoat that he can apply over milk paint on site. October 28, 2009

    Dark Maple Tinted Sealer Finish
    Tips on how to achieve very dark coverage using dyes added to vinyl sealer. April 18, 2010

    "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

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

    Can I Spray Nitrocellulose Lacquer over Waterborne Lacquer?
    A touch-up and repair problem brings on a discussion of finish compatibility issues, yellowing, burn-in, and more. July 3, 2008

    Conversion Varnish on Antique Heart Pine
    Antique Heart Pine tends to come with all the residues and character of its 200-year service life. Will conversion varnish stick to it, and behave?February 27, 2013

    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

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

    Dealing with Silicone Damage
    A refinisher asks how to get silicone off a conference table he's refinishing, and gets a handful of ideas. June 28, 2005

    Cherry Aging and Figure
    Cabinetmakers and instrument makers discuss ways to maintain the distinctive look of strongly figured Cherry, even as the wood darkens over time from exposure to light. March 12, 2014

    Color-Matching Cocoa Melamine with Finish on Solid Cherry
    Advice on how to sneak up on a commercially produced melamine's hue, using custom finish on real Cherry. February 17, 2014

    Do Borate Treatments Interfere with Finishing?
    Advice on using a borate insecticide before finishing wood. February 1, 2015

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

    Detecting Sanding Scratches
    Advice on lighting a workpiece so you can see fine sanding scratches before you finish. June 30, 2009

    Dealing with Fine Scratches in Black Lacquer
    Suggestions for effective final buffing of a black finish. March 9, 2008

    Adding Ultraviolet Absorbers to Linseed Oil
    Tips on adding ultraviolet light absorbers to linseed oil or modified tung oil for use on exterior wood doors. August 25, 2008

    De-Waxed Shellac
    A few notes on the chemistry of de-waxed shellac. July 3, 2008

    Touching Up Scuffed Conversion Varnish on Baseboard in the Field
    Tips for a pesky but manageable on-site repair: touching up scratched CV varnish on baseboard in a newly carpeted house. March 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

    Sanding Steps in the Glazing Process
    When creating a glazed finish, does sanding between coats help, or hurt? March 28, 2008

    Success with Finicky Polyurethanes
    Some polyurethanes require just the right touch, and even an experienced finisher may experience runs, orange peel, or other problems. May 16, 2014

    Stripping and Bleaching Oak
    After trying several suggestions, a finisher hits on the right solution to clean and brighten some old oak drawer fronts. November 11, 2006

    Uneven Toner Result
    Mixing products from different manufacturers and spray-applying to a highly profiled surface could be contributing to this problem. July 11, 2013

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

    Spot Touch-Ups for Polyester Finishes
    Tips on products and methods for touching up polyester coatings. February 1, 2015

    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

    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

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

    Sealing Door Bottoms
    Painters on site typically don't take care of door bottoms, so door makers recommend priming with shellac or epoxy. October 19, 2013

    Stretching the Pot Life of Conversion Varnish
    There are ways to prolong the pot life of conversion varnishes, but they are less than satisfactory and may not be worth the effort. September 16, 2008

    Variations Between Plywood Panels and Sawn Wood Stiles
    Doors with sawn lumber stiles and plywood panels are very challenging to finish in a way that makes the surfaces look the same. October 19, 2013

    Simulated Copper Finishes for Exterior Wood
    Here's a handful of ideas for putting a copper look on a wood post. September 5, 2010

    Safely Cleaning Finished Cabinet Doors
    Safely working your way up to a solvent that will dissolve the contaminant without damaging the finish can be tricky. June 30, 2014

    Static Eliminators and Dust Control
    Gizmos versus spray products for keeping dust off pieces you're finishing. February 29, 2012

    Scuff Scratches Between Coats of Pre-Cat
    With catalyzed finishes, it works best to apply successive coats before the previous coat is fully cross-linked, so the coats melt together. tober 28, 2008

    Troubleshooting Wood Cupping when Finishing
    Unbalanced wetting of solid wood surfaces can cause the wood to cup. October 28, 2009

    Sanding Sealer: One Coat or Two?
    Finishers discuss sanding sealers, their purpose and attributes. August 6, 2010

    Stripping Out Grain Filler
    A finisher applied a grain filler that turned out to be incompatible with his chosen finish. Here, he gets advice on removing the filler from wood grain and pores. October 2, 2005

    Touching Up Knot Bleed-Through
    Tips on sealing and re-tinting spots where knots have bled through a pigmented conversion varnish. February 12, 2010

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

    What is Crawling?
    Here's a description and photo of the finish defect called "crawling" (caused by surface contamination or incorrect prep).May 30, 2011

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

    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

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

    Puddling of NGR Dyes Over a Sealer Washcoat
    A beginner with dyes gets advice on compatibility and application methods. March 3, 2010

    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

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

    Refinishing Over Plastic Laminate
    The challenge is to apply a new coating over existing laminate restaurant tables. Finishers weigh in with advice. April 17, 2010

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

    Refinishing Tables Without Stripping
    Advice on a quick clean-and-recoat job on some lacquer-finished bedside table tops. July 29, 2007

    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

    Removing Paste Wax from Furniture
    Some detailed information about wax, solvents, and cleaning before refinishing. June 18, 2013

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

    Refinishing Teak Outdoor Furniture
    The table in question might not even be Teak. But here are some thoughts about the choices for a natural-looking refinishing job. January 28, 2013

    Protecting Stairs on Site During Construction
    Techniques for protecting newly built stairs from dings and damage while work goes on in the house. February 13, 2013

    Re-Glazing Factory-Finished Doors
    Thoughts on how to refinish brand new painted and glazed cabinet doors, for more consistent results. August 17, 2009

    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

    High-Build Gloss Finishes for Guitars
    Some of the newer products give excellent results, fast. July 3, 2008

    Matching a Fender Guitar Crackle Finish
    Here's how to crackle lacquer: freeze it with very cold air. February 20, 2008

    Gun Cleaning Solvents for Waterborne Finishes
    Finishers recommend cleaning solutions that will cut waterbornes. March 26, 2009

    Material Build-Up Problem on Spray-Gun Tip
    Advice on correcting a spray-gun performance issue: build-up of material on the spray tip, causing "fingers" in the wet finish. February 15, 2009

    Re-Circulating Filtered Air in a Paint Booth
    There is technology to filter and re-circulate exhaust air from a spray finishing operation, but it is prohibitively expensive. June 8, 2008

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

    Pinholes in Pigmented Poly
    Troubleshooting a pinhole problem with an opaque poly coating — could it be solvent pop?December 6, 2011

    Finishing Problem - When Excess Glue Interferes with Stain
    Residual glue squeeze-out on a door causes problems with stain absorption, and finishers offer fixes. March 25, 2007

    Is There a Stain Sample Book for Architects?
    Well no, there isn't. But here are some suggestions for obtaining samples. February 17, 2012

    Gilding Compo on Furniture
    Tips on the process of gilding compo. October 26, 2011

    How Does Tung Oil Work?
    A little basic information on Tung oil. March 28, 2010

    Finishing Over Pine Knot Bleed-Through
    How to seal and cover knots before refinishing. November 15, 2011

    Finish Cracks at Joints in a Five-Piece Door
    Wood movement causes inevitable finish cracking at joints in cabinet doors. Here's advice on how to allow for it. April 10, 2008

    Finish for an Exterior Door in a Seaside Environment
    Suggested finishes for an entry door for a home located close to the ocean. July 14, 2010

    Eliminating Micro-Bubbles in Polyurethane when Spraying with an AAA Gun
    A few tips on resolving a bubble problem in polyurethane finish when applying with an air-assisted airless spray setup. August 22, 2014

    Removing Wax Coats from Finished Wood
    Advice on solvents and pads to scrub wax off of finishes. October 1, 2010

    Piebald Crackle Tips and Tricks
    Creating a crackle finish with large bare areas. April 30, 2009

    Glossy Finish for an MDF and Wood Veneer Table
    Finishers recommend a two-part polyurethane, available as tinted or clear. February 21, 2011

    Film Buildup on Glassware in a Cabinet Finished with Pre-Cat
    It's not the finish — it's soap and water buildup from wet glassware, caused by the finish being vapor-tight. December 6, 2011

    Reducing Contrast of Beech Boards
    Tips for getting a more even color when finishing Beech wood. June 30, 2007

    Heavy Build Epoxy Finish with Flat Sheen
    Methods for getting a flat sheen on a bar top. June 4, 2012

    Options for a High Gloss Opaque White Finish
    Thoughts on how to create a durable glossy white finish. June 18, 2013

    Pre-Cat Over Shellac
    Clear pre-catalyzed varnish over tinted shellac is an interesting treatment. May 15, 2012

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

    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

    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

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

    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

    Achieving a Dark Burgundy Color on Cherry
    Pros suggest formulas and application methods for staining cherry a deep, dark burgundy. July 29, 2007

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

    Ammonia Fuming for Mission Finishes
    Ammonia in concentrations strong enough to color wood is harsh, dangerous stuff. May 21, 2009

    Conversion Varnish Glaze
    Advice on applying CV glazes. February 29, 2012

    Cerused Oak Finish Tips
    Advice on how to apply and remove white grain filler so that just the pores and flecks are white when the job is done. February 12, 2010

    Breaking Edges on Shaker Doors
    Easing the edge on a door panel improves finish performance. January 3, 2014

    Compatibility Between Oil-Based Paints and Vinyl Sealers
    Pros discuss how to properly seal and top-coat a brush-applied oil-based faux finish — or whether to switch to latex paint instead. December 1, 2005

    Shrinkage in a Tongue-and-Groove Pine Ceiling
    A discussion of all the bad things that can happen if you don't check the moisture content of wood before nailing it up.April 22, 2014

    Touching Up a Veneer Burn-Through
    but this thread delves deep into how to make them pretty good. July 3, 2008

    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

    Uneven Sheen with "Dull" Conversion Varnish
    May 15, 2012

    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

    Troubleshooting Warping in Veneered MDF Doors
    A cabinetmaker gets advice about a set of bath cabinet doors that has cupped after finishing. February 15, 2015

    Understanding Coverage with a Post-Cat Primer
    How to estimate the coverage you should get in real life, based on reading the can and measuring the wet thickness you apply. January 29, 2014

    Touchup Fix for Sanded-Through Veneer
    Ways to patch a sand-through problem using touch-up products like an air-brush, shellac, colorants and pencils. December 8, 2006

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

    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

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

    To Caulk or Not to Caulk
    Thoughts on whether, and when in the finishing process, to caulk small cracks in frame-and-panel doors. January 4, 2014

    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

    Troubleshooting Blush in a Glaze Finish
    Finishers offer advice on prevention, and suggest a possible fix for a case of blush. April 24, 2014

    Spray-Room Temperatures for Conversion Varnish
    The chemical reaction that cures conversion varnish is sensitive to temperature. That's why manufacturer specs for temperature conditions during spraying and curing are important. June 18, 2013

    Switching from Wood Finisher to Auto Finisher
    If you want to go from spraying wood to spraying cars, you'll find it's a different ball game. July 28, 2008

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

    Wiping Stain and Seal-Coat Compatibility
    Be careful mixing a stain into a sealer — they don't always play together nicely. January 29, 2009

    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

    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

    Stearated Sandpapers and Waterborne Flowout Issues
    Advances in technology seem to have eliminated the flowout issues previously seen with waterbornes and synthetically treated sandpapers. October 28, 2009

    Tips on a Ceruse Finish
    Using a pigmented grain filler to accent the pores of finished wood (particularly Oak) is called "cerusing." Here are tips on succeeding with it. September 18, 2012

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

    Sanding Grit Recommendations
    How fine is too fine between coats, for good adhesion? August 31, 2009

    Troubleshooting Light Color in Walnut Grain
    Sanding can pack fine dust into wood grain; wire brushing after sanding might get that out. September 18, 2012

    Sealing End Grain in Outdoor Exposures
    Sealing end grain with epoxy is reported to improve outdoor durability of finishes. April 18, 2015

    Touching Up Hairline Cracks in a Waterborne Finish
    Expert advice on hiding a crack that appeared during transport. October 19, 2013

    Water-Based Finishes for a Straw Board Product
    Advice on how to seal before staining, to minimize swelling and grain raise. October 2, 2005

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

    Spraying of Satin Polyurethane
    Application techniques to avoid runs or streaks and achieve a deep finish. February 12, 2010

    "White-Leaded" or "Ceruse" Finish on Oak
    Quick explanation of this finish, which is white in the grain and natural on the surface. November 25, 2008

    Waterborne Finishes Swelling MDF
    Some, but not all, waterborne finishes cause troublesome swelling in MDF surface fibers. January 2, 2012

    Tung Oil Finish on Ebony Veneer
    Thin veneer presents limitations for oil finishes. December 10, 2008

    Target brand finishes
    Making the switch to water-based finishes and finding the appropriate stains to use with them. January 16, 2001

    Smoke Smell On Furniture
    Shellac is reputed to work for sealing in smoke odors when furniture has been through a house fire. December 29, 2008

    Spray Techniques
    Expert Ron Bryze offers this list of tips and tricks for spray finishers. December 31, 2007

    Glazing Tips and Tricks
    Finishers discuss the fine points of various glazing methods. November 25, 2008

    "Refreshing" a Very Old Table Top
    Thoughts on how to clean and re-finish very old table tops still in active service, without lessening the value of any historic existing finish they may have. March 12, 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

    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

    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

    Neutralizing a Vat-Stripped Door
    what to do? November 27, 2007

    Pigment Stain Versus Dye Stain
    Basic info on the characteristics that differentiate dyes from pigments, and advice on the appropriate uses of each (separately or together). June 28, 2013

    Mahogany Bar Top Advice
    Thoughts on how to build and finish a bar top made of three-inch-thick Mahogany. November 30, 2009

    Refinishing Built-In Cabinetry
    Tips and cautions for a finisher who's about to try toning and glazing a house full of existing cabinetry. March 12, 2015

    Is It Worth Clear Coating over Opaque Finishes?
    Applying a clear topcoat over a pigmented conversion varnish has advantages and drawbacks. November 15, 2011

    Opaque Finish Choices
    Finishers discuss their preferred opaque finish products. February 15, 2015

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

    Recirculating Heater Versus Bigger Pump
    Finishers look for most practical adaptation for spraying in cold conditions. June 22, 2012

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

    Filling Spot Pinholes
    Finishers suggest products and methods for spot filling of pinholes in paint-grade cabinet finishing. February 17, 2014

    Modifying Stain Color on Site
    Applying a toner is simple enough, but there are safety issues when you do the work on site. August 27, 2013

    Reclaimed Heart Pine Bleeding
    Trouble starts when heat brings out the sap in resawn antique pine used for a table top. Here's advice on sealing the surface.December 9, 2010

    Milky Oil Stain Under CV
    A finish schedule of sealer, oil stain, conversion varnish leads to trouble on a custom job. March 28, 2012

    Fisheye Elimination Additive
    Advice on using a fisheye elimination additive successfully, without ill effects. March 16, 2015

    Finishing a Cutting Board
    Six out of six doctors agree: Use mineral oil. March 9, 2010

    Prefinishing Veneer: How Do You Keep it Flat?
    Advice on securing veneer to a flat surface temporarily in order to keep it stable while a finish cures. January 25, 2013

    Getting a Fine Stipple Texture Finish
    How to tweak fluid and air settings to get a textured finish coat. November 11, 2008

    Filling Nail Holes on Pre-Finished Stair Treads
    Tips on mixing wood filler out of glue and wood flour, to blend invisibly with the wood. March 4, 2009

    Finishing Over Laminate
    Finishers discuss the application of pigmented topcoats to existing laminate countertops. June 18, 2013

    Primer Adhesion to Vinyl Sealer
    A finisher gets help finding the right primer that will stick to vinyl sealer for a recoat job. August 26, 2006

    Epoxy Barrier Coating for Exterior Wood
    A woodworker reports success using clear penetrating epoxy sealer as a primer for exterior doors or boat brightwork. December 23, 2014

    Refinishing Oil-Painted Kitchen Doors
    Advice on compatible spackle and paint for re-coating over a five-year-old oil paint job on kitchen cabinets. June 17, 2009

    Lines in Paint at Door Panel Glue Seams
    Troubleshooting a telegraphing issue at the glue-up joints in cabinet doors. August 17, 2009

    Repairing Wood Filler Smudges
    Advice on touching up a flat finish where wood filler has affected the surface sheen near filled nail holes. April 30, 2009

    Exterior Primers for Strong Adhesion
    Finishers recommend their preferred exterior primers for use with latex paint. July 24, 2006

    Finishing Over Wax
    Advice on cleaning and priming waxed furniture pieces. December 1, 2009

    Rubbing Out a Finish on Complicated Furniture
    Rubbing out a finish on a flat surface is one thing. But what if you're working with a complex shape? Here's some advice. February 15, 2015

    Finishing One-Piece MDF Doors
    Profiled areas of MDF doors require additional labor and care for best finish results. Here's advice. June 18, 2013

    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

    Exterior Cabinetry Materials Choices
    Cabinetmakers suggest woods, synthetic materials, and finishes for cabinets exposed to the elements under cover. February 21, 2011

    Gel Finish for Kitchen Cabinets
    Gel stain is one thing, gel polyurethane topcoast is something else. But both may be suitable in different ways. February 12, 2009

    Painting over Lacquer
    Tips on surface preparation and priming when applying paint to a lacquered surface. March 8, 2007

    Hand Application of Waterborne Finishes
    Advice on choosing an applicator for waterbornes. September 18, 2014

    Filling Oak Pores
    Tips on prepping Oak to achieve a finish that is smooth to the touch. October 13, 2008

    Glue Lines in Veneer
    The veneer manufacturer should detect and eliminate glue lines; at the finishing stage, they are hard to deal with. March 26, 2010

    Managing Static Dust when Spraying Finish
    Suggestions for reducing dust contamination of surfaces being sprayed. April 19, 2011

    Rubbing Out Lacquer for a High Sheen
    Wax is a better choice than linseed oil for rubbing out on top of a film-forming finish such as lacquer. November 25, 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

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

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

    Drying Rack Suggestions
    Finishers discuss the attributes of various manufactured and shop-built racks for drying freshly sprayed doors and parts. January 24, 2014

    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

    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

    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

    Durable Clear Finish for Deck Furniture
    Suggestions for a sunlight-tolerant finish for outdoor furniture. October 19, 2014

    Darkening Quilted Maple While Enhancing the Grain
    Tips on getting a slight tint on Maple while helping the grain to pop. July 16, 2012

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

    Colored Spray Finish for Steel Roll-Up Doors
    What's a good aftermarket color coat to apply to steel storage-shed doors that already have a coat of clear polyester on them? Pros give advice. July 3, 2008

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

    Alternatives for Spar Varnish on Mahogany
    Spar varnish's softness and flexibility matches well with mahogany's softness, but dry times are an issue. Here, finishers discuss other choices. April 30, 2006

    Dust Control and Conversion Varnish
    Tips on protecting against dust and overspray when spraying CV. March 9, 2010

    Conversion Varnish over Linseed Oil
    Tips for success with a conversion varnish topcoat applied over boiled linseed oil. June 18, 2013

    Commercial Bar Top Finish Choices
    Finishers suggest a couple of options for a tough and repairable bar top coating. February 21, 2011

    A Unique Ebonizing Recipe
    Here's a custom chemical brew that goes on yellow and green, then turns deep black when the oil finish hits it. September 16, 2008

    "Cow Tail" Antiquing
    A "cow tail" brush and spatter technique is one tool in the antique finisher's kit. October 14, 2010

    Achieving an "Espresso" Finish
    Tips on sneaking up on a dark brown "black coffee" look. December 2, 2009

    Aqua Fortis Finishes and Veneer Adhesive
    Will aqua fortis finish break down the glue bond for a veneered countertop? June 28, 2013

    A Slice of Finishing Shop History
    Feeling creative, a woodworker takes a cross-section of the two-inch layer of residue on his finishing table after years of accumulation of overspray. The result is art. April 13, 2012

    Applying Tung Oil
    A great Tung oil finish takes hand labor for rubbing in multiple coats. March 4, 2009

    Troubleshooting Pinholes with an Air-Assisted Airless Spraygun
    Fluid and air pressure adjustments can solve this problem. July 14, 2010

    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

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

    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

    Troubleshooting Buckled Peel-and-Stick Veneer
    Indoor humidity has caused adhesive-backed veneer to buckle. Here, pros discuss the limitations and vulnerabilities of the material. November 20, 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

    Sanding for Adhesion with Conversion Varnish
    Catalyzed conversion varnishes require a mechanical bond between coats. Here's advice on sanding techniques that help avoid burning through coats you've applied, but still achieve roughness required for a good bond. June 28, 2013

    Thinning Conversion Varnish in Hot Weather
    A finisher seeks advice on techniques for thinning conversion varnish on days when the weather gets hotter than 90°F. November 29, 2014

    Waterproofing with Epoxy
    Waterproofing outdoor furniture may be a losing game. But if you're using epoxy to protect exposed wood, choose the right product. May 16, 2014

    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

    Touching Up Lipping Planer Damage
    A good finisher can correct some woodworking mishaps with advanced touchup techniques. Here's a good example with some tips and tricks. March 16, 2015

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

    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

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

    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

    Stocking a Furniture Touch-Up Kit
    Here's a nice look at what you might want in your starter kit for furniture touch-up and finish repair. July 14, 2010

    Why are Some Finishes Labeled "Photochemically Reactive"?
    The term "photochemically reactive" appears to relate to a formula's potential to form ozone and contribute to smog, not any risk that the finish will change color in sunlight. October 19, 2014

    Troubleshooting Flaking Conversion Varnish
    Likely causes for a flaking finish: sanding techniques, or too heavy a primer coat. March 16, 2015

    Troubleshooting Static in the Paint Booth
    Thoughts on the causes and cures for static electricity problems that interfere with finishing. March 26, 2009

    Toning Ash a Dark Gray
    Approach the gray you need by toning in multiple passes with a thinned-out black lacquer. April 17, 2009

    Spraying Oil Paint with a Pressure Pot
    Some finishers get good results with oil by over-thinning. August 12, 2014

    Wenge Grain-Filling Discoloration Problem
    Why is the grain turning a milky white after filling with a high-solids 2K poly? June 18, 2009

    Troubleshooting Unwanted Crackle
    Crackle shows up in a catalyzed primer over vinyl sealer on stripped furniture. Why? October 17, 2012

    Spray Toning Furniture
    Advice on achieving good adhesion and maintaining some grain definition when darkening the existing finish on a wood desk. September 3, 2010

    White Film after Spraying
    A contaminated air line and filter turns out to be the culprit. March 12, 2015

    Sealing Cut MDF Edges
    Three different approaches to sealing the cut edges of MDF panels, so finish coatings won't soak in. April 19, 2011

    Translating British Finishing Terms
    What the heck does this British book mean by "white spirits" and "distemper"? Glad you asked, old chap. January 27, 2007

    Suggestions for Opening Up Oak Pores
    A finisher needs to create a deeper, more dramatic open look in the pores of Red Oak, and collects a few ideas. March 26, 2013

    Troubleshooting Tiny Hair-Like Fibers in the Finish
    A finisher seeks advice eliminating contamination by small hair-like fibers. August 16, 2012

    Touch-Up Sanding of Shiny Spots in Lacquer
    Advice on using abrasives to even out the sheen of finished wood. April 18, 2015

    Stearated Sand Paper
    Some experts have concluded that new types of stearated sandpaper no longer cause fisheye with water-based finishes, but not everyone is convinced. January 27, 2008

    Sources for Cheese Cloth Rags
    There are a lot of places to get cheese cloth. May 15, 2008

    Wood Finish for a Hot Tub Surround
    Finishers offer coating suggestions for woodwork next to a hot tub, where steam and hot water are constant stress factors. March 9, 2010

    Waterborne Poly Versus Waterborne Lacquer
    Waterborne polyurethane and waterborne lacquer resemble each other more than they resemble any solventborne finish. May 18, 2010

    Semi-Gloss Over Flat Finish Coats
    The last coat's reflective characteristics are what determines sheen. January 29, 2009

    Staining Euro Steamed Beech
    Advice on achieving a consistent stain finish without blotching on steamed Beech. April 16, 2010

    Temperature Versus Dry Time in Finishing
    Expert Ron Bryze explains how ambient temperature influences the finish drying and curing process. December 31, 2007

    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

    Getting Mahogany Flat
    Very hard woods with alternating grain patterns sometimes develop waviness when sanded with wide-belt equipment. Here's an extensive discussion of the characteristics of Mahogany, and of ways to approach it using both hand tools and power equipment. November 12, 2005

    From Log to Furniture
    A newcomer has logs and wants to make some furniture. The sawmill forum has advice for him. January 14, 2013

    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

    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

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

    Enhancing Oak Grain with Dyes and Glazes
    Tips (illustrated with photos) on bringing out depth and figure in white oak. December 31, 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

    Mobile Air-Assisted Airless Rigs for On-Site Finishing
    Finishers explain how they have chosen and set up AAA equipment so it can be transported and used on site as well as in the shop. November 29, 2014

    Repairing Damaged Veneer
    Pros troubleshoot a water-damaged veneer table top, and consider possible fixes. October 30, 2005

    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

    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

    Glazing and Conversion Varnish
    Advice for a first-timer on glazing with conversion varnishes. March 9, 2010

    Pricing for Furniture Refinishing
    A discussion of how to set prices for furniture refinishing. April 18, 2010

    Measuring and Calculating Mil Thickness of Finish Coats
    A little explanation of how to gauge wet or dry mil thickness. December 31, 2013

    Grain Filling on Paduak
    Sanding dust mixed with wet finish works; or there's paste filler. May 18, 2010

    Paint Peeling when Masking Tape is Removed
    Troubleshooting a masking tape problem in painted work. July 29, 2012

    Return of the Pink Bumpers
    It's like red but not quite ... what's turning finish pink near cabinet door bumpers? An unsolved mystery. June 30, 2009

    Oiling Teak Grilles for a Shower Floor
    A woodworker seeks finish advice for an unusual architectural detail: Teak grilles in the floor of a shower. August 3, 2009

    Lightening a Too-Dark Spray Stain
    After listening to advice, a finisher has good luck using thinner to wipe off some excess stain. October 26, 2007

    Re-Finishing a Laminate Table Top
    Advice on prepping and spraying laminate surfaces. May 17, 2010

    Managing Color Differences in Cherry Plywood
    A finisher has trouble making his whole job look like the approved sample, because of inconsistent plywood. February 15, 2009

    Priming and Prepping MDF for Waterborne Top Coats
    Advice on prepping MDF to achieve a smooth finished surface. February 2, 2011

    "Pop" for a Walnut Kitchen Counter Finish
    Advice on getting interesting grain effects in dark, relatively uniform Walnut. July 16, 2012

    Glue and Finish for a Wood Trivet
    Thoughts on how a small item designed to protect tabletops from hot pots and pans can be detailed to withstand the heat itself. November 8, 2007

    Painted Door Details to Minimize Finish Cracking
    A discussion of joint design, glue choices, crack filler, and finish choices in order to reduce cracking and telegraphing of joints. January 28, 2009

    Popping the Grain on Curly Maple
    How to enhance contrast and definition with curly Maple. October 28, 2008

    Post-Cat Material Flow Issues
    Fluid temperature and tip size can make all the difference. September 16, 2008

    Refinishing Water-Stained Cherry Furniture
    Can a craftsman remove water stains from an old cherry piece without destroying its natural aged patina? March 29, 2008

    Filling Gaps with Sawdust Mixes
    The old "mix sawdust with glue" trick takes a beating here from skeptics — but there are other suggestions. October 1, 2010

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

    Eliminating Fish Tails in Finish
    A beginner gets advice on tip choice and fluid and air pressure settings to help optimize his spray pattern. June 18, 2013

    Leaving Finish in a Pressure Pot: How Long?
    Is it safe to leave paint or lacquer in a spray setup overnight? September 3, 2011

    Flatting Agent to Reduce Sheen
    If you need flat-sheen finish occasionally, but not in quantities that make it worth keeping on hand, you can keep some flatting agent around instead to add when necessary. February 23, 2008

    Grain Filler for Painting Red Oak
    How to fill open wood pores to get a smooth paint topcoat. July 17, 2008

    Fumed oak finish
    A tip, a trick and some suggested reading on the subject of fumed oak finishes. January 24, 2001

    Gun Clogs when Spraying Shellac Primer
    It's the nature of the beast, but thinning helps somewhat. September 16, 2008

    Fixing Runs in Conversion Varnish
    Tips on using a razor blade to clean up runs in the finish. April 17, 2010

    Finishing the Underside of Furniture
    Sealing and finishing table tops on both faces helps prevent seasonal warping and cupping. January 18, 2011

    Pre-Cat Lacquer and Laptop Computer Heat
    Heavy laptop use could discolor some table-top finishes. March 28, 2012

    Choices for Glazing
    Here's advice on glazing for a beginner who's having trouble. July 11, 2013

    Burning Off Water Damage
    Wipe the white discoloration with alcohol, touch it with a lit match, and Bob's your uncle. January 7, 2010

    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

    Adhesion Problems over Aluminum "Silver" Leaf
    Advice on how to make a clear finish stick to aluminum leafing. October 15, 2009

    Bleaching Dark Panels for a "Reverse Sunburst"
    Finishers consider ways to approach bleaching just the center of a dark Bubinga panel. July 3, 2008

    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

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

    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

    Card Scraper Advice
    Card scrapers are an effective tool for preparing a wood surface for finish. The tricky part is sharpening. March 26, 2013

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

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

    Applying Dye Without a Stain Coat
    Can a finisher rely on dye alone, without stain, to achieve his intended look? September 25, 2014

    Cleaning Before Re-Coating Kitchen Cabinets On Site
    Removing dirt, grease, and contaminants without damaging the appearance of the existing finish is the problem. Here are tips and suggestions. August 15, 2011

    Applying a Chip-Through Finish
    Wax or petroleum jelly applied in spots will break adhesion and allow the topcoat to chip off, exposing the undercoat. November 26, 2007

    De-Nibbing a Finish with Paper
    Brown paper works well (newspaper is too inky). March 28, 2008

    Black Water-Based Dye Over an Oil Stain
    You can mix black dye with de-waxed shellac, then apply a more durable topcoat over that. March 4, 2009

    Distilling Lacquer Thinner
    Recovered solvents can be suitable for cleanup, but not for use in finishes. February 2, 2011

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

    Buffing to a High Gloss
    Advice on a progression of fine grits and buffing compounds to achieve a glasslike glossy finish. November 15, 2011

    Clear Coating Polished Aluminum
    Several suggestions for a water-clear finish on exterior metal hardware. September 3, 2011

    Bee Propolis Wood Finish Formulas
    Advice on mixing up an unusual recipe — varnish made with bee propolis resins. August 24, 2008

    Cleaning Wax off a Glossy Table Top Finish
    Tips on how to remove wax before re-finishing. September 30, 2009

    Spraying Doors in Vertical Hanging Racks
    A well-arranged rack system can speed up production dramatically. March 3, 2010

    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

    Touching Up Sand-Through Damage on a Table
    It's too late to prevent the damage, but a passable repair is possible using touch-up powder or sticks. October 19, 2013

    Whether to Caulk Painted Cabinet Doors
    Materials choices, assembly methods, and finishing techniques all affect whether a door looks seamless, or not. May 15, 2014

    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

    Staining the Medullary Rays in Oak
    The grain figure in quartersawn Oak is striking, but it doesn't readily accept stain. Here's advice on working with it to gain a desired effect. January 25, 2013

    Spraying in Humid Conditions
    Finishers discuss ways to adapt to hot, humid weather. October 18, 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

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

    Troubleshooting Uneven Sheen in Lacquer
    Too much thinner can reduce the proportions of flattener, resulting in uneven sheen and excessive glossiness. April 20, 2011

    Waterborne Finishes Versus Solventborne Lacquer
    Struggling with the application and quality issues encountered when switching to waterborne formulas for health and safety reasons. June 8, 2011

    Stain Application: Spray Versus Wipe
    Pros discuss the fine points of stain application, with a view to good results. November 8, 2007

    Waterborne Dye over Oil Stain
    A finisher gets advice on an unusual schedule: applying waterborne dye over a coat of oil-based stain. December 28, 2014

    Spraying White Conversion Varnish
    Advice on priming and other quality control measures for spraying white pigmented CV. August 12, 2014

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

    Sanding Face Frame Joints Flush
    Advice on finish sanding methods and joinery for face frames. February 21, 2011

    Slowing Cherry's Color Change
    you can slow it down, but you can't stop it. Here's a collection of ideas. March 9, 2008

    Tinted Filler for Engravings Before Finishing
    Epoxy or polyester filler can both be tinted. April 10, 2008

    Staining: Maple Versus Birch
    A comparison of the finishing characteristics of Hard Maple and White Birch. August 8, 2008

    Staining a Beech Kitchen
    If you use Beech as a substitute for Alder, achieving a consistent finish tone can be a tricky problem. July 27, 2008

    Quick Stain/Topcoat Combination
    Searching for a stain formula that allows topcoating without a long wait for the stain to dry or cure. September 14, 2006

    Thinning Sealer for Tropical Woods
    A finisher finds that thinning the sealer eliminates his bubble problem. January 18, 2011

    Tinting Waterborne Finishes for On-Site Refinishing
    One company can tint another company's products for a visual match to an existing wood finish on site. April 20, 2008

    Water-Mark Stain Distressing
    Suggested ways to imitate the look of antique water stains in new work. March 29, 2008

    Yellowing Problem in White Paint over Meranti Wood
    To keep pigments in the wood from yellowing a water-based paint finish, pros recommend a sealing primer. November 25, 2005

    Sanding with Abranet
    Fine points of using Abranet sanding screens. March 28, 2012

    Sealing MDF Door Edges
    Problem: the rounded-over MDF edges of maple-veneer-faced are sucking in too much stain. Solution: edge sealing with gesso or shellac. March 29, 2006

    White Flecks in the Pores Under Tung Oil
    Filling the pores before finishing is a good preventative; tinted wax can be a workable fix. January 18, 2011

    Toning and Shading with Water-Borne Finishes
    Quick tips on toning and shading. December 8, 2006

    Sealing Ultralight MDF Shop Jigs
    Ideas for quick sealing of MDF. January 14, 2009

    Troubleshooting Pin Holes in Lacquer
    Advice on adjusting application techniques to avoid the formation of pin holes in the finish. April 17, 2010

    Tung Oil for Quilt Racks?
    Will tung oil come off on cloth? It's a risk. October 26, 2007

    Sealing Pine Resin and Sap
    Here's a tip for chemical surface treatment to harden sap and resin, preventing or reducing bleed-through. May 18, 2010

    Semi-Opaque Sage Green Finish
    Call it "French Provincial," but how do you mix it? December 6, 2011

    The Art of Aging Wood
    Here's a nice how-to on wood distressing from expert furniture-maker, finisher and author Ron Bryze. December 31, 2007

    Controlling and Estimating Finish Thickness
    A cabinetmaker facing a lawsuit learns a few basic concepts about wet and dry finish thickness. January 24, 2014

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

    Hairline Cracks on Painted Cabinet Doors and Drawers
    Natural wood movement will inevitably show up through a painted finish at wood joints. August 19, 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

    Refinishing an Old Veneer Table
    Some interesting points made about veneer, table construction, and stripping and finishing in this discussion. October 26, 2012

    Roughness and Final Sanding with Waterbased Topcoats
    Roughness on horizontal surfaces could be overspray, but it could also relate to grain raise and sanding methods. May 13, 2013

    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

    Preventing Cherry from Darkening
    Darkening is natural in Cherry wood exposed to light. But there may be ways to at least slow the process down. March 26, 2013

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

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

    Filling Pores on Fine Carvings
    Thorough advice on filling pores without obscuring fine carved detail. June 18, 2010

    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

    Final Buffing in Place for a Poly Cabinet Finish
    Pros suggest brown paper, buffing pads, and other options. September 16, 2008

    Grain Filling Methods for Guitar Bodies
    A guitar builder asks about using epoxy versus conversion varnish for filling the wood grain on his instruments. June 18, 2009

    Refinished Kitchen Doors Cracking
    Cracking from wood movement is a common situation, calling for good communication with the customer. June 17, 2009

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

    Glazing Basics
    A few tips on glazing for a beginner. April 19, 2011

    Retarding Waterborne Lacquers
    What's the right additive to thin the formula and slow down the dry time? February 2, 2011

    Filling Big Gaps in Walnut Burl
    Thoughts on ways to fill cracks and knotholes in Walnut burls before applying a clear finish. March 4, 2009

    Revealing the Grain in Maple
    Maple is tricky wood to stain. Too light a sealcoat, and the results may be blotchy; too heavy, and the grain may not show. July 17, 2008

    Filling Flaky Leopardwood Veneer Before Finishing
    Advice on fillers and compatible topcoats for a troublesome veneered tabletop. August 22, 2013

    Old Doors: Strip and Re-Finish, or Replace?
    Opinions vary about whether it's cheaper to replace a cabinet door or re-finish it. October 1, 2010

    Replicable Spatter and Speckle Techniques
    Finishers describe various methods for achieving predictable spatter or speckle. June 30, 2014

    Post-Cat Finishing Schedule for Rough Surfaces
    Solving a complex tinting and adhesion problem: using a post-catalyzed finish with gel stain on rough timbers. June 30, 2009

    Masking Tape Concerns
    ztp Finishing paint-grade cabinets on site — how long can you leave masking tape on? September 18, 2012

    Obscuring Grain and Figure
    Basic advice on finishing wood so that what's underneath doesn't show. June 22, 2012

    Paint Rub-Through for a Table Top
    Thoughts on how to prep and undercoat for an opaque paint finish with some exposed wood. April 18, 2010

    Keeping the Spraygun Tip Clean
    Tips for a clean tip. May 21, 2009

    Primers for Signboard
    Synthetic sign-board materials tend to soak up the paint and get blotchy. Here are some suggestions for a practical primer. June 8, 2008

    "Refreshing" a Finish On Site
    Start with a mild cleaner, and use a light hand. September 18, 2012

    Re-Coat Windows for Catalyzed Coatings
    Don't wait too long to apply later coats, or your finishes may delaminate.February 21, 2011

    Glue Size Sources
    Looking for a washcoat? You can buy glue size pre-mixed, buy your own, or use something else (like shellac). July 29, 2007

    Removing Excess Glue Before Finishing
    Don't wet wipe — let dry, then scrape and sand. January 18, 2011

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

    Appearance Match for an Epoxy Patch
    Epoxy won't take stain like the original wood, so... amaze your clients with these professional tricks. August 9, 2005

    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

    Calcium Contamination in a Spray Finish
    A finisher gets advice on addressing what appears to be a white calcium buildup on his spray system's filters, which is contaminating his work. November 29, 2014

    Are Expensive Sprayguns Worth It?
    You get what you pay for ... here are some details. March 12, 2015

    Cost for Staining Custom Moulding
    A small shop does some basic cost figuring for unfamiliar work: an incidental stain job. October 19, 2013

    Applying Latex Paint over Oil Paint
    A repainting project raises the old familiar topic of compatibility between oil-based and acrylic paints. June 16, 2014

    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

    Basic Cabinet-Painting Advice
    What to tell a DIY friend about painting cabinets. January 29, 2009

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

    Barrier Coats for Preventing Fish-Eye
    Advice on cleaning methods and barrier coat application when fish-eye rears its ugly head. November 14, 2014

    Custom Stain-Mixing Systems
    Various ways to formulate your own stains — any color you like. February 13, 2006

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

    Avoiding Grain Darkening with Stain on Red Oak
    If you don't want the grain to darken, use a light touch with the spray gun. April 19, 2011

    Dyeing Ipe
    Ipe is a very challenging wood to color or coat, but here are some tips on how to approach it. August 8, 2008

    Caulking Under Conversion Varnish
    Gaps in a piece may become noticeable after a first finish coat. Here's advice on caulking before applying the second coat. March 26, 2013

    Conversion Varnish on Marble Table Tops
    How to make wood finishes stick to stone. August 16, 2012

    Darkening Open Grain
    Tips on achieving a finish with black lines running through the open grain portion of a light colored wood (sometimes considered a type of "ceruse"). March 13, 2009

    Controlling Blotch in Birch Cabinet Doors
    More thoughts on how to achieve even staining with troublesome woods like birch. June 28, 2006

    Controlling Stain Absorption on Poplar End Grain
    Sanding and a sealer washcoat can help you fine-tune the way end grain takes up stain. June 28, 2013

    De-Blushing Clear Lacquer
    Simple advice for getting rid of blush in lacquer. January 14, 2008

    Deep Black Hole Filler Ideas
    Suggestions for filling pin-nail holes in a pre-finished black moulding. December 10, 2007

    Chemistry of Polyurethane Finishes
    Amaze your friends and relations with your grasp of polyurethane chemical structure, after reading this thread. January 14, 2008

    Antique Finish for Natural Pine
    Finishers share ideas for creating this effect. February 26, 2005

    Bleaching Wood
    Here's a practical two-page how-to on bleaching wood, contributed by finishing expert Ron Bryze. November 21, 2007

    Troubleshooting Mixing Issues with an AAA Pump
    A finisher tries to figure out why his CAT 2k pump is producing streaky results from the gun. July 29, 2014

    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

    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

    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

    Tinting and Staining Wood Filler
    Furniture makers discuss how to make wood filler match wood, and debate wood filler's proper role in the shop. December 1, 2005

    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

    Stripping and Refinishing Pricing
    Stripping furniture is laborious and slow — and so a fair price may create some sticker shock. March 26, 2009

    Tip Choices for HVLP Sprayguns
    Advice on the ins and outs of matching tips to the gun and the intended use. August 25, 2008

    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

    Spraying Cabinets in Occupied Apartments
    Advice on masking and application methods, and commentary on customer behaviors. September 16, 2008

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

    Touching Up Spray Acrylic Pigmented Lacquer
    Advice on touch-up methods for an acrylic lacquer spray job on built-in cabinetry. May 21, 2009

    Toning with Waterborne Lacquer
    Tips on sneaking up on the tone you want. August 15, 2011

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

    Tweaking Conversion Varnish for Hot-Weather Performance
    Finishers suggest additives to eliminate CV orange-peel problems in hot weather. November 8, 2007

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

    Scuffing Vinyl Sealcoat Before Glazing
    Fine points of the scuffing step in a glaze finish process. July 27, 2008

    Setting Up a Kremlin Cup Gun
    A finisher gets tips on how to dial in his new spraygun. January 19, 2012

    Troubleshooting Stain Wicking at End Grain
    Here's an interesting case example: a problem of stain wicking into end grain in a site-finished coffer ceiling trim job. April 18, 2010

    Troubleshooting Adhesion Problems with Two-Part Polyurethane Over Danish Oil
    Feedback for a finisher who is seeing 2k poly pull away when applied over an oil-based coating. September 25, 2014

    Ticking, Mottling, and Blotching
    like blotching, but different. July 3, 2008

    Spraying Wooden Drawer and Door Knobs
    Jigs and tricks for holding wooden knobs for spraying and drying. June 18, 2010

    Troubleshooting Pinholes in a Lacquer Finish
    A pinhole problem is traced to a dessicant cartridge that needs replacing. December 23, 2014

    Understanding Transfer Efficiency
    A quick discussion of "transfer efficiency" — how much of what you spray actually ends up sticking to the workpiece. July 14, 2010

    Spray-Applied Coatings for Outdoor Metal Furniture
    A finisher shops for a paint he can buy in volume to apply to outdoor metal restaurant tables and chairs using spray equipment. November 29, 2014

    Using Ozone to Counteract Off-Gassing Odor
    An ozone generator with enough capacity to make a dent in finish off-gassing odor would create indoor pollution concerns, says the voice of experience. December 23, 2014

    Sniffing Out Silicone Contamination
    Tips on detecting silicone in your shop air, and on protecting the wood from it. September 30, 2009

    Surface Feel of Spray-Applied Acrylic Paint
    Pigment characteristics and a rapid dry time seem to affect the surface smoothness of paint. March 12, 2015

    Suitable Substrates for White Conversion Varnish
    Using a pigmented finish and trying to keep the cost down, a cabinetmaker considers his choices for trim material. November 23, 2012

    Variable Frequency Drive Controls for a Spray Booth Exhaust Fan
    Finishers report satisfactory results from controls to slow the spray booth exhaust fan when appropriate. November 24, 2008

    Water-Based Formulas for On-Site Repairs?
    Tips on finding and using water-based products to touch up or repair damaged finishes on site. November 25, 2006

    Staining End Grain
    A sealcoat first will help prevent uneven stain effects. August 29, 2005

    Pricing Example: a Simple Cabinet
    A simple pair of free-standing cabinets, with a long discussion on pricing, bidding, and relating to a competitive market. July 5, 2006

    Polyester and Epoxy Wood Repair Fillers in Conservation Work
    Tips on whether epoxy or polyester wood repair formulas are sufficiently authentic for conservation work, and some tips on how to use them. October 26, 2007

    Problems Sanding Conversion Varnish
    It could just be a matter of timing. But here are other ideas as well. June 18, 2013

    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

    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

    Exterior Priming and Back-Priming
    Woodworkers debate whether shellac should be used for exterior priming. Manufacturers don't recommend it, but anecdotal experience varies. June 17, 2012

    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

    Glue Catalyst Bleed-Through on Veneer
    Undissolved adhesive catalyst can bleed through and discolor veneer with unsightly spots long after finishing. November 15, 2010

    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

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

    Joinery to Prevent Telegraphing of a Paint Finish
    Cabinetmakers consider material and glue choices to avoid visual telegraphing of joints in a custom cabinetry and furniture job that will have an opaque white lacquer finish. November 15, 2011

    Labor Time for Glazing a Cabinet Door
    How long should a skilled person take to apply a glazed finish to a door? February 27, 2013

    Refinishing Plantation Shutters
    Here's advice on how to handle the refinishing work on movable louvered shutters, and how to charge for the complicated labor that's involved. January 2, 2012

    Glazing Without Sanding
    Finishers discuss glazing techniques that don't risk sanding through stain coats into white wood. December 23, 2014

    Raised Glue Joints after Staining
    Why would finishes cause glue joints to swell and telegraph? And what's the fix? April 24, 2012

    Is Fuming Oak a Good Idea?
    Fuming White Oak with ammonia gives inconsistent results, and the intent can be achieved using conventional techniques instead. October 19, 2013

    Pigmented Coatings for Cabinets
    Thoughts on latex paints and pigmented lacquers for cabinet finishing. March 29, 2006

    Eliminating Cherry "Tan Lines"
    Clear tape used to hold a miter glue-up apparently blocked the ultraviolet light, leaving Cherry wood with light lines. Is there any fix? December 6, 2011

    Glazing with a Needle
    A discussion of various methods for pinpoint application of glaze to cabinet crevices. June 30, 2014

    Protecting Yourself from Isocyanates
    Isocyanate is a dangerous chemical, so have a good spray booth and wear full protective gear. October 19, 2013

    Lightening Up Alder
    Alder mellows out naturally over time, but you can choose a finish that keeps it headed the way you like it to go. July 3, 2008

    Fiberglass Door Finishing Follies
    Painting a fiberglass entry door ... what could go wrong? October 1, 2010

    Rubbing Out Blemishes While Retaining a High Gloss
    Advice on how to polish away small defects without doing damage. March 9, 2008

    Polyurethane Cure Times
    Polyurethane hardening times are temperature-dependent. With multiple coats, the process can get tricky. February 21, 2011

    Nib Files for Dust Nubs
    Quick tips on preventing, or removing, occasional dust nubs from finished pieces. March 9, 2010

    Repairing White Discoloration on a Lacquered Table
    How to get rid of milky-white spots on a lacquer finish. April 17, 2009

    Matching Veneer to Solid Wood Surroundings
    Advice for applying veneer to MDF and finishing it to match the European steamed Beech already installed in the room. January 3, 2012

    Outdoor Bar-Top Epoxy
    Can any bar finish stand up to outdoor weather and rough treatment? April 16, 2010

    Establishing the Recoat Window for Pre-Cat Finishes
    A lacquer thinner test could help you establish how much time can elapse between coats before you need to sand for good adhesion. April 10, 2008

    Filler for Countertop Knotholes
    Advice on a filler material for knotholes that's compatible with a Tung oil finish. May 12, 2013

    Nice Build with Conversion Varnish
    Quick application tip for conversion varnish finishes. July 14, 2010

    Flushing Waterbornes from Spraygun Lines
    Quick tips for clearing finish out of your spray lines so they won't harden up on you. May 17, 2010

    Removing White Blush Under Lacquer
    Two suggestions for getting rid of a white blush caused by putting a hot pot down on a table finished with post-catalyzed clear lacquer.February 16, 2014

    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

    Conversion Varnish Versus Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer
    Pros compare CV and pre-cat in terms of performance characteristics and ease of use. September 16, 2008

    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

    Catalyzed Varnishes, Offgassing, and Odor
    Occasional bad smells associated with conversion varnish, explained in terms of chemistry. February 23, 2008

    Cleaning Furniture Polish Residue off Millwork
    Suggestions for dealing with a hazy smear left on installed trim. June 18, 2013

    Characteristics of Lyptus Wood
    Cabinetmakers discuss the properties of this lesser-known but increasingly popular wood species. February 28, 2006

    Correcting a Too-Red Stain
    Green moves red in the direction of brown. Here are tips on careful application of that color correction. January 9, 2007

    Advice on Spraying Latex Paint
    Success with latex acrylic paints requires an appropriate spraygun setup and a lot of fiddling with the variables. July 11, 2013

    Adjusting the Spraygun for Pigmented CV
    Finishers discuss good pressure for a spraygun, how to dial in a good setting, and how to adjust chemicals for better results. March 16, 2015

    Basics of Color Mixing and Matching
    A newcomer gets introductory advice on learning how to mix custom colors. March 13, 2009

    Basics of Furniture Distressing
    A quick rundown on how to make new furniture look run down. April 16, 2010

    Dark Black Stain for a Red Oak Floor
    Finishing suggestions for making an oak floor a deep black. March 29, 2008

    Cutting Steel Wool from a Roll
    Steel wool dulls scissors quickly. Here are suggestions for other ways to cut it when purchased in bulk. October 19, 2014

    Adjusting to Changing Temperature as You Spray
    As the day warms up, think about adding more retarder. October 3, 2007

    Color Adjustment with Aniline Dyes
    Advice on sneaking up on the desired hue and tint with dyes on a musical instrument. April 17, 2009

    Correcting an Un-Catalyzed CV Coat
    Thoughts on recovering from an "oops" — forgetting to add catalyst to a batch of conversion varnish. March 9, 2010

    Black Lacquer Applications
    Tips on quick, easy, and effective black finishes. January 27, 2008

    Clear Coat over Formica
    Finishers report that spray coatings adhere well to Formica. February 12, 2010

    Black Coating for a Small Job
    Suggestions for achieving a deep black finish without having to buy full quantities of expensive products. June 18, 2013

    Accelerating Oil-Based Enamel Curing
    Is there any way to shorten the drying time of oil base enamel? March 29, 2008

    Clear Coat Over Latex Paint
    12/11/2014

    CV over Milk Paint?
    Finishers discuss topcoating so-called "milk paint" with modern clear coatings. October 1, 2010

    Benefits of Vinyl Sanding Sealers
    Why use a vinyl sanding sealer under a conversion varnish? Finishers offers several reasons. October 26, 2007

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

    Blush or Haze with Shellac Primer
    Heat is a remedy. December 1, 2009

    Shellac como sellador bajo laca
    Los profesionales debaten los detalles de la aplicaciσn de una capa selladora de goma laca al repintar muebles. July 11, 2005

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

    Troubleshooting Glue Lines in MDF-to-Wood Joints
    Cabinetmakers discuss how to achieve a seamless look in paint-grade cabinetry. February 27, 2015

    Seeking a Modern "Violin Ground"
    Violin makers have long used special formulas to prepare the instrument for varnishing. Here's a discussion of what traditional or modern formulas might contain. July 11, 2013

    Touching Up Table Edges
    When the color wears off a table edge, specialty markers are available to fix the problem. April 2, 2013

    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

    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

    Spray Painting House Exteriors
    Quick advice on equipment options and methods for painting houses. December 6, 2011

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

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

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

    Staining Birch to Match Cherry
    Advice on getting a "close enough" finish match on Birch trim in a house with Cherry cabinets. October 14, 2010

    Troubleshooting "Hiccups" with an Air-Assisted Airless Gun
    Woodweb comes to the rescue again, diagnosing a finisher's spraygun malfunction and saving him a bundle of cash. April 10, 2008

    Tone Variation Between Cabinet Frame and Doors
    Why are the doors more yellow than the face frame? Could be the coating thickness. May 18, 2010

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

    When to Scuff Sand Pre-Catalyzed Finish Coats
    Be sure to follow the maker's directions for sanding between coats. May 16, 2014

    Sap Bleeding Through Primer on Ceiling Boards
    Advice on stain-blocking primer, on cleaning up sap, and on proper wood drying. January 14, 2009

    Staining Cherry Doors to Match Walnut
    Finishers suggest dye, sealer, and stain schedules to make Cherry doors resemble Walnut. October 18, 2012

    Wood Bleach Options
    A finisher gets advice on finding and using bleaching agents for wood. April 18, 2010

    Tack Rag Residue on Spar Varnish
    Cautionary tale: wetting a tack rag with mineral spirits before use may deposit "tack" onto your workpiece. April 19, 2011

    Troubleshooting Sanding Swirls in Pine
    Softer woods can be challenging to sand. Here's advice on preventing unsightly swirls. May 7, 2009

    Technical Info on Colorants
    Where to learn about 844 colorants, "universal" tints, et cetera. October 15, 2009

    Troubleshooting Adhesion Failure of Lacquer to Caulk
    Lacquer may not stick to caulk properly, depending on the products and the technique. September 3, 2010

    Webbing Spray, or Veiling Stain
    Advice on guns and tips for achieving this unusual look. January 21, 2010

    Understanding Pump Ratings for Air-Assisted Airless Equipment
    Finishers explain how air pressure relates to fluid pressure in an air-assisted airless situation, and what it means when a AAA pump is rated "14:1," "10:1," et cetera. February 17, 2014

    Two-Tone Drawer and Door Finishing Problem
    Advice on how to apply two colors to a door or drawer front without bleed-through or other similar problems. October 1, 2010

    Taking a Red Undertone from Alder
    Green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, but some fine fiddling with yellow and blue may be needed to balance out a too-red tone. September 26, 2013

    Troubleshooting Conversion Varnish Off-Gassing Odor
    Formaldehyde or catalyst odor can draw customer complaints. July 26, 2010

    Sanding Between Coats of Conversion Varnish
    How to select the most effective grit for prep sanding of CV between coats. July 3, 2008

    Touch-Up Toning in Place
    Spray can products might work for fixing a slight color mis-match in the kitchen. January 24, 2014

    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

    Spraying Black Gloss Lacquer on MDF
    Good priming and pore filling are important. October 13, 2008

    Spray Equipment for Waterborne Top Coats
    Advice on cleaning guns and lines when switching between solvent-borne and water-borne finish formulas. February 15, 2009

    Silicone Oil Additives with Conversion Varnish
    Thoughts on the compatibility of silicone smoothing additives with various finish types. June 7, 2011

    Stripping Waterbased Finishes
    Use a high-pH (caustic) stripper for efficient (and relatively non-toxic) removal. July 20, 2011

    Getting Penetration with Spray Stain
    After switching from wiping stain to spray stain, a finisher asks for advice on working the material into fine cracks and crevices. December 31, 2012

    Filling End-Grain Cracks in Slabs
    Finishers discuss reinforced epoxy and similar crack-filling materials. September 29, 2009

    Lipping the Wood Edge of a Laminate Table Top
    Advice on setting up to make wood edges flush to laminate table tops on a production basis. July 3, 2008

    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

    Keeping Your Eyeglasses Clean in the Spray Booth
    Advice on protecting and cleaning your glasses in an overspray environment. April 24, 2014

    Removing Masonry Lime Stains from Wood
    Cleaning up lime stains on old woodwork. December 14, 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

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

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

    Popping Ray Fleck in White Oak
    Advice on using Gilsonite or stains that contain it to bring out the figure in White Oak. December 2, 2009

    Prime Coat for PVC Columns
    What kind of coating will stick to PVC plastic pipe? January 29, 2009

    Primers for Thermofoil Doors
    Advice on a good base coat for an adhesion layer between Thermofoil doors and a paint topcoat. February 12, 2010

    Preserving Grain Pop When Staining Anigre
    A finisher gets advice on matching a stain color while enhancing the pronounced grain figure on some Anigre veneer. July 25, 2010

    Is a "Gallon" of Lacquer Really a Gallon?
    A gallon can of some finishing products may not really have a gallon of material in it. June 30, 2014

    Improvised Mixing Containers
    Little plastic doo-dads you can use to mix colorants in. February 23, 2008

    Good Atomizing with an Airless Air-Assist Spraygun
    Advice on how to get a good spray pattern and prevent striping with an AAA gun. January 14, 2008

    Gray Aging to Match Old Weathered Wood
    Finishers suggest acid formulas to gray out new oak boards. September 16, 2008

    Gray Wash on Birch
    Finishers advise on achieving a washed-out gray look on birch cabinets. October 4, 2011

    Part Labeling Tips
    Advice on how to label cabinet parts for assembly on a very large production order. April 30, 2009

    Matching a vintage stain
    There's much to consider when attempting to match a stain from early in the previous century. March 23, 2000

    Repainting Installed Cabinets on Site
    How do you handle painting the cabinet frames on site when you're spraying the doors in the shop? August 27, 2012

    Fly Speck Splatter Techniques
    A few tips and tricks for spatter finishing. November 25, 2008

    Pumice Furniture Antiquing
    Tips on different ways to apply pumice or rottenstone to furniture, so that some dust remains on the piece for an antique look. April 17, 2009

    Refinishing Waxed Table-Tops with Polyurethane
    A furniture-maker waxed some bamboo restaurant table tops, then had performance issues. Now, how to strip the wax and prep for polyurethane? May 23, 2007

    How To Coat Pigmented H20 Over Solvent CV
    09/28/2014

    Preventing the Grain-Raising Effect of Waterbased Pigmented Primers
    Water-based formulas cause wood grain to swell. Here are a few suggested remedies. December 1, 2005

    Refillable Glazing Pen?
    A discussion of glazing pens, flow pencils, and similar technology for laying down narrow lines of finish formulas. February 21, 2011

    Panel Drying Racks
    Advice on commercially made and shop-built rack systems for drying door panels after finishing. July 18, 2013

    Glue Reacting with Cherry
    A Cherry table shows witness lines at the glue joints. The culprit: a reaction between the wood and the glue. November 13, 2005

    Finishing an Outdoor Sign
    Penetrating epoxy sealer makes a good first coat under marine varnishes. July 15, 2014

    Making Gray Paint Using Tint Concentrates
    A finisher in a hurry gets advice on whipping up a quick batch of gray paint to match the plastic edgebanding he has. October 19, 2014

    Making Your Own Crackle Medium
    Here are a couple of recipe ideas for affordable crackle coatings. November 8, 2007

    Protective Coat Over Boiled Linseed Oil
    Thinned polyurethane makes a tough, low-build topcoat over linseed oil. August 16, 2009

    Bleed-Through with Paint and Primer
    A woodworker describes sanding problems and bleed issues with latex coating. May 28, 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

    Alternatives to Real Silver Leaf
    In this case, faking it would cost more and be harder than using the real thing. April 24, 2014

    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

    Door Shrinkage Issues in Refinishing
    A cabinet refinisher gets advice on how to limit the problem of wood drying shrinkage causing unstained edges to become visible. September 3, 2010

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

    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

    Dulling Down Gloss in a Lacquer Repair
    Tips on matching the sheen of a coating repair to the surrounding area. December 2, 2009

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

    Double-Refined MDF
    Double-refined MDF provides a cleaner, smoother machined edge. But there are also ways to improve the edge of standard MDF. November 5, 2007

    Application Tips for Gold Leaf
    Gold leaf gilding methods explained. December 9, 2010

    Adapting Shop Machines for Wire-Brushing
    Thoughts on converting a drum sander or table saw to do high-volume wire-brushing of wood. October 1, 2010

    Caring for an Antique Clock
    True antiques are best left in the hands of expert conservators. September 16, 2008

    Affordable Sprayguns for Water-Based Paint
    For occasional use, there are low-end rigs that will get the job done. December 29, 2008

    Disposing of Spray Booth Filters
    Are old filters from the spray booth hazardous waste, or regular trash? June 15, 2014

    Adhesion Problems with a Post-Catalyzed Clear Conversion Varnish
    Even a reliable and user-friendly CV may have trouble under some conditions. March 13, 2014

    Cleaning and Storing Sprayguns and Lines after Spraying Waterborne Finishes
    Advice on cleaning and storing spray equipment. September 26, 2013

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

    Coloring Cane Work
    A furniture restorer gets advice on toning new cane-work to match the existing piece. October 2, 2005

    Adding Color to Clear Finishes
    You can add small amounts of colorant to clear pre-catalyzed varnish to create a toner. April 17, 2010

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

    Caulking Painted Cabinets: When?
    Finishers discuss the sequence of priming, caulking, and painting cabinets. August 27, 2012

    Conversion Varnish over Metal Hinges
    Is it safe to use a wood finish on metal? December 6, 2011

    Troubleshooting Shrinkage Cracks in a Veneer Tabletop
    Water-based glue may have caused expansion, then shrinkage, leading to gaps between the veneer pieces. June 10, 2006

    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

    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

    Spraygun Cleaning Systems
    Here's a wide-ranging discussion on solvents and equipment for cleaning sprayguns. February 1, 2015

    Troubleshooting a Blue Mystery
    Finding the culprit when white lacquer mysteriously cures blue. March 28, 2010

    Shopping for a Pressure-Pot Spray Gun
    Advice on choosing a low-end spray system, and on which upgrades make sense. August 15, 2011

    Shading and Toning Eastern White Pine
    Advice on how to achieve a consistent, uniform dark color on white pine. July 17, 2008

    Spraying Stain Into Box Corners
    Advice on spray and wiping techniques for even coverage on box interiors. August 17, 2009

    Sheen, Clear Coats, and Glazing
    Glaze coats are easier to wipe off if you use a high-sheen base coat, or apply a high-sheen clear coat over the base coat before applying the glaze.

    Wide Belt Sander Choices
    More advice on selecting a widebelt sander. April 27, 2011

    Scratch Marks from Hand Sanding
    Basic advice on appropriate hand sanding technique to minimize visible scratch marks. December 29, 2008

    Thoughts on Bleaching Walnut
    Tips and cautions for a big job involving two-part bleach. October 20, 2013

    Strip Wax
    09/25/2014

    Spraying Waterborne Alkyd Paint
    Thinning issues are problematic with some paints and some equipment. November 29, 2014

    Stripping Stain
    It's hard to get pigment stain out of deep grain without sanding through a whole layer of veneer. Here are tips for a difficult refinishing challenge. May 5, 2011

    Spraying Latex Paint on Kitchen Cabinets
    It can be hard to get good flow-out and leveling when spraying a water-based latex paint on cabinets. January 29, 2009

    Staining End Grain to Match
    Tips for staining end grain of door stiles to match the side grain of the rest of the door frame. April 30, 2009

    Whether to Spray a Wiping Stain
    Basic info about wiping stain application and the pros and cons of various methods. September 3, 2010

    Waterborne Formulas and Spray Booth Fire Codes
    Whether or not you need fire-suppression gear, fire-safe lights, et cetera, in a spray booth when you only apply waterbornes is a fine point that should be discussed with your local authorities.May 26, 2011

    Separation of 844 Colorants
    Over time, stored colorants will clump or settle, and there's not much you can do to fix it. September 16, 2008

    Setting Pitch in Southern Yellow Pine
    You have to heat the wood to 160°F to set all the sap. Otherwise it will ooze out, even through shellac or other sealers. February 9, 2008

    Spraying Post-Catalyzed Primer
    Advice on equipment and application methods for a high-viscosity, high-solids post-cat primer. June 17, 2009

    Whether to Clear Coat Over Tinted Lacquer
    On pine furniture, is it worth the cost to add a clear coat for durability over a tinted lacquer coat? September 27, 2008

    Spraygun Choice for Applying Primer
    Pros recommend a pressure-pot system over an air-assisted airless setup if all you're doing is applying primer. February 15, 2015

    Wax Coating Melts During Shipment
    A furniture maker looks for solutions to a shipping problem: the wax on his pieces softens in the hot trucks enroute. July 3, 2008

    Troubleshooting Paint Cracking on Door Frame Joints
    It's hard to beat paint cracking if you build paint-grade doors out of wood. January 29, 2014

    Tips on Stripping Conversion Varnish
    Advice on choosing a chemical stripper, applying it, and scraping off the finish. August 21, 2012

    Staining Maple
    More tips on getting Maple to accept a dark stain. May 17, 2005

    Stacking Painted Items
    What can you layer between painted items in a stack to keep them from sticking together in shipment or storage? June 8, 2011

    Wormhole Distressing
    Finishers wander through a wormhole and end up in a distressing discussion in a parallel Norwegian universe. April 16, 2010

    Spray-Painting Beaded Face Frames
    Suggested techniques for getting good coating coverage inside the narrow recesses of a beaded profile. March 29, 2008

    Sanding MDF Before Finishing
    A fine grit is best with MDF because of the material's fine, fuzzy fibers. February 27, 2015

    Stain-Blocking Primer Tips
    Advice on a sealing prime coat for maple casework. January 13, 2006

    Touch-Up and Refinishing Classes
    Where to get instruction that can improve your touch-up skills. November 5, 2013

    Tinting Linseed Oil
    Oil based colorants, or just oil paint, are easy to add to linseed oil for color. October 15, 2009

    Teak Stain on White Oak
    You can stain Oak for a color match to Teak, but the grain patterns are totally different. October 28, 2008

    Wood Box for a 19th-Century English Bible
    Craftsmen discuss period details, and materials appropriate for archival use. October 28, 2005

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

    Spray Pattern Preferences
    One pass or two? June 18, 2010

    Sealing Wooden Signs
    How to seal over natural wood and painted lettering on an outdoor sign. September 26, 2013

    Water Damage Discoloration at Base of Door
    Discoloration may or may not be repairable. December 24, 2009

    Touch-Up Marker Choices
    Advice on marker selection for touching up bare wood exposed by raised panel seasonal shrinkage. July 26, 2010

    Waterborne Paint
    12/08/2017

    Protection for On-Site Spraying
    Advice for avoiding overspray damage when refinishing cabinetry in a furnished house. April 18, 2015

    Hard vs. soft maple
    Can these maples be mixed, and what are the differences? January 21, 2002

    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

    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

    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

    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 Make White Oak Black Before Liming/cerusing.
    09/26/2014

    Re-Coat Timing and Pre-Cat Durability
    A discussion of how quickly after applying one coat of pre-cat lacquer it is okay to apply a second coat. October 14, 2010

    Fly Speck Finish with a Spray Gun
    Ways to tweak a spraygun to achieve the "fly speck" effect (small, dispersed droplets of stain).April 19, 2011

    Preventing Swirl Marks from Orbital Sanding
    Advice on how to minimize swirl marks from a random orbital sander. June 17, 2009

    Pre-Cat Lacquer Yellowing in the Dark
    Some alkyds yellow in the presence of light and some yellow in the absence of light. May 18, 2010

    Maple Stain Techniques
    Tips on achieving an even tint in Maple using spray dye, a seal coat, and a wiping stain. October 13, 2008

    Heating Lacquer
    Lacquer formulas designed for a hot application offer particular advantages. You can also heat ordinary lacquer, but the results could be a mixed bag. August 22, 2013

    Lightfastness of Dye Stains
    Tips here on how to apply a subtle light-blocking pigmented masking coat over dye stain, to prolong the colorfastness in the presence of UV light. July 26, 2010

    Ebonizing a White Oak Table
    Grain filler is tricky to use with White Oak, which has pores that are already naturally sealed. October 1, 2010

    Penetrating Wood Stabilizers
    Penetrating wood stabilizers can help to prevent uneven stain absorption or moisture-related warping. July 20, 2011

    Gold Leaf for an Exterior Door
    Advice on prime coats and a top coat for gold leaf on a door. March 26, 2009

    How Varnishes Cure
    A short but intense primer on the ways various varnish formulations harden and cure. December 31, 2005

    How Much Lacquer Thinner to Add?
    You can add as much thinner as you need to spray effectively, and spray multiple coats — but stay within the specs for dry mil thickness of the coating. October 1, 2010

    Matching the Patina of Walnut
    Finishers discuss ways to get new walnut pieces to match the golden appearance of older furniture. July 3, 2008

    Is It Safe to Mix and Match Air-Assisted Airless Guns and Pumps?
    Guns and pumps for an AAA setup don't have to come from the same vendor. February 21, 2011

    Rotary Screw Compressor Advice
    Finishers explain why they like rotary screw compressors: higher capacity and less noise. January 24, 2014

    Humidity and Conversion Varnish Cure Time
    Dehumidifying, air-conditioning, or heat drying can speed CV cure times during muggy weather. October 26, 2005

    Grain Filler for Oak
    Drywall compound is good for filling Oak grain before painting, but the results may not be perfect. October 18, 2012

    Eliminating Sanding Swirls in Waterborne Lacquer
    Sanding issues could explain those swirl marks, but in this case, a second coat fixed it. January 19, 2012

    Primer Color Under Red Topcoat on MDF
    Dark gray is a good primer color under red. Here are tips on how to get that. June 8, 2008

    Heaters in the Finishing Room
    Portable electric heaters create sparks and cause explosions. Don't do it. June 18, 2013

    Naphtha for Reducing CV in Hot Weather
    Off the shelf standard naphtha isn't what you're looking for — you want "naphtha 150". January 19, 2012

    Highlighting Figure in Wood Grain
    Here's a quick tip on using ferrous sulfate and dye to accentuate highly figured grain. July 10, 2007

    Preventing Overspray Lines on Large Pieces
    Quick advice on fixing or preventing overspray lines when spraying lacquer on full-size doors. October 3, 2007

    Ferric Chloride for Aging Wood
    Ferric Chloride is a strong chemical and should be approached with caution. March 12, 2015

    Chair Re-Caning Basics
    Here's a generous portion of advice and tips for a beginner about chair seat cane replacement, from craftsmen who've done a little or a lot. September 5, 2010

    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

    A Little About Applying Gold Leaf
    The ancient art of gilding can add a touch of class to custom projects. August 20, 2005

    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

    Conversion Varnish Turning Wood Panels Pink
    Investigation reveals that the catalyst in the varnish reacts with the wood to create a pinkish hue. Solution? Start by applying some kind of barrier coat. June 28, 2013

    Darkening Cherry in Localized Spots
    Advice on using artificial light to darken small areas of a Cherry cabinet that have been kept in the dark while the rest of the piece changed color with age and exposure to light. September 3, 2010

    Custom Tung Oil Dye Stains
    More tips on mixing your own tinted Tung oil toners. July 3, 2008

    Chocolate Stain for Cherry or Maple
    Burnt Umber is a good start. Or, how about switch to Walnut and go from there? February 15, 2009

    Cherry Finish for Poplar
    and offer some advice. June 19, 2005

    Calibrating Pressure Pot Fluid and Air Settings
    Advice for a beginner on dialing in air and fluid pressures for a new pressure pot setup. July 25, 2010

    Adding 844 Colorants to Conversion Varnish
    Advice on adding dye and pigment concentrates to varnish for use as a toner. April 18, 2010

    Cleaning a Spraygun when Changing from Solventborne to Waterborne Formulas
    Advice on cleaning an air-assisted airless spraygun before converting to waterbornes. April 16, 2010

    Cherry Toning to Match Old and New
    Success story: a little sunlight and some trans-tint dye toning provides a pleasing match. November 3, 2010

    Chemically Weathering Pine
    Advice on how to give pine that instant touch of gray. August 16, 2009

    Buffing Out Two-Part Polyurethane
    Hard urethane coats need careful treatment to avoid fine scratches. January 14, 2009

    Agitators and Heaters for Air-Assisted Airless Equipment
    Finishers discuss the value of investing in an agitator and/or a heater as accessories for an AAA setup. December 31, 2012

    Definitions: "Paint" Versus "Lacquer"
    An opaque pigmented coating is paint ... but there's a little more to it than that. May 6, 2014

    Dealing with Pitch Pockets
    Here's a nice handful of workable methods for preventing bleed-through of pitch from pitch pockets in softwood lumber. January 8, 2010

    Best Wood for Paint Grade Cabinetry
    Cabinetmakers discuss the relative merits of Soft Maple and Poplar for paint grade work. September 8, 2008

    Cleaning Up Stripped Doors
    A paint-thinner fix for glossy spots on stripped and refinished doors. January 2, 2012

    A Clear Coating for Purpleheart
    Advice on a clear coating that won't darken purpleheart. February 19, 2006

    Clear-Coat Over Vinyl Decal
    Advice on how to apply and coat a decal on a wood table top. May 20, 2011

    Aging and Bleaching Walnut
    Quick tip on giving Walnut a driftwood-gray aged appearance while preserving the grain. November 29, 2014

    Clay Bar for Overspray Removal
    Clay bar products work well for taking overspray off, but be careful — you could alter the sheen. July 3, 2008

    Catalyzed Polyurethane Adhesion Problems
    Quick hints on why a calatyzed poly topcoat might be peeling away from the previous coat. January 27, 2008

    Water Based Dye And Finish Timing
    12/12/2014

    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

    Thinning and Gun Setting for Spraying Primer with Air-Assisted Airless Sprayguns
    A newcomer gets advice on thinning and settings for an air-assisted airless spraygun. November 14, 2014

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

    2K Poly Versus Conversion Varnish
    Comparing two-component polyurethane with converersion varnish on practical terms. April 15, 2012

    Sanding Tool Choices: Pneumatic Versus Electric
    Woodworkers discuss the merits and drawbacks of various finish sander options. April 14, 2010

    Stripping Raised-Panel Doors
    Advice on removing topcoat and stain from a set of highly profiled doors. July 8, 2014

    Working with Spray Glaze
    Advice on applying and removing a spray-on glaze product, and tips on compatibility with the base coats.February 29, 2012

    Troubleshooting Finger Joint Telegraphing
    Examining why finger joints telegraph through a gypsum undercoat and polyurethane finish. May 11, 2011

    Spraygun Cup Choices
    Pros and cons of various spraygun cups. November 25, 2008

    Stain and Paint - What's the Difference?
    Definitions and descriptions concerning the distinction between stain and paint. October 26, 2007

    Staining Poplar to Resemble Cherry
    Building with Cherry to begin with would be easier. But here is advice on staining Poplar for a Cherry look. September 25, 2014

    Sprayed-On No-Wipe Glaze Application
    Touch-up type sprayguns with small spray patterns let you apply glaze just to cracks and crevices, avoiding the need to wipe glaze off. December 30, 2007

    Sanding, Planing, and Stain Matching
    Sanded wood and planed wood take stain differently. For a good match, prep all the wood the same way. February 12, 2010

    Shaken or Stirred?
    Is it okay to mix lacquer by agitating it in a shaker? October 4, 2011

    Spraying Solid Color Deck Stain with a Pressure Pot Setup
    Quick advice on spraying latex stain with simple equipment. January 24, 2014

    Simple Glazing with a Brush
    A basic how-to on glazing by hand using a shop-mixed glaze. January 14, 2009

    Whether to Scuff-Sand Between Coats of Pre-Cat
    Scuff coats improve adhesion when using formulas that may cure before the next coat is applied. December 23, 2014

    Ultrasonic Cleaners for Cleaning Sprayguns?
    High-end professional ultrasonic cleaning equipment works the best, but even a small inexpensive unit might be worth having. January 28, 2009

    Working with Zebrawood
    Tips on working with this interesting (but stinky) wood species. October 25, 2006

    Troubleshooting Soft, Tacky Conversion Varnish
    wrong catalyst. January 24, 2014

    Spray-Gun Choice for Latex
    Tips on equipment suited for spraying latex paint. March 26, 2009

    Spraying Face Frames in Upright Position
    To minimize runs when spraying onto vertical surfaces, start with a fine mist coat. April 20, 2011

    Solvent Recyclers
    A quick look at the practicality of equipment that reclaims cleaning solvents after use. February 15, 2009

    Turning Pure White Lacquer Off-White
    Use pigment colorants, not dyes. September 16, 2008

    Spray Room Radiant Heat and Makeup Air
    Radiant heat is nice, but a spray room still requires conditioned makeup air to balance the exhaust. January 8, 2010

    Touching Up a Wrinkled Spot
    A light sanding, dust coats and a wet coat does the trick. November 15, 2011

    Sealing over an Artist's Acrylic Paint
    Advice on clear-coating furniture after it has been hand painted with art paint. October 19, 2013

    Wavy Results when Sanding Pine
    Alternating hard and soft grain structure in pine can cause waves to form from sanding — that's why you use a hard sanding block. July 29, 2007

    When You Forget the Catalyst
    What to do if you forget to add catalyst to your post-cat primer. June 17, 2009

    Troubleshooting Weeping Oil Stain
    Ideas to prevent oil stain from weeping out of oak grain pores in the drying oven. July 30, 2007

    Quick-Reaction Fix for Drips
    Quick action with a child's medicine syringe or a soldering bulb can suck up drips before they set. June 18, 2010

    Waterborne Lacquer over Paint
    Here are a handful of reasons to avoid applying clear waterborne lacquers as a topcoat over pigmented acrylic paint. June 7, 2011

    Touching Up Runs and Drips
    Two words: razor blade. March 12, 2015

    Staining Bamboo
    Quick tips on staining Bamboo products. April 18, 2010

    Ultrasonic Cleaner Trick
    For small parts, place a glass of solvent inside the tank of water. October 1, 2010

    Gun Choice for Spraying Toner Over Sealer
    To avoid mottling, use equipment that is recommended for spraying toners. April 30, 2006

    Glue Choices for Applying Veneers
    Pros dig into the fine points of glue selection for veneering, compare the qualities of different adhesives, and discuss veneer application techniques. October 1, 2005

    Filling Big Cracks in Walnut Veneer
    Guidance concerning the art of crack filling for a Walnut veneer table top. April 20, 2011

    Polyester Versus Epoxy Wood Fillers
    Opinions vary on the pros and cons of epoxy and polyester-based wood fillers. May 24, 2010

    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

    Removing Stains from Wood Floors
    Suggested ways to remove stains from floors without deep sanding. November 28, 2014

    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

    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

    High-Performance Respirator Cartridges
    Thoughts on respirator cartridges that really work. August 17, 2009

    Grain Filler for Red Oak
    Suggestions for grain filler products, with some detailed advice on hand techniques for applying and working the filler. June 18, 2013

    Retarding Lacquer Dye or Stain Drying
    Dye solvents tend to be fast-drying, and it's hard to get them to work with hand application methods. December 6, 2011

    Paint Can Shakers
    Advice on choosing an air-powered paint can shaker, and a warning to keep the lid clamped down when shaking lacquer. October 26, 2011

    Glazing in Crevices
    Is a clear topcoat necessary when glazing just the cracks and crevices of a cabinet door? January 7, 2010

    Preventing Blotching in Cherry
    Basic tips to help evenly dye or stain Cherry. October 1, 2010

    Heated Makeup Air for Spray Booths
    Reasons to heat makeup air and ways to accomplish it. November 15, 2011

    Gel Stain over Lacquer — in Place
    A customer wants a built-in piece darkened after installation, without removing it. Will gel stain work over pre-cat lacquer? July 29, 2011

    Heating Water-Borne Coatings
    Using an in-line heater to heat waterborne coatings brings similar benefits with water-borne coatings as with solvent-borneMarch 9, 2008

    Filling Grain with Automotive Polyester Primer
    Advice on using polyester auto-body primer to fill deep pores in Oak. March 28, 2012

    Rancid Smell in Plywood Cabinets
    Bacteria or a catalyzing problem could be the culprit. March 3, 2010

    Gray Stain to Match a Rock
    Here's an interesting challenge: custom mix a stain to match a chunk of gravel. February 1, 2015

    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

    Flap-Wheel Sanders for Doors?
    Is sanding-wheel machinery practical with complicated shapes such as cabinet doors? February 2, 2011

    Gun Setup for 100% Acrylic Paints
    A few simple tips for spraying paint. September 16, 2008

    Hard maple versus soft Maple
    Aesthetic and functional differences between hard and soft maple

    Priming MDF Mouldings
    A solvent-borne primer may reduce MDF's surface fuzz after machining, but some sanding is almost always unavoidable. January 22, 2006

    Post-Stripping Treatment with Oxalic Acid
    Wood that is turned gray by stripping agents can be restored to natural color by a combination of sanding and oxalic acid. June 18, 2010

    Primer Recommendations for Exterior Doors
    Architectural woodworkers list their favorite exterior primers. March 12, 2014

    Pouring Stain
    Handy tips for dispensing paint and stain without drips or spills. June 17, 2009

    Oxalic Acid and Iron Stains
    The best use of oxalic acid is in countering iron stains caused by metal contact with natural wood tannins. June 17, 2010

    Protecting Door Backs when Glazing the Fronts
    Advice on keeping smudges off the backs of doors when glazing. October 20, 2013

    Re-Finishing Steel Doors to Look Like Wood
    Gel stain, a squeegee, and toner add color to the raised grain imprint on a steel door. February 21, 2011

    Removing Overspray from Eyeglasses
    It's all clear to me now ... January 21, 2010

    Removing Imperfectly Hardened Epoxy
    A brief account of how ugly things can get when an epoxy coating for a tabletop fails to harden and must be removed. November 8, 2007

    Prepping Poly for Paint
    Tips on how to scuff-sand poly before repainting. February 13, 2009

    Labeling Solvent Wash Bottles
    Magic marker washes off, obviously. What kind of label stands up to strong solvents? March 16, 2015

    Restoring a Sauna
    Bleaching and oiling to clean and rejuvenate the cedar in a sauna. November 15, 2011

    Grain Filling for Mahogany
    Two choices: grain filler, or high-solids poly. February 12, 2010

    NGR Color Shift Caused by Stain Coats
    A sealer between the dye coat and the stain coat will help keep NGR dyes from changing color on you. April 10, 2008

    Finishing Old Furniture: Veneer Sand-Through
    Here's an interesting set of photos of an old furniture piece that shows some discoloration when stripped and refinished. The problem? The veneer was sanded through.September 18, 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

    Auto-Body Filler as Wood Filler
    Tips on how to work with auto-body fiberglass and resin filler products. December 30, 2007

    Custom Mixing for Specified Sheen
    Thoughts on mixing up coatings with desired sheen characteristics, on demand. June 17, 2010

    Diagnosing a Glazing Error
    One party to a problem wanted to blame kitchen heat for a dark discoloration of some cabinetry. But an application error during the glazing process turns out to be the cause.March 13, 2014

    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

    Checking and Splitting of a Large Poplar Plank
    As predicted, this big piece of wood moved and split. But the owner ended up happy anyway. January 17, 2011

    Air-Assisted Airless Pump Skip Spraying
    Troubleshooting a "winking" problem with an AAA setup. September 26, 2013

    Avoiding Green Tint when Bleaching Maple
    Some technical tips to help get the best results when bleaching new wood. July 3, 2008

    Air-Dried Pine for Exterior Siding and Trim
    A discussion of keeping pitch from gumming up the planer, and on priming knots in Pine to avoid bleeding. Nice photos in this thread. May 30, 2011

    Conversion Varnish over Oil-Based Stains
    Appearance and performance issues with various stain formulations under CV topcoats. February 21, 2011

    Custom-Mixed Cordovan or Mahogany Stain
    Color and chemistry advice on making a red-black "cordovan" stain using dye concentrates. October 28, 2009

    Dealing with Fire Code Issues in a Spray Booth
    Advice on communicating with a building department about the fine points of the fire code as it relates to spray finishing booths. May 27, 2014

    Condensation Drips from a Respirator Mask
    Moisture dripping from your facemask can be a problem. Here are some suggested work-arounds. July 28, 2008

    Air-Line Drying Options
    Advice on setups to extract water from your sprayer air supply system. September 10, 2007

    Air Temperature Requirements for Conversion Varnish Curing
    Cool temperatures can cause problems with conversion varnishes. February 12, 2010

    Clearing the Air Lines in an HVLP Spraygun
    Tips on troubleshooting the airflow through an HLVP spraygun. March 3, 2010

    Colorants: What's What?
    Quick description of 824, 844, UTC, and Japan colorants, with tips on what they're good for. July 29, 2007

    Appropriate HVLP Spray Gun for Waterborne Acrylic Enamel
    Recommendations on spraygun choice, thinning, and more. November 25, 2008

    Conversion Varnish as Primer Under Paint
    Will a CV prime coat be compatible with latex paint? In this thread, pros advise against it. October 8, 2005

    Cleaning Pressure Pot and Hoses with Waterbornes
    Cleaning waterbornes out of lines requires specialized products. September 3, 2011

    Anti-Crack Tips for Sandpaper
    Ways to keep sandpaper from cracking when you fold it. October 26, 2007

    Catalyst Shelf Life
    If you have to ask, your catalyst is probably expired. June 29, 2009

    Durability of Aliphatic Urethane
    Not cheap, but holds up in a tough environment. February 21, 2011

    Curing Rattle-Can Poly
    Rattle-can polyurethane is still tacky two days later. What to do? April 19, 2011

    Clear Wood Filler
    12/14/2014

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

    Shop Built Spray Booth Show and Tell
    Here's an extensive discussion of the practicalities of designing and building a good spray booth in the cabinet shop. December 31, 2013

    Wide Board Table Tops
    Wide boards are a historically proven and viable table-top material. But think the issues through before you start. May 10, 2007

    Veneering Speaker Boxes
    Wood veneer on an MDF box makes for a tricky veneering problem. May 13, 2005

    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

    Wash Coats for Maple
    More thoughts on sealing maple to allow even staining. April 19, 2006

    Tinting body filler -- it can be done!
    Searching out an epoxy filler that can be color-mixed, for filling large knot holes. March 20, 2001

    Water Based Gun and Hose Flushing
    Advice on cleaning solutions for gun and hose maintenance when using waterborne formulas. June 17, 2010

    Spray Booth Ventilation, Back Pressure?
    A fan that works well mounted in a window has trouble moving air through a 50-foot duct with three bends. December 9, 2010

    Spraygun Check Valve Maintenance
    Tips on keeping the check valve operational for an HVLP spray gun. April 18, 2010

    Sealing the Edges of MDF
    Various suggestions for sealing the cut ends of MDF panels. November 13, 2005

    Suitable Gun for "Detail" Glazing?
    Trying to find the best applicator for "pinstripe" glazing work. January 19, 2012

    Virgin Lacquer Thinner
    If the lacquer thinner from your supplier isn't what you hoped for, you can always mix your own from pure ingredients. July 3, 2008

    Spraying Stair Spindles
    Tips on holding stair balusters for spraying. December 2, 2009

    Thinning of Polyurethane
    Thoughts on thinning polyurethane for spraying. November 25, 2008

    Troubleshooting a Stalled AAA Pump
    Coming to grips with a pump malfunction in an air-assisted airless spraygun rig (it was the magnet). January 12, 2015

    Whether to Spray Paint with an Air-Assisted Airless Gun
    Cleaning an AAA after spraying oil-based paint through it can be a chore. September 29, 2014

    Spray-Painting Shaker Doors
    Advice on spraygun technique for painting doors laying flat. December 8, 2012

    Troubleshooting a Leaky Spraygun Tip
    There are several reasons why that gun might drool a little. December 10, 2007

    Solvent Cleaners for Spray Guns
    Be careful, or these strong solvents will eat your seals. December 9, 2008

    Spraying Face Frames
    Quick hints on spraygun handling techniques to achieve an even coating on face frames. March 29, 2008

    Stuck Gravity Cup Lid
    Tips for loosening stuck cup lids. April 20, 2011

    Toning Heart Pine Away from Orange towards Yellow
    A basic example of using color-wheel knowledge to choose a tinting strategy. July 26, 2010

    Troubleshooting a "Skipping" Pump
    When the fluid pump in an air-assisted airless rig loses pressure intermittently, clean out the ball check valve. July 27, 2008

    Spraygun Air Pressure Basics
    How to match your compressor to your gun and set the proper pressure. February 17, 2014

    Wrist Fatigue and Spray-Gun Hose Choices
    Here's how to equip your spray gun to reduce wear and tear on your wrist during use. October 13, 2008

    Walnut-Shell Dye Recipe
    How to boil Walnut shells for a dye stain that will match Walnut wood. May 27, 2008

    Troubleshooting Mottling with Spray Stains
    Advice on better equipment and technique to achieve an even spray pattern. March 28, 2012

    Spray-Booth Fan Sources
    Finding a vendor for spray-booth fans. December 6, 2011

    Using Artist's Oil Paint to Make Toning Lacquer
    Quick mixing tip for making toning lacquer using artist's oils. December 8, 2010

    Cleaning a Second-Hand Spray Booth
    Stripping may not be worth the effort. April 24, 2014

    Moulder Purchasing Advice
    A woodworker going into the moulding business gets advice on moulder choices and related issues. December 26, 2007

    Planing Short, Thin Stock
    A woodworker finds out why his planer's manual warns against planing too thin, or planing too-short pieces. It's doable, but risky... August 21, 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

    Insuring Unsold Inventory
    Will fire and theft insurance cover the whole value of a piece that is lost before it's sold, or just the cost of materials? It's a tricky issue. July 18, 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

    Identifying the Wood Species for an Antique Chair
    April 18, 2010

    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

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

    Priming Baltic Birch Plywood for Paint
    Advice on a heavy-bodied primer that won't raise the grain of birch plywood. January 29, 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 to Stain Maple without Blotching
    Another discussion offers several points of view on how to stain Maple evenly. February 23, 2008

    Repairing Dog-Chewed Furniture
    Woodworkers suggest various post-canine repair strategies for a table top. June 30, 2014

    Matching Hickory Heartwood Color
    Advice on a toning formula to blend Hickory sapwood into heartwood so the difference can't be detected. May 28, 2010

    Frame and Panel Bookcase Back
    A furniture maker gets advice on building solid cherry bookcase backs. August 21, 2006

    Getting Even Coverage when Spraying Dye
    Advice on how to prevent a dye coat from getting a mottled appearance. June 4, 2012

    Glazing Technique for Good Contrast
    How can you apply and wipe off glaze so it highlights the glazed edges, but doesn't tint the base coat in areas you don't want glazed? April 18, 2013

    Grey Pore Problem in Refinishing Jobs
    When pores show up gray after a refinishing job, the culprit turns out to be insufficient stripping. April 21, 2008

    LVLP Versus HVLP Spray Guns
    Quick info on the difference between "high volume low pressure" and "low volume low pressure" spray equipment. August 8, 2008

    Removing Excess Stain from Corners
    Hand-work techniques for getting wiping stain out of cabinet corners. July 27, 2008

    Grit Selection for Sanding MDF
    One school of thought holds that you can't sand MDF too fine, but that you can sand it too coarse. October 19, 2014

    Fuzzy Mahogany
    Tension wood may exhibit more "fuzz" than wood that was not stressed during tree growth. December 24, 2012

    Plastic Glue Odors in a Cedar Chest
    A furniture maker tries to understand why it's so hard to get the smell of polyurethane glue out of a cedar chest. May 5, 2007

    Kremlin Air Pump Teardown and Rebuild
    Detailed advice and a video link for taking apart and rebuilding the Kremlin 10:14 pump. June 28, 2013

    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

    Pre-Conditioning with a Washcoat
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    Brushable Waterborne Poly for Woodwork
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    Color-Matched Caulk Repairs
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    Bleaching Water Stains Out of Oak
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    Coloring Epoxy to Fill Knots
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    Blue Stain and Wood Grade
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    Custom Paint for Cabinets
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    Signing Your Furniture Pieces
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    Tag-Teaming Your Air Compressors
    Woodworkers discuss various ways to tie two air compressors together to operate in tandem. January 27, 2008

    Making Your Own Cabinet Jack
    Whether you buy one or go to the trouble of making your own, a nice cabinet jack will make you wonder how you used to get along without it. September 10, 2008

    MDF for Built-In Closet Shelving
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    Joint Tape "Shadows" -- at Veneer Seams
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    Gluing Veneer to Glass
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    Is Walnut Toxic?
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    Glue Choices for Sizing
    Use a soft, easy-to-sand inexpensive white glue to mix glue sizing. May 28, 2010

    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

    Artificially Aging and Weathering Wood
    Advice on creating erosion and graying on the surface of boards, without waiting a hundred years. This discussion touches on everything from cow manure to chemistry. February 15, 2009

    Drying Shrinkage Causes a Desktop to Cup
    A typical example teaches a lesson about moisture changes and wood movement. January 14, 2008

    Avoiding Bubbles in Veneer
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    Chess Board in a Table Top
    Addressing wood movement details for a chess board set into a table top. December 30, 2007

    Table Leg Joint Reinforcement
    Thoughts on how to reinforce table legs so the assembly will not rack. November 25, 2008

    Vacuum Pod Tips
    Techniques for achieving good hold-down for machining small parts on CNC equipment. December 6, 2006

    Yellow Pine Pitch
    Heating yellow pine will set the pitch. December 15, 2005

    Medieval Woodworking, Architecture, Social Power, Space Shuttles, and Hand-Carved Wood Waffle Irons
    Excellent adventure or bogus journey? You had to be there. March 20, 2012

    Old Trimwork: Strip and Refinish, or Replace?
    Trim pros discuss whether it's worth the labor to preserve existing woodwork in an old house. August 22, 2007

    Glue Choices for Chairs and Stools
    Furnituremakers discuss which glues they like, and why. April 30, 2006

    Portable Mortising Tools
    Furnituremakers look at handy mortise-cutting power tools that work on the same principle as a biscuit-slot cutter. November 27, 2007

    Gluing Up a Stack of Melamine
    Issues of adhesion and drying ability limit the choices of adhesive for laminating melamine. January 14, 2008

    Repairing Table-Top Cracks
    Tips on how to patch cracks in a wood table top caused by shrinkage and poor design. October 27, 2008

    Equilibrium Moisture Content and Geographic Location
    Here's info on how to estimate the expected moisture content of wood in the outdoor environment in different regions of the country. July 18, 2013

    Distinguishing Honey Locust and Black Locust
    They're both beautiful and valuable woods — here's an extended discussion on how to tell them apart. May 11, 2005

    Air-Dried Oak for Furniture
    In theory, kiln-drying is better; but people have successfully made furniture from air-dried hardwood. April 20, 2011

    Bleeding Sap from Spanish Cedar
    Tips for dealing with sap that seeps from cedar. November 10, 2005

      ---   Return to Top   ---     


    Forum Results:

    Re: Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish…
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/12) -- BH and Mastercabman, Ty for your educational and polite responses. I’m not saying what Adam s ...

    Re: Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish…
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/11) -- You effectively know little or nothing about modern(20 years) water borne finishes. Film fini ...

    Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish…
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/11) -- Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish… Hello everyone… I have always been of th ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- I am not attempting to promote anything. Being still a relatively new refinisher (I admit I ...

    Re: Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish…
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/12) -- Mike, As a neutral observer of this thread I have to say that Adam's response is totally in l ...

    Safe finish for a bedroom walk in closet/wardrobe - ?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/5) -- Hi to All, I’m planning to rebuild a walk in closet/wardrobe. I plan to build boxes out of 3/4 ...

    Re: Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/31/24) -- Certainly! Dewaxed shellac can indeed be used as a seal coat under pre/post catalyzed lacq ...

    Veneer PRE-Finishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Veneer Forum (1/19) -- Hello – I’m in the throws of a kitchen refacing. The new wood species is hickory, replacing oak. ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/16/24) -- I dont think Shellac is a bad floor finish at all! I have used oil and water based finishe ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- Magnamax H2O says this: "IMPORTANT – product is designed to mimic solvent based appeara ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- This is directly off of Targets site All EMTECH brand water-based finishes can be applied ov ...

    removing grease and glaze from kitchen doors?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/18) -- So an odd question, I'm doing a favor for the MIL and trying to clean the grease off several ...

    finishing dining room table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/13) -- Hi , I have a customer who bought a new table , but wants to put a more scratch resistant fin ...

    Re: Live edge almond slab coffee table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (9/14) -- I would not use shellac as it is not moisture resistant. Polymerized Tung oil is a goo ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/7) -- It's been decades since shellac went out of favor, and for lots of reasons. Now every hobbyist ...

    Re: RE: Organic Water-based Finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/2) -- We've WB finished for a long time. I've never seen a WB finish that looks like it has been oil ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/31) -- There are many finishers who use catalyzed finishes over shellac but I am not one of them. O ...

    Re: Mirror shine high build
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/29/21) -- We'll, this is my last on this post, though I started using polyester in 1980 I was not ha ...

    Re: On finished floor or subfloor?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Cabinet and Millwork Installation Forum (11/27) -- Sorry MarkB- Been through all the decades also as well as the subdiv ...

    Table/leg finishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (11/15) -- I have been learning a ton on this site as far as finishing goes and with a little lu ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- The owner has had shellac on their floors for a number of years. They want to keep the old pet ...

    Re: Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- Nate - your description of the existing finish provides the best clue on ways to match it - ...

    Water poly over De-waxed shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/22) -- I am refinishing a very large table that was originally finished with a post-catalyzed lacque ...

    Re: Alcohol dye stain spraying.. use a retarder?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/14) -- Bart, thanks for the heads up. I will be doing this finish on some veneered maple ply for the ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- Like Rich C said, you violated a cardinal rule of finishing by applying a harder finish over ...

    Re: Smelly finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- Aside from the odor, is the finish in good condition? If it is, typically shellac is used as ...

    problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- Walnut burl veneer, wiped poly into wood and wiped surface clean. This was done to help set ...

    Re: Can A polyurethane Finish Be repaired
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/5/22) -- Mark B has it right. Once you start to wood(removing some finish back to bare wood) a finis ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- I worked with UV finishes and they are very popular with the guitar making community. As well ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/27) -- Adam and cbww have valid points. Shellac is absolutely a terrible choice in floor finishes an ...

    Re: Kitchen and bathroom cabinet/ vanity finishs
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/18) -- Precat will not last around the sink, dishwasher, and range hood. It cracks at the joints, th ...

    Re: Pine Floor Finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/14) -- The (amber) orange shellac is a decent way to get the color, but it's a lot of trial and erro ...

    Re: Smelly finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/12) -- thank you all for your responses. Mastercabman, It smells like finish. Tom, I think I have r ...

    Re: Painting oak cabinet
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/9) -- I do and have done this 2-5 times a year over the past 10 years (either when the the original ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- Hello Michael and Robert, Michael I do use moderate heat, and keep the air moving to speed the ...

    Re: Lacquer Rippling
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/3) -- I've seen this "alligatoring" in several circumstances in my shop. It can be an adhe ...

    Re: Sanding just before applying top coat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/3/22) -- Mr. Shafner is spot on, when it comes to almost any finish that does not reliquify itself t ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/27) -- General rule of thumb is to never apply a harder finish over a softer finish. A catalyzed fi ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- Thanks for replying, but I wouldn't even consider using conversion varnish unless I was buil ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- Not to make this go on any longer. But I think the ph thing is bs. Once any film finish has ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- I have to chuckle here, I thought the idea here is to have a waterbased finish system and no ...

    Wood Countertop advice
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/18) -- I have to make some wood countertops to keep my wife happy. Its part of a kitchen facelift... ...

    Re: Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/17) -- I use a WB finish system for pigmented/ painted jobs and l do much the same as you except l m ...

    finishing an arched curly maple surface
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/17) -- I am an amateur violin builder with little to no experience in the finishing department. My l ...

    Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/16) -- Hello all! I’ve been spraying cabinetry white a lot lately. I’ve been using Sherwood Kem Aqua ...

    Re: Micro bubble hell
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/11) -- I was having that problem too with the EM9300 Polycarbonate. I switched guns from HVLP to ai ...

    Re: RE: Hand-Applied Finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/11) -- I am assuming you are referring to a hand rubbed finish(French polish). Another alternative i ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- What poly? Minwax? I'd say the shellac is more brittle than the poly, and sets up a barrier ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/8) -- I have one customer whom I have done quite a bit of work for. He is a collector of early Ameri ...

    help in making clear coats pop
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/6) -- Years ago a finisher told me to add a tiny bit of red (don't know which one) to white and clea ...

    Re: Varnish dis coloring wood
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/4) -- I don't think there is anything wrong with Minwax stain per se. It is what it is - common oil ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29) -- Thank you for your helpful advice. I don't think it could be shop humidity becuse it is a ver ...

    White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29) -- Hello, After spiriting off (with naphtha), I am seeing white streaks in my work. This is like ...

    Re: Fading spots in water-based poly finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/29) -- Thanks, John. At this point it's not a complete deal-breaker to strip the poly and start over ...

    Re: Spraying assembled drawers
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/27) -- It's safe to say I spray over 1,000 drawer boxes a year (double that is more like it) and get ...

    Re: looking to achieve that NC look on walnut using WB
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/26) -- I've been using mostly General Finishes WB products for about 8 years. You can get any look ...

    Re: Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/25) -- You guys have great eyes! I think I'm on the right path. I just did a small sample and the r ...

    Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/23) -- I'm redoing some trim in a 1920's house and need advice. I believe the trim is American Ches ...

    Re: prep for lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/23) -- Pretty sure that is spelled out on the can or the Target PDF download. Anyway, 220 should be ...

    Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- Finishing schedule: 1. Walnut lacquer stain sprayed on, light wipe. 2. Let stain dry 45min. ...

    Most protective wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/21) -- Hello All, I make traditional Spanish classical and flamenco guitars. I finish them with Fren ...

    Re: Sprayroom optimization
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20/22) -- real simple.......if you have only one inlet to your finishing room. and if you have the ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- Daniel, You are incorrect about Sealcoat. I’ve used many many brands of wb finish with it. L ...

    Alcohol soluble resins
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- Hi all, First post here. I finish musical instruments and finish many in a traditional spiri ...

    Re: finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/12/22) -- If it's retail furniture, it has a lacquer coating. As already suggested, a quick dab with ...

    Dye Concentrate
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- Hello y'all. I'm looking to speed up wood finishing production at a Window and Door company. ...

    Re: finish for aromatic cedar
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/11) -- Be careful with that finish. Some solvent based finishes will off gas and smell for what seem ...

    Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/7) -- I have a client who likes shellac and I need to seal and finish a new wood cover for the cold ...

    Re: finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/7/22) -- Thought and warnings are these.! Never apply any new coating over an unknown coating.! Test ...

    Re: MDF raised panels
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Solid Wood Machining Forum (2/7) -- Randy explained it best. The mdf does dull the cutter. However, the mdf does not re ...

    Re: Mohawk Piano Lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/6) -- I'm not set up to do polyester. But even if I were, it's not to my liking to put polyester on ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- Hello Rick, Thanks for the response! I make traditional Spanish classical and flamenco guitars ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- I have done a number of pieces in cherry with nice results. The gift of cherry is it will co ...

    Repairing Restaurant Tables
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/30) -- Good day all. Several years ago I made tables and chairs for a local restaurant from Hickory. ...

    Re: Polyurethane and rubbing alcohol
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/27/23) -- This is a professional finishing forum. Not sure why you're here. But here's my 2cts. Man ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- Thanks all for the additional responses. The reason I'm using a sealer over the stain, befor ...

    Sealcoat grain filler
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/24) -- I have been reading.... A lot. Simple question about steps to finishing red oak. 1. Minwax da ...

    Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/23) -- Hi all, I have a q about shellac adhesion on top of residual wood wax (antique French waxes s ...

    Re: Water poly over De-waxed shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/23) -- Yes, dewaxed shellac will seal in any contaminates that might still be on the table so that t ...

    Re: finishing an arched curly maple surface
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/21) -- Here's a close to finished product. The method 1pt instant coffee to 1pt hot water. Flood sur ...

    Re: Table/leg finishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (11/15) -- 1. yes. It's a good idea to seal the underside of table tops 2. yes. I can't think of ...

    Re: White residue in mahogany grain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/14) -- you are right on about someone fiddling with some sort of "wiz-bang" polish or wax ...

    Re: wood finishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11/21) -- Nancy, there are many types of pitting with various causes, therefore we will assume the ...

    Re: Help Identifying wood and finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (8/11) -- If you use garnet shellac to finish the sycamore, you can darken the hue at a ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/8) -- Shellac would be a terrible finish for a floor. It’s a super drying ultra thin finish. Every c ...

    Re: Finishing Both Sides - Hoadley vs. Flexner
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/8) -- Like I wrote in my first post. Formica backer. That thin cheap brown nasty sharp stuff that ke ...

    Choosing a good exterior finish for new double glazed wooden windows
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (9/7) -- I'm making a series of awning style windows for my new shop. This is my first ...

    Re: RE: Hand-Applied Finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/7) -- Shellac is derived from resin excreted by insects. You can dissolve shellac flakes in grain al ...

    Staining pine window frames with OSMO
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/6/21) -- Hi all, I've been asked to finish the wooden frames of a rather large contemporary house. T ...

    Re: table refinish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/3) -- I've done a fair amount of refinishing jobs. I never sand to remove a finish. Never. I use Kle ...

    Finishing Error: Options on Moving Forward to Correct?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/1) -- Greetings, I shot a coat of Zinsser Sealcoat on a couple soft maple drawers expecting that in ...

    Re: Finishing over UV-cured, acrylated epoxy,
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/31/22) -- Many of us including Leo use a UV cured maple plywood for our cabinet interiors. Sometimes ...

    Re: Blotchy results when spraying toner
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/30) -- I've never had color separation in the toners I've used; didn't know it was even possible bec ...

    Re: PPE When Spraying
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/29/23) -- It would be helpful to know what you are spraying. You need a lot of protection for 2K fi ...

    Re: Fading spots in water-based poly finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/29) -- I have no idea what's causing your problem. You should not need to apply 8 brushed on coats o ...

    SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/26) -- I have been using General Finish's High Performance Poly over Shellac on coffee tables etc a ...

    Re: Quickly reverse timber shrinkage?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (4/25) -- I agree with the other post regarding the inevitability of wood movement. To answer yo ...

    Re: GF EnduroVar
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/24) -- I tried their flat poly, just foam brushed 4 coats on bare walnut. Next morning I sprayed Fan ...

    Re: Water poly over De-waxed shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/24) -- I think that you'll have a very hard time getting good results with this plan. Wiping the she ...

    Spraying Ilva And Graco Gx 19
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- Hi guys, I just purchased a new Graco GX 19 and did my first kitchen with it. It seems to be ...

    Re: Warped Cabinet Doors
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/21) -- I've used Breakthrough on two jobs that required really dark colors because at the time GF di ...

    Help Identifying wood and finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (7/19) -- I have a job matching existing casework, a sample was provided. I need help I ...

    Re: Getting Dark Brown Stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/19) -- Airbrush? Use a spray gun if you want to finish this year. Choose a KCMA rated finish for the ...

    Re: Crazing help
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/15) -- it's the shellac under the WB. i've had this exact issue. if the shellac is too thick, the WB ...

    Re: Water based finish on natural red oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/14) -- more than one way to crack that egg; my #1 approach is to seal with Seal Coat ( for a little ...

    Re: Biscuit expansion in MDF, no water, no glue
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (6/10) -- Peter, I just reread your original post. This is happening in the finishing r ...

    Re: ML Campbell H20 over oil stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/7) -- i've done this a number of times - different water-based products (sayerlack, kem aqua plus) ...

    Re: Finishing Both Sides - Hoadley vs. Flexner
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/7) -- I don't ever want to temp fate. I finish both sides even if it's just belt and suspenders kind ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/5) -- I found this post investigating my own issues with lacquer tenting over shellac. Wondering if ...

    UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/4) -- Hello All, Some 50 years ago I built an ultraviolet drying cabinet for an oil violin varnish t ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/4) -- Different mechanics as with a traditional U.V. cure finish. The alcohol in the shellac makes i ...

    Re: Spraying Existing Kitchen
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/2) -- Paul I use TSP or 409 (I don't like to use solvents as it may break down the existing finish t ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/1) -- John, I have used GF's Enduro Var clear poly for some applications but I really don't like it ...

    Re: finish edges of new kitchen cabinets
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/31) -- You don't say what the finish or the sheen is is on the rest of the cabinets but I have had ...

    Finishing Bamboo Rods
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/31) -- Finishing a bamboo rod has always been labor and time intensive. An old salt offered up that ...

    Re: Help Identifying wood and finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (7/30) -- it's too bad that cost won out over quality in this instance; a balance must ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/30) -- Thanks again Rich! I read your really helpful post about controlling Shellac blush. Really ap ...

    Re: Is this fisheye in my Poly Varnish?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/30) -- Yes, that looks like fisheye. Silicon and silicone are not the same thing. That said, certain ...

    Re: Pre Primed Crown Molding
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/28) -- ...and I'll add to that the biggest problem, usually, in those situation is the quality of th ...

    Re: finishing hemlock ceiling with fir glue-lams
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/28) -- Sikkens is a great product, I have never used clear coat over it and never looked into it, th ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/27) -- leo - not to hijack the thread, but are you liking the full-finish (filled pores) look of th ...

    Adhesion problem Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/24) -- Hi folks, So I am having some adhesion issues on some stain samples and wondering if anyone ...

    Re: Glue lines in paint
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/24/22) -- If it’s your standard WB wood glue- yep it’s going to react. You are basically soaking it ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- Bob, Obviously, I can’t convince you of something you don’t believe. All I know is many peop ...

    Re: finishing an arched curly maple surface
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/21) -- I would just French Polish it. It will make the grain really 'pop'. I think back-in-the-day a ...

    Re: Pre-cat over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/21) -- Be careful with Sealcote under water based finishes. It is supposed to be fully compatible bu ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- I have also used sealcoat under WB many times with no problems.I just spray a spit coat and ...

    Re: General finishes white undercoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/20) -- Here's what I do. Put on a coat of GF undercoat then if any dark spots are showing through I ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- Shellac flakes are dissolved in alcohol. BIN makes a waterborne synthetic "shellac" ...

    Re: Pre-cat over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/18) -- Give the pre-cat primer a try over the BIN. If you are thinking to replace the sheets anyway, ...

    Re: Colron Indian Rosewood Wood Dye
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/18) -- I had a similar response from both Symphony Coatings and Morrells which was that they can onl ...

    Yet another Minwax adhesion issue
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/16) -- Let me say from the start to ward off the naysayers I don't consider myself a finisher but a ...

    Re: SEALING 1 3/4" DOOR EDGES
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/16/24) -- on painted doors we've always used Bin shellac primer. dries wicked fast. it's the best mo ...

    Re: Kem aqua issue
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/15) -- I've found Kem-Aqua is a lot more user friendly when using a pot/gun set-up as opposed to a ...

    Re: White residue in mahogany grain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/15) -- Your right that a wax like Briwax could be detrimental to a nitro or shellac finish. that's ...

    Re: Can I tint/topcoat a finished floor?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/15) -- Yes you can do this. Just do a lot of tests first. Make samples with scrap wood and use the e ...

    Re: Water based finish on ranger board MDF
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/15) -- Odds are(99.9%) it's just the water in your primer and finish that's swelling the wood partic ...

    Craftsman finish on 1/4 sawn white oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/14) -- I'm building a pair of large bookcases, 7' tall x 60"w x 15" d from plain sawn whi ...

    Re: Alcohol dye stain spraying.. use a retarder?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/14) -- One of my favorite methods dying vs staining is using Transtint in Zinsser Sealcoat shellac. ...

    Re: finishing dining room table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/13) -- More scratch resistant? That's called "patina". lol. It all scratches even glass an ...

    Re: RE: Finishing Red Oak Table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/13/22) -- I did a qtr. sawn white oak project a few years back. I followed (kind of) a suggestion th ...

    Re: Applying water base paint to a solvent-based finish…
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/12) -- Mastercabman, It is the fear of using a solvent-based finish inside someone’s house and takin ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- I had never tried this before but I had a while back a fairly well-known refinisher's book, ...

    Re: Stains Under Rubbed Oil Finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- Given that there is already an oil on the wood, and I assume you mean BLO or a tung oil type f ...

    Re: Coating over prefinished ply
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/8) -- Black melamine is the answer. I've done both. The finishing takes time and really isn't close ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/7) -- Does your client like to eat that stuff? LOL!why shellac? Why not just use polyurethane? Muck ...

    Finish marquetry piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/5) -- Hi, I made three of these boards and I am wondering what you all would recommend for a finish ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- I wanted to post a follow up to this. I used this finishing process(except I let the shellac p ...

    Re: HELP: SealCoat as Pre-Stain sealer on Maple
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/2) -- Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Yes, I am pretty new to finishing, probably my 4th piece, ...

    Re: Concerning wormy chestnut...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/2) -- Dash, I have treated wormy chestnut many different ways and in many different applications. On ...

    Re: Sealer under epoxy coating
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- Adam: good advice. I would use de-waxed shellac, though. The wax in regular shellac can prev ...

    Re: correct primer under pigmented water based Lacquer?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/28) -- i use shellac-based primer under the kem-aqua pigmented. you should need no more than two coa ...

    Re: Teak dining table refinishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/27) -- The rule of thumb is to NOT put a harder finish over a softer finish. Are you stripping it to ...

    Re: Staining maple
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/26) -- I realize that you have likely already solved this issue but thought I'd give you a couple ti ...

    Re: MLC Magnamax H2O Precat Water Borne Poly
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/26) -- I just finished a large job with MagnaMax H20 and learned a lot. I used both Aqualente and Sh ...

    Dark Stain on Wire Brushed Oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/26) -- I am trying to match the finish of engineered hardwood floors on our solid oak stair treads. ...

    Re: Adhesion problem Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/25) -- @Bob Niemeyer The stain is what I would consider heavily pigment. I'm wiping it back until t ...

    Re: Sealcoat grain filler
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/25) -- I would agree with Rich in using one manufacturers product but even with that some of the bes ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- Steven, Sorry you had problems and some rude replies. The Shellac tinted primer was not full ...

    Re: Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- Paul - Very cool! Thanks for your advice. It's aligning with what I'm thinking. Mudding up s ...

    Re: Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/23) -- Bill has a good method. You might experiment with orange shellac, or button shellac to get a ...

    Re: Spirit varnish for a violin
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/23/23) -- By the look and color of the sprayed surface, unless you have added color to it, my educat ...

    Re: Oil finish odors persistant
    A message posted at WOODWEB's WOODnetWORK Forum (4/23) -- In spite of the truth in the above comments I'd just take the shelves out of the room until ...

    food safe finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/23) -- We are making a wood product which will come in contact with coffee. I would like to coat the ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- The shellac was not dry. I would suggest switching to all water based products and those iss ...

    Sticky Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/21) -- I made the mistake of using several years old Zinsser Bull's Eye premixed clear shellac on ne ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- Bob, We likewise started using Sealcoat when it first came on the market(mid 90’s?). At that ...

    Re: Help Identifying wood and finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (7/20) -- The finish looks like Garnet Shellac. I had to repair a Gum wood mantle that ...

    Re: Finish for finished risers and treads
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/20) -- No knowledge about Bona, but the WB topcoats I have used all raise the grain, and badly on re ...

    Re: finish bleed through
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/20) -- thank you. A shellac primer would be like the original BIN is that correct? So we met with th ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- Sealcoat is a fantastic product. It sticks to everything and everything sticks to it. I have ...

    Re: Getting Dark Brown Stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/19) -- Hey everyone, thanks for the responses. I have decided to go the route of a wood dye as that ...

    Re: can lacquer blushing cause adhesion problem
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/18) -- my answer to your question about adhesion is NO a blush will not effect adhesion. however, t ...

    Re: "Soft Spots" - a hardwood problem that's difficult to describe
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (8/16) -- It has been my unfortunate pleasure to come across this problem as well. You can use s ...

    Re: Pine Floor Finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/13) -- I have used (amber) orange shellac when doing repairs on floors that had an aged oil finish o ...

    Shellac Washcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/12/24) -- I try to avoid staining the furniture I sell, but of course I have a customer that wants a ...

    EnduroVar Alternatives?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/11) -- I am a really small time finish user, and I only use waterborne products (plus shellac). As s ...

    Re: Alcohol dye stain spraying.. use a retarder?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/11) -- Well clearly I don't know how to post a picture here. Anyway, if you absolutely want no blotc ...

    Seal Coat over water based varnish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/10) -- Customer has requested a high gloss painted finish. I'm using an Acrylic paint with a water ...

    Re: Finishing Error: Options on Moving Forward to Correct?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- Thanks a bunch for all the replies. I'm convinced to leave well enough alone. : ) [OTOH, if on ...

    Re: Staining Knotty pine to match a 50 year old home
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- The big issue matching an old finish is the yellowing in the old clear coat. I spray on a coup ...

    Re: Best Finish for White Oak?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/9) -- I got some Gilsonite and finished the project (see pics). Have not used dye before but will fo ...

    Re: dry film thickness/no of coats etc.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/9) -- Most of your botching comes from your staining process, applying the clear coat may magnify it ...

    Re: Paint vs. Lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/8) -- yes, it done all the time. if you choose the right product you can end up with a beautiful, du ...

    Re: Making Lacquer Look Like Polyurethane
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/6) -- Spray light coats of Bullseye amber shellac washcoats (reduce it 2 parts denatured alcohol wi ...

    Kitchen cabinets repaint
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/6) -- Maybe mastercabman could jump in on this one. I've got client who wants me to refinish their e ...

    Re: Water based finish on ranger board MDF
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/4) -- . Bin pigmented shellac is a favorite of mine for this application, but if you want to keep yo ...

    Re: Pinks Spots on Painted Cabinetry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/3) -- I've suffered through Rick's first premise (undissolved red UTC {in pigmented shellac}) and it ...

    Interior substitute for spar varnish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/3) -- I'm adding some cabinetry and millwork to match previously completed work. Finish faces are al ...

    Re: kem-aqua plus vs. lemmar duralaq (clear)
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/2) -- john, i'm not boosting it much. i'd say on average 5psi. but the main thing is the variability ...

    Dipping an oil / varnish blend
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/1) -- I manufacture a small product, and am looking to switch to a "dip-able" oil/varnish ...

    Re: MDF and Agualente Plus Primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/30) -- I switched to using Zinnser's shellac based primer on mdf to quit chasing the raised grain. ...

    Re: Varnished dresser with sun ray effect
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- The "sun ray' your talking about is basically controlled burning or toasting of the ven ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- I have only sprayed shellac with a hvlp conversion gun. I use a 1.0 set with great results. ...

    Re: Best way to repair?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/30) -- Looks like the "fix" is in. Whichever route you take and there's plenty of good opt ...

    Re: Dark Stain on Wire Brushed Oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/30) -- The multi-step process Rich proposed will work. Do the lighter color first, seal with Sealcoa ...

    Re: Painting oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/30) -- Since you only have to do the boxes I think you'll be fine A lot of people will suggest a cou ...

    Re: final finish for tables
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29/22) -- I agree with Mark. You would be better off using Zinsser Sealcoat shellac to pop the grain ...

    Re: Finish Products & Techniques
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/28) -- If you must stain, use a fast drying NGR or alcohol based stain. The quick dry time allows yo ...

    Re: Challenging finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/28/22) -- Most often a wash coat is thinned shellac. But, an alcohol based dye can melt the shellac. ...

    Re: brand of caulking
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/27) -- My schedule: Prime with Zinnser bin shellac tinted gray so I can see the caulking. sand-caul ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/27) -- Leo: 1. Why wouldn't you apply a catalyzed finish over shellac? 2. Never used vinyl sealers, ...

    Re: Refinishing End Table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/27) -- Sealing before staining would prevent the stain from penetrating, which is not good. Not sure ...

    Re: Ageing fir
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/27) -- I've used amber or garnet shellac to "yellow" new finish as a wash coat. No complai ...

    Re: BIN under SW white lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/27) -- Nicko, Using laquer over BIN is a really bad idea. Dried BIN can be wiped off of surfaces wit ...

    Re: tack cloth
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/27) -- The reason you might have heard not to use a tackcloth is if you are using a waterbased finis ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/26) -- I for one wouldn't be applying a catalyzed finish over shellac. I'd put it over a vinyl seal ...

    Re: 0ak cabinet refinishing job
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/26) -- I wipe the MOS twice with a clean sponge and have never had adhesion problems. Of course, I n ...

    Re: refinishing Kitchen cabinets
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/25) -- I'm with Denny, I do this 4/5 times a year and I go WB as well. I've been using this finish s ...

    Re: How would you replicate this MCM finish?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/24/21) -- I used thinned acrylic craft paint on a MCM sewing machine cabinet followed by blond shel ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- Why use sanding sealer if you are going over it with primer? If you are hell bent on sanding ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/24) -- I cannot add anything to the process, but I do like the finished look even thought it may no ...

    Re: Waterborne finish and hickory
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/24) -- Thanks for all the responses. I am going to try the "seal coat" on the drawers to s ...

    Re: Sealcoat grain filler
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/24) -- Mark, Thanks for the response. I have seen conflicting statements about when to fill from sev ...

    Re: Sealcoat grain filler
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/24) -- I'm just wanting a clear pore fill. That's why I'm looking at the crystalac. My thoughts are ...

    Re: Conventional vs HVLP
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/24) -- Your post, Nick, came in as I was beginning this reply. The research I have done on conventio ...

    Re: finish bleed through
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/24) -- thanks for the reply's. I would need to check on the sealer/primer thing. I kind of pulled ba ...

    Re: Need help matching a finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/23) -- I did something very close to this is QS white oak. First coat was 1 lb. clear shellac tinte ...

    Re: Spirit varnish for a violin
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/23/23) -- Yes, spirit Varnishes can be a number of alcohol soluble natural resins, along with partia ...

    Re: Waterborne finish and hickory
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/23) -- I've had that problem with white oak. Sanding to 320 grit greatly reduced the problem. Make s ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- I agree something in there wasn't dry. what are you spraying the pigmented shellac with? I k ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- Ideas? Maybe because you used 6 different kinds and brands of finish on it. Likely something ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/22) -- Stick with the nitro. Or start with the polyacrylic. Don't mix so many finishes. ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/22) -- I've had good luck with Target's water modified shellac sealer. Dries fast, adds a bit of co ...

    Re: Curly Maple Mantle piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/22) -- Shellac looks great as does an amber dye. General Finish or Transtint dyes work great. You co ...

    Re: Conversion varnish and linseed oil
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/22) -- Joe is right, you can achieve the same depth and grain pop that oil gives by either using she ...

    Barrier coat question
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/21) -- So, I have these Hickory tables I'm producing for a local restaurant/bar and after getting g ...

    Re: Alcohol soluble resins
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- I love shellac and still want to use it for the build coats. I'm looking to add a barrier to ...

    Re: Stain Match - 49, Me - 7 - Fourth Quarter, Help!
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/20) -- If you need to shift it red you could spray a red dye toner. Transtint dye is soluble in wat ...

    Re: Thinking of opening a spray finish business in San Diego, looking for a
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/20) -- Aurthur What about lacquer base wiping stain in a clear base. And shellac and vinyl sealer?? ...

    Re: Matching Stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/20) -- When matching a aged piece (especially on oak) not only do you have to match the stain but yo ...

    Re: finish bleed through
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/20) -- They will sell you BIN shellac white in a rattle can. And I’d find a new rep. Any rep that is ...

    Rough lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/20) -- I recently switched from bin shellac primer to mb Campbell's lacquer primer and have noticed ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- Iknow target coatings says that there finish will craze if sprayed over sealcoat. They want ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- I had an issue with crazing once when spraying a waterborne polyurethane topcoat over some t ...

    Re: removing mineral oil
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/19) -- I just finished the table/slab and so far it's all good...on Friday morning I ragged on paint ...

    Re: finish bleed through
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/19) -- shellac primer will solve that. Spray it super thin. Don't sand and spray a light coat of you ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/18) -- no tack rag, i use a microfiber and significant volumes of compressed air. the finish was mo ...

    General finishes white undercoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/18) -- If spraying soft maple will GF white undercoat hide the grain? I will be putting GF pigmented ...

    Kitchen and bathroom cabinet/ vanity finishs
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/18) -- I am a electrician by trade and I make cabinets as a separate business. I picked up a whole h ...

    Re: finishing an arched curly maple surface
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/18) -- Consider a dewaxed shellac as a sealer. In my experience it enhances and highlights. Do a tes ...

    Pre-cat over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/18) -- I started a job using the Bin alcohol based shellac primer (red can) on a couple of sheets of ...

    Re: Pre-cat over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/18) -- Re: #2. The beaded MDF panels that my supplier has are not primed. The entire finishing proce ...

    Re: Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/17) -- I use Bin Shellac. You can get by with one coat but two coats gives you a great primed surfac ...

    Re: Refinishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/17) -- First off, your display cupboard is 1950-1960's. Nitrocellulose was the finish of most manufa ...

    Finish over Waterlox, other shameful advice needed.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/16) -- I'm a furniture refinisher, but took a job refinishing the ceiling of a 1,800 square foot ho ...

    Re: Conversion varnish and linseed oil
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/16) -- I would definitely apply a wash coat of vinyl sealer or dewaxed shellac as a barrier coat. Yo ...

    Re: Current good quality waterborne finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/15) -- i get it from a large local branch who gets it from an industrial branch not too far away. i ...

    0ak cabinet refinishing job
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/15) -- I have an oak cabinet refinishing job coming up and have been used waterlox over 2 light coat ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/15) -- Thin down the shellac and rub out with 4/0 steelwool and wax? ...

    sap in reclaimed heart pine
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/14) -- We have roughly 40 heart pine dining table tops we are working on. The client wanted the tops ...

    Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/14) -- Hi all, I need some help achieving my topcoat in less time. I have experimenting to do with s ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/14) -- I don't think I would spray it. I would brush it on. Let it dry, sand it back with 3m gold 22 ...

    Re: help, table top badly reacting to precat.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/14/22) -- Is it orange peel or silicone contamination called fish eye? For fish eye you have to lay ...

    Re: RE: Prevent Wood from Cupping
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/13) -- You can usually do one decent sealer coat on the backside. We would typically use Sealcoat sh ...

    Live edge almond slab coffee table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (9/12) -- I'm pretty new to this, but I have a nice almond wood slab that I'm turning into a cof ...

    Finishing a maple island top - help please
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/12) -- Planing using a water based lacquer for the finish - has anyone used J.E. Moser's Premium Spr ...

    Re: wrinkle on recoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/12) -- Speaking from experience here, I have never found silicone contamination to be something I ca ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- As the others are getting at, the suggestions that "well known finisher" is making ...

    Re: finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/11/22) -- I would seriously consider using Ben Moore Command. I used it on a Lance camper remodel fo ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- So you are suggesting putting a harder finish on top of softer again? No matter what kind of ...

    Re: Applying two different finishes on exterior wood door
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/10) -- I've done the painted outside, clear inside. Never had an issue. As long as each of the coati ...

    Re: pigmented cv over raised panel doors
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/10) -- We've built a couple of thousand raised panel cabinet doors. We have been using mdf panels ex ...

    Re: Adhesion issues
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/9) -- I’m guessing that on your 3:1 discontinued bleach product it was 3 parts hydrogen peroxide to ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- I would be careful on how thick you make the shellac. Also, the temperature that you will be a ...

    Re: Finishing Redwood
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/9) -- Rubio Monocoat works great on Redwood. I do wood floors for a living and we use lots of Rubio ...

    Re: GF Enduro CV Problems on Oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/9) -- I wouldn't have thought a grain filler is the remedy here. I have this issue when shooting CV ...

    Re: Water based poly over oil based
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/9) -- While the can is the can, most modern waterbournes dont suffer the issues of adhesion with ste ...

    Re: removing mineral oil
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/8) -- The acetone wash followed by a couple coats of dewaxed shellac to lock what remains in, then f ...

    Re: Water based finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/8) -- I've buffed MLC Aquabarnice catalyzed waterborne after 2 days. I sprayed about 8 coats in one ...

    New to dye/stain Spraying
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/7) -- Hello I am having trouble with my kitchen cabinets. I decided to go with a undercoat of rub on ...

    Re: epoxy finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/7) -- Do not blame the epoxy. System Three makes excellent epoxy products. As good or better than an ...

    Re: Problem with paint on sapele
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (12/5) -- Could you use a shellac based primer like B-I-N Shellac-Based White Interior/ ...

    Splotchy fronts
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/5/22) -- Hi, After removing coats of shellac from an 1958 dresser and sanding with 120 this is what ...

    Re: Matching a silver/gold finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/5) -- An art or crafts store will have an inexpensive leafing kit, usually by Mona Lisa Products: w ...

    Re: Coating over waterlox
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/5) -- Note my response to your earlier post. As far as a barrier coat after you have removed the Wat ...

    Re: GF Enduro CV Problems on Oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/4) -- You could try a barrier coat of 'De-waxed' shellac and see how that goes.....it may change the ...

    Re: Sanding just before applying top coat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/4/22) -- Hi Gorden, if your concern is mainly grain raising and the sanding of the raised edge fiber ...

    Re: Bleed through
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/3) -- It happens to all finishes. I just had a job where I had to go on site after the cherry edgeba ...

    Re: Concerning wormy chestnut...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/3) -- DCS, It seems that what you are suggesting would apply to carefully sanded and smoothed boards ...

    General pigmented Enduro over solvent vinyl sealer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/2) -- I like General finish white pigmented poly but not crazy about their undercoat. I find it wor ...

    Re: Best paint finish for wood windows?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/2) -- The secret is letting the wood breath . Plastics likes shellac or oil based polyurethane stop ...

    Re: Lacquer Won't Dry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/2) -- When I was refinishing furniture I ran into this problem a once in a while and fixed it by car ...

    Re: Finishing Bamboo Rods
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/1) -- Shellac is really brittle and in my opinion, has a very low tolerance of being exposed to wat ...

    Re: Making Lacquer Look Like Polyurethane
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/1) -- Try Zinsser Dewaxed 'Sealcoat' shellac as an 'amber' toner. Sand prior to finishing with your ...

    Polisher Recommendation
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/1) -- Getting a little tired if buffing out wax by hand, and wax over shellac is becoming my go to f ...

    Re: Dark Stain on Wire Brushed Oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/1) -- John. Just wondering why you say to not use shellac with WB? I use it all the time with WB. If ...

    Best paint finish for wood windows?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/1) -- I am building some wood windows, which is not my primary area of expertise (they are for mysel ...

    Re: Best paint finish for wood windows?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/1) -- I would not use shellac on exterior work, poor water resistance since it is thinned with alcoh ...

    Re: Qualspray spray guns
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/30) -- I just bought a Qualspray AM-6008/PPS. It's a bottom feed HVLP gun with a pressure assisted ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/30) -- I had a similiar issue and found that switching to a better quality alcohol cleared up the pr ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29) -- Any white in a finish is a moisture issue. High shop humidity and quick solvent flash off are ...

    Re: Sealer under epoxy coating
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/28) -- I would do a test panel on a sheet of maple plywood. Zinsser Sealcoat shellac. Let it dry fo ...

    Re: Spraying Existing Kitchen
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/28) -- After cleaning I use Zinsser Bin shellac base primer/stain blocker. Shellac sticks to just ab ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/27) -- Full fill certainly isn't a 2 and 2 finish. But I wasn't using a AAA pump at the time but an ...

    Re: Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/27/24) -- I never take a chance. I use what the manufacturer recommends, and that is usually a vinyl ...

    Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/27/24) -- Can dewaxed shellac be used as a seal coat under pre/post catalyzed lacquer? Thanks ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/26) -- try it and let us know how that works for you - may take a year or so;. or you can use sw's ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/26) -- Are you using the Bullseye Universal shellac seal coat ..? That Goes over a lot of problem pi ...

    Air curtain?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/25) -- Hello All, I'm considering using an Astro EVOT13 LVLP gun for spraying shellac on my classic ...

    Re: Adhesion problem Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/24) -- You said you used Seal Coat after allowing the BAC to dry for 3 hours. Seal Coat is shellac, ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/24) -- Thanks again Rich. The paint we use adheres well to natural wax, carnauba, bees but the color ...

    Re: Everlast polyurethane from Hood
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/24) -- A word of caution on the shellac. Make a sample board and test for color match and adhesion. ...

    Re: food safe finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/24) -- Paul, The coffee will not be making 100% contact, but only occasionally. Heat resistance will ...

    Re: food safe finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/24) -- Shellac will fall off . Have you considered Bamboo. My rice cooker is older than the hills an ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/23) -- mlc Aqualente does a decent job of self sealing. Its been our primary clear coat for many ye ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/23) -- Johnathan, I just got done caulking a batch of doors/drawer fronts over a primer of gray Bin ...

    Re: Always sowing, When is it time to reap?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Business and Management Forum (5/23) -- Thank you all for your responses. I guess I was in a bad mood the other day and ...

    Re: Water poly over De-waxed shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/23) -- Thanks for your advice John. I'll definitely use the shellac. I'll probably wipe it on in a p ...

    Re: Hydrocote Amber Additive with Sayerlack?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/22) -- Did you use shellac from flakes or seal coat shellac? I’ve done it successfully with both but ...

    Re: Wood Supply\Selection
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Cabinetmaking Forum (3/22) -- Most of the soft maple I use is plenty hard. I use both hard and soft maple, and choose b ...

    Re: Waterborne finish on cherry
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- Adam, Ignoring the rest of this, where i agree with Bob that i wouldn't use shellac: "Y ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- this is all really informative. i think i know where i failed - first of all, i sprayed the ...

    Re: finish edges of new kitchen cabinets
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- Shellac! Quick and easy. Or, Deft brushable lacquer. Or, Wax. ...

    Re: Thinking of opening a spray finish business in San Diego, looking for a
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/20) -- Wiping stain, yes. Shellac, no. Denatured alcohol is a VOC. If vinyl sealer has more than 50g ...

    Re: MDF Door Finishing Final Coat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/20) -- Thanks. I am using the BIN shellac primer. I am also looking at precat lacquers. Any suggesti ...

    Re: Yet another Minwax adhesion issue
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/19) -- Thank you for the replies, I don't think any one has hit on the answer yet. That there is onl ...

    Re: Shellac Washcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/19/24) -- Spray the thinned out precat. You will gain better control of what your washcoat is design ...

    Re: Pricing prefinished trim
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/19) -- Good question Leo. I'll be honest, I hadn't thought about it until you mentioned it. The only ...

    Re: Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/18) -- Not sure if you're referring to my post above on cost but I assume you are. I don't pay any w ...

    Re: General finishes white undercoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/18) -- yup, that primer will work perfectly. dont bother with shellac. ...

    MDF Door Finishing Final Coat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/18) -- New to door building. I am building doors for my laundry using MDF. Shaker Style. I have Benj ...

    Re: 0ak cabinet refinishing job
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/17) -- I've had very good success with Target 8000 for spray application and for brushing Target 200 ...

    Re: Green logs for furniture
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Sawing and Drying Forum (4/17/22) -- I have a sawmill and deal mostly with sawn lumber and sticker it to dry. A few yea ...

    Re: mdf door panels
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/16) -- shellac, don't leave home without it, it will work everytime 1.5Lb to 2.0Lb Cut..That is a se ...

    Re: Table/leg finishing
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (11/15) -- Makes sense. Thanks I have a gallon of premixed waxed shellac and I was hoping I coul ...

    old Graco Turbine unit need advice
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/15) -- I had a decent turbine unit go bad and quickly bought a use Graco 700 turbine unit which work ...

    Spray gun for Dyes and Toners
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/14) -- Up front, I spray less than 5 gal per month. Much of the work I do involves WB dyes and shell ...

    Re: Water Based Finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/14) -- Mineral and knot stains are usually obvious after the first coat of primer. I have a rattle c ...

    Re: Business
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Business and Management Forum (8/12) -- Craig I think it's in poor taste they come back to you for the color. It sounds ...

    Re: Pine Floor Finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/12) -- Get some de-waxed shellac flakes, dissolve in denatured alcohol, and apply until you get a co ...

    Re: Best technique for mantle piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/12) -- If I was finishing the piece as shown in the photo.....would still use a stain or dye or blo ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- Shellac and lacquer are both harder than poly. Don't confuse durability with hardness. You a ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/10) -- my sentence wasn't clear I guess... I did not mean poly was harder than lacquer or shellac-- ...

    Re: Shellac as floor finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/10) -- I agree with what cbww said. I have limited pad applying experience. I usually mix a 1 or 2 p ...

    Re: Best Finish for White Oak?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/9) -- For maximum contrast, wash the part off with mineral spirits immediately after staining. Or, ...

    Re: Staining Knotty pine to match a 50 year old home
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- It looks like whatever your sample was, you may be missing a little red and yellow. And you ma ...

    Re: Water based poly over oil based
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/9) -- It's been a common issue for a long time. The wood finishing gods gave us Zinsser Sealcoat. It ...

    Re: White residue in mahogany grain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/8) -- hi Dan, youre right about that, i was assuming you would test anything you tried.if you can t ...

    Re: White residue in mahogany grain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/8) -- What if that finish is shellac? The denatured alcohol will melt that and then you have to ref ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/8) -- I tested BLO and Sherwin Williams high solids clear stain base concentrate to pop the grain o ...

    Re: Waterbourne over reclaimed material
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/8) -- Mark, You can always shoot a coat of de-waxed shellac as a sealer coat to prevent any reaction ...

    Re: Matching Colour and Finish to an old Mahogany/Sapele Door
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/7) -- looks to be your standard painter quality slopped some red mahogany minwax stain and multiple ...

    Re: Finishing Both Sides - Hoadley vs. Flexner
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/7) -- Personal experience with a rather expensive quarter sawn white oak countertop backs the standa ...

    Re: High gloss with staining powder and qualosole
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/6) -- Lubricite is a favorite among the NYC area touch up technicians because it's sold by Industri ...

    Re: "smoked" oak
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Sawing and Drying Forum (6/4) -- Troy, One way to produce smoke or ebonized oak is to brush a coat of acidified iron so ...

    Re: Paper backed veneer wrinkling
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Veneer Forum (7/2/23) -- I don't press paper backed often but I wouldn't recommend using contact. Type 2 pva works well ...

    Re: Finish for walnut and white oak combo table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/2) -- Water based dye on the walnut before the WB clear coat? Amber dewaxed shellac under the WB top ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/1) -- I believe I used the high solids SW clear stain base concentrate. I tried wet sanding it in l ...

    Re: painting MDF
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/1) -- Jim, with very delicate & much respect to you ( and any shellac "fans") , this i ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/31) -- The viscosity of the material is too thick for your current size nozzle... think of trying t ...

    Re: Western Red Cedar Solvent Soluble Extractives??
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- FWIW: I was told that 'Bin' shellac is not to be used on any exterior wood product. Correct ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/30) -- And thank Kit for your suggestion too. As I mentioned, I will try my better quality alcohol ( ...

    Looking to refinish marble table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29/23) -- Looking to have a marble table recoated. It currently has a thick shellac type clear coat ...

    Re: White streaks in Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/29) -- I'd wash off what you have on there, and start over. Attached is an old discussion on here ab ...

    Re: waterborne primer, anyone use Kilz Max?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/28) -- You're right, which is strange because it's listed under the waterborne heading. So I looked ...

    Splined corners
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/28) -- I did a project last month with painted maple and I reinforced the mitered corners with splin ...

    Re: Western Red Cedar Solvent Soluble Extractives??
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/27) -- If the blistering is due to sap bleed through you could try spot priming with BIN shellac ba ...

    Re: Steps for Milk paint then Glaze then poly
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/27) -- I wouldn't put vinyl sealer over GF milk paint. It's WB and you could end up with a serious m ...

    Re: Sealer under epoxy coating
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/26) -- The trouble is, if you are trying to fill open grain with a fast drying sealer, they will ei ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/26) -- Thanks for the tip-we use Zinsser Clear(waxed I think, ironically) Shellac. Will try some Bul ...

    Re: Sealcoat grain filler
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/26) -- regardless if you stain first or not, first seal the surface with dewaxed shellac washcoat. T ...

    Re: Air curtain?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/25) -- Its just a Low Volume Low Pressure gun which has good transfer efficiency. Very minimal over ...

    painting MDF
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/25) -- Looking for tips on spraying BIN shellac primer. I have a 4 stage HVLP. Thank you ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/24) -- Jonathon, I was amazed by my flower boxes. The difference between BIN and any other product ...

    Re: Staining Knotty pine to match a 50 year old home
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/24) -- Thanks alot for all the feedback. Im not to f. amiliar with dye stains. Very interesting stai ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/24) -- Nothing sticks to wax. Lots of clean rags and naphtha is the best attempt to clean it off. Bu ...

    Re: glue line creeping
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Adhesives Forum (6/24) -- You're right Gene, should have mentioned that I spray one edge with water prior to glue up. A ...

    Re: Raised Panel End Grain Too Dark
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/24/24) -- As Leo mentioned you typically sand the end grain finer. This can work pretty well with ha ...

    Re: Matching old work?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/24) -- Depends on the species. To duplicate old walnut, I put a layer of orange shellac under the to ...

    Re: GF EnduroVar
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/23) -- Thanks for the responses. I had a follow up call to GF and a better talk with one of the chem ...

    Re: Barrier coat question
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/22) -- Rick, barrier coats, of the type to which we are referring, are 2 part urethanes - as oppose ...

    Re: Hydrocote Amber Additive with Sayerlack?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/22) -- yeah the key here is "light." i had a nightmare of a time with a job once where i p ...

    Re: Hydrocote Amber Additive with Sayerlack?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/22) -- The shellac will more than likely cause crazing if you actually put enough on to get any colo ...

    Re: Hydrocote Amber Additive with Sayerlack?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/22) -- i have used a light coat of dewaxed shellac to get a solvent look under WB. It drys fast and ...

    Re: Everlast polyurethane from Hood
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/21) -- thanks for the assist. My intentions were to spray Hood's Resisthane Plus. I'm glad I asked. ...

    Re: RE: Linseed Oil application
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/21) -- It all depends on what you want in your final results. You can use linseed oil - wipe it on - ...

    Re: Leather top table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- There are ways to make the shellac fracture but it will take some extensive practice/samplin ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/20) -- Target Coatings says that WB coatings can craze when applied over high pH basecoats, such as ...

    Re: Re - painting over Conversion Varnish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/20) -- I did this today on a kitchen island...like Leo said clean thoroughly. I use Dirtex (ammonia ...

    Re: 0ak cabinet refinishing job
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/20) -- Shellac has low odor after drying and SealCoat is what I normally use after stripping a piece ...

    Re: First Coat with Agualente, then a Latex Paint Topcoat?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/20) -- The safest primer to use under any topcoat is Bin shellac primer. It works well on wood. Not ...

    Staining to match
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/20) -- I don't usually use a lot of wood stains, mostly clearcoats, either MLC CV's or sometimes Tar ...

    Accuspray Guns
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/19) -- Is anyone using the 3M Accuspray guns with the replaceable nozzles? I'm a low volume user, a ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- thanks for the responses - i appreciate the dialog and commentary. first of all, yes, i have ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- According to another forum, here is how to decipher Zinssers date code. Here is what Zinsser ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- interesting, on both counts. the age of the shellac is tough to determine - i sprayed 7 gall ...

    Re: Staining
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/19) -- You might consider tinting some dewaxed shellac and applying a coating over the stain to help ...

    Re: RE: Natural Organic Oil Finishes
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/19/22) -- Polymerized tung oil, can be used on furniture, but is not food safe. food safe mineral oi ...

    Re: fixing dents in step on site
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/19) -- That is the classic scenario for using the shellac burn-in sticks.....then a small bit of gai ...

    Re: Pre-cat over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/19) -- Sealcote works for me! 45.00 per gallon. ...

    Re: Oxalic removed stains returning
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/18) -- you may also consider locking it down with shellac as a barrier coat. ...

    Leather top table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/18) -- I’m re-leathering an antique Pembroke table. The shellac has crackled/crazed on the whole pi ...

    Re: Stain issues
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/18) -- Depending on the wood using Sealcoat shellac on the end grain helps to control absorption. ...

    Re: New to this
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/17) -- Hello I totally agree with Shane. I'm using the the Kremlin 15-25 AAA pump for SW Kem Aqua p ...

    Re: Crazing help
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/17) -- Thanks for responses. I think it was the shellac that caused the crazing in this case since I ...

    Re: SEALING 1 3/4" DOOR EDGES
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/17/24) -- shellac is not a good moisture barrier, there is no need to use it, except to seal in fish ...

    Re: New to this
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/16) -- Well since your cabinets are already poplar I would use Zinnser white shellac based primer t ...

    Re: Kremlin 10-14 to 10-c18
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/16) -- Hello I have both the Kremlin 10-18 and 15-25. I use the smaller pump for all my Bin shellac ...

    Re: Finish For Cedar Cabinets.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/16) -- clear waterborne lacquer....the best is from ICA!! Only the Italians produce a 'natural' wood ...

    Re: Pine Floors
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum (8/15) -- Any reason to not just use a garnet shellac, or some shade close? Its what al ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/15) -- Wow, I only use green Scotchbrite to scrub pots and pans! I'd suggest you not sand between ev ...

    Lacquer over latex paint?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/15) -- I am doing a frame and panel table top. Sapele veneer on the panel and a solid maple frame. I ...

    Re: Waterborne clear over steel
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/14/22) -- If there is any raw steel on the edges or corners, it will rust. I'd suggest a sealant lay ...

    Re: Off-the-gun shellac satin/matte
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/14) -- Thanks Pete. The spraying I do now, although I agree is too laborious, is still less time tha ...

    Re: Topcoating over an Oil Based Primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/14) -- I though Zinsser only made shellac base and water based. You might want to check the MSDS. ...

    help, table top badly reacting to precat.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/14/22) -- Refinishing a 1940 solid mahogany drop leaf table.Completely stripped and neutralized.Grai ...

    Sherwood waterborne over MDF
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/14/22) -- I'm using Sherwood "Waterborne White Topcoat" M64 F 1541 on doors with MDF cente ...

    Re: Repairing an exterior door gouge
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/13) -- I and many others on this forum deal with doors, tables, chairs in worst condition then your ...

    Re: Best technique for mantle piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/13) -- I like a diluted solution of orange shellac ...

    Re: Smooth oil and urethane finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Furniture Making Forum (11/12) -- Shellac. ...

    Re: Agualente primer revisited
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/12) -- Thanks JM. I Finaly got a hold of the local MLC rep and he said exactly the same thing but t ...

    Re: Agualente primer revisited
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/12) -- A little OT. Has anyone tried Zinnsers WB stain blocker? I've been using the shellac based u ...

    Re: Shellac Washcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/12/24) -- https://woodweb.com/cgi-bin/forums/finishing.pl?read 870671 ...

    Re: Mixing CV with alcohol based mohawk dye stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/12) -- yes you can, though you might be better advised to use acetone based microton or metallics. A ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- BTW, don't ever let it stop you from experimenting and trying stuff. The only way a lot of k ...

    Re: problems with shellac over poly...
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/11) -- Thanks for the replies. I see my mistake was assuming I could get all the poly of the surfac ...

    Re: Best technique for mantle piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/11) -- I almost never use BLO, but it looks great on walnut; really brings out the depth, color, and ...

    Paint crack
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/11/22) -- Hi everyone. My issue is, the final coat cracks. We renovate cabinets and sometimes we hav ...

    Re: Paint crack
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/11/22) -- Too cold and the shellac primer didn't cure? Too quick of recoat? With the crackle look, s ...

    Re: Best Way to Achieve High Gloss Gray
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/10/23) -- I’ve sprayed & buffed( 8) coats of MLC waterborne 2K clear on a qtr sawn white oak de ...

    Re: Cleaning Gun after BIN and water born
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/10) -- Household ammonia, even diluted, is great for stripping shellac (ask an old French polisher). ...

    Staining Knotty pine to match a 50 year old home
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/9) -- Ive been do work for a Renewal by Anderson window and door company. The salesmen alot of times ...

    Veneer repair
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Veneer Forum (5/9) -- I have to do some repairs to quarter sawn white oak veneer...dog chewed the corners of a veneer t ...

    Re: Water based poly over oil based
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/9) -- Sealcoat shellac, as mentioned, would be a better alternative than OB poly first. But there ar ...

    Re: Water based poly over oil based
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/9) -- WB is best under WB topcoats, but I've never had any problems using oil based ones IF I wait a ...

    Re: Touch up for clear lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/9/22) -- It's not a painting process to truly match wood. It's layers of color, (usually pigment in ...

    Re: Looking to refinish marble table
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/8/23) -- XIM 400, will act as a intermittent bonding coat to the marble, once the shellac is removed ...

    Re: Completely stain red oak wood
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/8/22) -- I use a 2 part wood bleach where you mix part A and B. Apply that directly to the oak with ...

    Re: Pressure pot spraying. A couple questions.
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/8) -- After reading the thread I understand the problems with this primer.The question I found mysel ...

    Re: ML Campbell H20 over oil stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/7) -- We typically use the MLC solvent stains topcoated with the various MLC waterbornes. I haven't ...

    Re: High gloss with staining powder and qualosole
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/7) -- Hello Rich, Yes I just tried this today and it works much better. The matte quality of the po ...

    wrinkle on recoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/7) -- I have a table that was damaged with acetone (nail polish remover) that I was asked to recoat. ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/7) -- We do tons of cabinet refinishing, and use Ilya 2k poly, catalyze at 10% exclusively. We prime ...

    Re: Agualente Plus primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/6) -- Ive used the bin in the past, and per my testing I found the adhesion to be mostly mechanical( ...

    Re: Agualente Plus primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/6) -- If you can't solve the problems with the primer, maybe you should switch to something else. I ...

    Re: Urethane Moulding with Lacquer Finish
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/5) -- It might be a good idea to first lay down a barrier coat. Such as white bin or clear shellac. ...

    Re: Cleaning Solvents and Waterlox
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/5) -- I'm not sure why you would be spraying it on. I suspect you are laying on too much material. I ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- My wife has her nails done with Shellac, and it cures under a UV light box. Can you find one t ...

    Re: Crazing of polycrylic over shellac primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- Very nice Steven, glad it worked out so well. ...

    Re: refinishing cabinets
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/4) -- Try using a clear shellac based sealer. Then mist a couple of coats before laying it on heavie ...

    Sealing wood countertop edges
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Cabinet and Millwork Installation Forum (2/4) -- I am going to be installing some pre finished cherry tops and am looki ...

    Re: white haze on refinished cabinet
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/3) -- Solvent will not work, the stearate will keep migrating to the surface. You can try a scuff sa ...

    Re: Best way to repair?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/2) -- We have fixed cracks like this before with bondo forced into the crack after expanding the ope ...

    Re: Fastest Drying White for Samples
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/2) -- I like BIN shellac based white primer. You can brush or spray it, it dries quickly, sands grea ...

    Wrong color
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/2) -- By mistake i stained black stain (water base aniline dye) plus clear lacquer a small maple tab ...

    Re: Finishing over UV-cured, acrylated epoxy,
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/1/22) -- Thank you for your response. Prior to today I did my own test with a variety of WB primers ...

    Re: Glue lines in paint
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/1/22) -- Non waterborne primer for waterborne is easy. Zinsser BIN white shellac primer. What glue w ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/31) -- I really like GF's HP Poly for it's UV package, but their Enduro Clear Poly is much harder a ...

    Re: MDF and Agualente Plus Primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/30) -- Thanks for the responses guys. I wish I could get the refined MDF like Plum Creek. As is, bo ...

    Re: Western Red Cedar Solvent Soluble Extractives??
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- I wrote this on one of the other threads last week. BIN is an exterior spot primer. What are ...

    Re: pigmented waterbourne
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/30) -- I use the Zinnser B-I-N Shellac-Based White Interior/Spot Exterior Primer and Sealer ,sprays ...

    Gray Stained Ash
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/29) -- I need to stain some rift sawn ash cabinets gray. I want the grain to come through but not th ...

    Re: waterborne primer, anyone use Kilz Max?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/28) -- Glad that worked well for you Alex. But don't think that water borne products are chemical f ...

    Re: Agualente primer revisited
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/28) -- Jonathon just what are your issues with Bin shellac? I've been using it with no water issues ...

    Blotchy results when spraying toner
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/28) -- I have been experimenting with toning using a water-based aliline dye in a wb polyurethane. I ...

    Re: Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/27/24) -- Sure it can, but why would you? ...

    Re: Barrier coat question
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/26) -- Pete D, you're writing about waterborne systems but this discussion is about solvent plural ...

    Re: Adhesion problem Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/25) -- How old is the Seal Coat? Shellac will dry slower the older it gets. Finally gets to the poi ...

    Re: GF EnduroVar
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/25) -- That's an interesting comment from the GF chemist that Enduro Clear Poly is more durable than ...

    Re: Spraying over latex paint
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/25) -- Maybe a bit low tech but I'd prime with Bin and then top coat with the latex. I've never had ...

    Re: Adhesion problem Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/24) -- John is correct in his approx dry times. We have used MLC Woodsong solvent stains for a long ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/24) -- Try Xylene. Wear respirator and gloves. Work in the Garage or out of doors, or in an open sho ...

    Re: Shellac on top of wood wax
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/24) -- Thanks, will save that carcinogen as a last ditch resort...! ...

    Re: refinishing Kitchen cabinets
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/24) -- Standard practice to use an isolation barrier. Shellac or Vinyl Sealer. ...

    Re: Hydrocote Amber Additive with Sayerlack?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/22) -- i used sealcoat when i had the crazing issue. and, i called them and talked to a chemist, and ...

    Re: Alcohol soluble resins
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/21) -- What is wrong with shellac? Alcohol based products dry very fast. That may present a problem ...

    Re: Sticky Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/21) -- Yup, it will be easy to removed with denatured alcohol. ...

    Re: Sticky Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/21) -- denatured alcohol ...

    Raised Panel End Grain Too Dark
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/21/24) -- Did a group of maple raised panels, beveled profile. Shellac washcoat and oil based stain. ...

    Re: TSP
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/21) -- you guys talking about real TSP ? or tsp substitute ?? I thought the real deal TSP was all re ...

    Re: Using Alcohol Dye
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/20) -- When using a dye my preferred way is to tint an alcohol based sealer (aka dewaxed shellac). I ...

    Re: gun cleaning
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (12/19) -- Hello I use a Crest ultrasonic cleaner with a 10-1 solution of Citra clean. $30 on Ebay. Wor ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- How old is the Shellac that was used? I had an issue when force drying a water based coating ...

    Re: Sayerlack crazing over sealcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/19) -- Target coating has their own waterborne shellac. They started making it after Sealcoat came ...

    Re: 0ak cabinet refinishing job
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/18) -- Will definitely look into Target 8000 as spray topcoat. Do you see any difference with Zinnze ...

    Re: Staining both sides
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/18) -- No one stains unseen parts. Stains are color pigments suspended in solution. There is little ...

    Re: Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/17) -- Why do you need a blocking stain? Are you spraying restoration cabinetry or something else no ...

    Re: water based stain
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/17) -- Yep, this is still the weak link in trying to go all waterbased. Trying to wipe a large, comp ...

    Re: removing mineral oil
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (6/16) -- Acetone is not a real good choice to dissolve oil. You are better off with deodorized mineral ...

    Re: Kem Aqua Plus
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (5/16) -- i recently did a project in maple with the white kem aqua plus. sanded the maple to 120, prim ...

    Re: SEALING 1 3/4" DOOR EDGES
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/16/24) -- I looked at Shellac and saw it has a low perm but still around .6 - 1.2. Epoxy is very low ...

    Colron Indian Rosewood Wood Dye
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/16) -- I have a tin probably 15 years old with a small amount of Colron Indian Rosewood wood dye. It ...

    Re: iwata gunsa vs astro ht108
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/15) -- I have a Iwata gunsa that I use for spraying pigmented shellac...nice gun, Italian made (I'd ...

    Re: Shellac Washcoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/14/24) -- Spraying washcoat ...

    Re: african mahogany louver doors
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/13) -- Jim, you didn't say, but looks like you're using a waterbase stain? You will often hear the ...

    Re: Paint crack
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (3/13/22) -- RichC: we do standart process and we spray 2 kitchens a week, but never happened before, s ...

    Re: Agualente primer revisited
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/12) -- If you need atainblocking then use shellac, it works better. Otherwise the wb works like a t ...

    Re: Best technique for mantle piece
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (7/11) -- First coat.......a reduced, very reduced layer of shellac.....from flakes. Experiment!! ...

    Re: Staining Knotty pine to match a 50 year old home
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (9/10) -- I had success by using Amber Shellac on the raw wood first then staining .Basically like a to ...

    Re: Looking for Better stain blocking primer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/9) -- How is Aquaprime as a primer instead BIN shellac?? ...

    Re: Polyurethane over Nitro cullulose lacquer
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (4/9) -- I have applied poly over lacquer by first applying a coat of dewaxed shellac. It has held up f ...

    Re: stripping and refinishing to natural
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/8) -- Thanks guys. I've done enough refinishing to have your same mindset Pat. However, this is a go ...

    Re: Fastest Drying White for Samples
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (8/7) -- I second the BIN white shellac. You can even brush it on if needed. It's alcohol based so it s ...

    Re: wrinkle on recoat
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (2/7) -- I agree w Rich C. You need to clean off silicone oil 4/5 times with fresh rags, then spray she ...

    High gloss with staining powder and qualosole
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (10/5) -- Hello, I was touching up the edges of some worn glossy black polyester furniture with Qualaso ...

    Re: UV cure of shellac?
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (1/5) -- I don't build guitars so I can't tell you what is best or not. I have made it my business to n ...

    Re: SW Conversion Varnish, 2K Poly over Shellac
    A message posted at WOODWEB's Finishing Forum (11/1) -- Bob, I didn't say EnduroVar, I said Enduro Clear Poly. Completely different animal. Sprays ju ...

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    Project Gallery Results:

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