• Knowledge Base Search Results: 266
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    Knowledge Base Results:

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

    Glazing Advice for a High-Volume Shop
    Pros give tips on formulating glazes, simplifying the process, and pacing the work. March 18, 2005

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

    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

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

    Spraying a Washcoat
    Achieving a smooth, consistent application. August 26, 2004

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

    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

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

    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

    Filling Depressions Exposed by Topcoats
    Sprayers share tips for achieving a flat, filled, fine finish. January 25, 2005

    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

    Staining and Blending Difficult Woods -- Alder, Birch, Maple, Poplar, and...
    A three step coloring technique to achieve rich, dark, even coloring on a variety of wood species - March 16, 2005

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

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

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

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

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

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

    First Time Out with Spray Finish
    A beginner gets advice on spraying pre-catalyzed finishes. March 2, 2006

    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

    "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

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

    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

    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

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

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

    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

    Touch-Up Problems With White Cabinets
    Lacquer, paint, or varnish? Shop or site finish? Pros kick around the choices. April 14, 2005

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

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

    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

    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

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

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

    Spray-Gun Technique to Prevent Orange-Peel
    The right pressure settings should do the trick. March 18, 2005

    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 Suction Problems in an Old Siphon Gun
    An older-model cup gun has developed problems pulling fluid. Is it fixable, or is it time to get new equipment? March 2, 2006

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

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

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

    Spraying in Humid Conditions
    Finishers discuss ways to adapt to hot, humid weather. October 18, 2005

    Spraying Small Quantities with Air-Assisted Airless Equipment
    A cup attachment lets you apply small amounts with minimal waste. September 14, 2006

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

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

    Stain-Blocking Primer Tips
    Advice on a sealing prime coat for maple casework. January 13, 2006

    Tinting Water-Based Finishes
    Adding dye to a water-based finish is simple, and gives nice results. December 1, 2005

    Silicone Oil Additives with Conversion Varnish
    Thoughts on the compatibility of silicone smoothing additives with various finish types. June 7, 2011

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Gun Choice for Spraying Toner Over Sealer
    To avoid mottling, use equipment that is recommended for spraying toners. April 30, 2006

    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

    More Toner Tips
    A discussion of toning techniques. August 22, 2005

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

    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

    How to Prevent "Cobwebbing" of Pre-Catalyzed Finishes
    It's a matter of finding the right thinning ratios and air pressures for the particular gun — and using the right thinner. February 13, 2006

    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

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

    Fixing Uneven Toner Coverage
    Strip to wood and start over, say the experts — with a few tips on achieving even coverage this time. March 9, 2006

    Heating Waterborne Finishes
    Keeping your finish warm will improve flowability and maintain consistent viscosity — but check with the manufacturer for allowable temperature ranges. February 13, 2006

    Building Your Own Spray Booth
    Pros discuss ways to ventilate and filter. March 17, 2005

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

    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

    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

    Choices for Glazing
    Here's advice on glazing for a beginner who's having trouble. July 11, 2013

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

    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

    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

    A Case of Blushing in a Cherry Cabinet
    In humid conditions, cooling as the finish dries pulls condensation into it. March 18, 2005

    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

    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

    Color-Matching Aged Walnut
    Tips on matching the naturally-aged color of antique walnut. April 30, 2006

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

    Troubleshooting Adhesion Failure in Conversion Varnish Over Lacquer
    Conversion varnish needs a mechanical bond. Here, pros analyze a case where it's not sticking. May 17, 2005

    Troubleshooting Wrinkling in Conversion Varnish Job
    Pros analyze a case of wrinkled finish, looking at formulas, shop conditions, and more. April 14, 2005

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

    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

    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

    Spraying Conversion Varnish with an HVLP Gun
    Old hands walk a beginner through the basics of mixing, thinning, and applying conversion varnish. A good introduction. February 14, 2006

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

    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

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

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

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

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

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

    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

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

    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

    The Fine Points Of Viscosity
    Ways to measure and judge viscosity, and determining what's best for the application. April 14, 2005

    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

    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

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

    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

    Switching to Water-Borne Finishes
    Finishers discuss their experiences working with water-borne finishes. October 26, 2005

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

    Stripping and Refinishing Pricing
    Stripping furniture is laborious and slow — and so a fair price may create some sticker shock. March 26, 2009

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

    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

    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

    Sanding Raised Panel Doors
    Tips on sanding those pesky profiles. February 19, 2006

    Touch-Up Repair for Cherry Veneer
    When a sanding mistake burns right through a cherry veneer, quick or easy fixes are scarce. Here are a handful of suggestions for making the best of a bad situation. December 15, 2005

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

    Wash Coats for Maple
    More thoughts on sealing maple to allow even staining. April 19, 2006

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

    Touching Up a Cross-Grain Scratch in Mahogany Veneer
    For deep scratches in veneer, your best bet is to start over. But in a pinch, here are some tips and techniques for hiding the mistake (sort of). May 17, 2005

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

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

    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

    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

    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

    Troubleshooting Blotchy Endgrain on Raised Panels
    Consistent end-grain finish starts with careful sanding. October 19, 2005

    Tips for an Effective Pickling Stain Job
    When a pickling stain doesn't lighten oak as well as expected, a finisher seeks advice on improving his results. July 25, 2005

    Ticking, Mottling, and Blotching
    like blotching, but different. July 3, 2008

    Troubleshooting Bubbles in Lacquer
    "Solvent pop" may be causing bubbling in a lacquer coat. Solutions include applying lighter coats, or using retarder in place of straight thinner. October 2, 2005

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

    Troubleshooting Sanding Swirls in Pine
    Softer woods can be challenging to sand. Here's advice on preventing unsightly swirls. May 7, 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

    Staining Birch Bright Colors
    A cabinetmaker wants to stain birch a bright red, but still reveal some grain. Experts supply ideas. August 30, 2005

    Substitutes for Mahogany
    Either lyptus wood or luan (also called "meranti") may be an acceptable lower-cost alternative to mahogany in cabinets. March 12, 2006

    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

    Stripping Conversion Varnish
    A finisher gets the lowdown on how to remove conversion varnish (and the stain under it) from a piece that was finished too dark. December 15, 2005

    Setup for Perfect Polyester
    Installer looking at a high-end polyester spray contract gets advice on booth, guns, oven, and more. July 12, 2005

    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

    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 "Milky" Appearance in Finish
    Diagnosis: the finisher missed the window for applying the topcoat. November 13, 2005

    What Customers Mean by "Natural"
    When customers ask for a "natural" finish, they mean a simple sealer and clear top coat — no stain. April 30, 2006

    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

    Sprayer Type and Finish Quality
    In expert hands, either HVLP or air-assisted spray guns can turn out premium work. The difference is really more about efficiency, economy, and equipment durability. October 28, 2005

    Spray-Gun Choice for Latex
    Tips on equipment suited for spraying latex paint. March 26, 2009

    Tip Sizes for Mini Spray Guns
    A few observations on spray-gun tip size equivalancies (it's the viscosity that most affects nozzle choice). December 15, 2005

    Staining Maple
    More tips on getting Maple to accept a dark stain. May 17, 2005

    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

    Tinting Linseed Oil
    Oil based colorants, or just oil paint, are easy to add to linseed oil for color. October 15, 2009

    Success with Black Stain
    Pros provide tips for staining wood a deep, dark black without purple overtones. July 12, 2005

    Water Resistance of Wipe-On Polyurethane Finishes
    With enough coats, wipe-on poly products can provide good moisture protection. March 12, 2006

    Spraygun Air Pressure Basics
    How to match your compressor to your gun and set the proper pressure. February 17, 2014

    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

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

    When to Apply Glaze
    Finishers share their procedures. February 26, 2005

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

    First CV Experience
    A first time experience with ML Campbell's Krystal conversion varnish spurs some questions and answers about application technique. July 13, 2005

    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

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

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

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

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

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

    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

    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

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

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

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

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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    Enamel Paints Versus Pigmented Varnishes
    Finishers discuss durability and color-matching issues. November 13, 2005

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

    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

    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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

    Kremlin Airmix Air and Fluid Pressure Settings
    Everything you need to know to dial that equipment in. August 9, 2005

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

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

    Matching the Finish on Manufactured Cabinets
    It's easier said than done. Here, pros explain the difficultles involved. January 13, 2006

    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

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

    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

    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

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

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

    Flushing and Cleaning Spray Equipment
    Finishers describe their maintenance cleaning routines. February 19, 2006

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

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

    HVLP, LVLP, and Air-Assisted Airless Guns
    A brief discussion of how different spray-gun types work, and the effect it has on finish results. April 30, 2006

    Flat Black Finish that Shows Grain
    Finishers discuss ways to apply a thin, flat, black finish. November 13, 2005

    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

    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

    Learning the Art of Color Matching
    Old hands give a newcomer some advice on how to train himself to match finish colors. October 19, 2005

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

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

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

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

    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

    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

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

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

    Retarding Waterborne Lacquers
    What's the right additive to thin the formula and slow down the dry time? February 2, 2011

    Evening Out Finish Tones
    Maintain an even stain by applying multiple thinned coats. March 12, 2006

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

    Matching a Dead-Flat Finish
    A zero-sheen finish is tough to achieve, especially if it needs to be durable. Here, finishers discuss the fine points. October 28, 2005

    Retarder and Rub-Out
    Adding retarder to a pre-cat finish won't prevent you from rubbing the finish out, but it may affect your wait time. April 30, 2006

    Recirculating Spray-Booth Air
    Regulations don't allow it, because it raises concentrations of potentially dangerous chemicals. December 1, 2005

    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

    Fly-Speck Application Techniques
    Finishers suggest half a dozen ways to make quick work of a fly-speck finish. August 21, 2006

    How Varnishes Cure
    A short but intense primer on the ways various varnish formulations harden and cure. December 31, 2005

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

    Polish for Lacquered Furniture (Or Not)
    Thoughts and reflections on furniture polish, snake oil, and related technologies. March 12, 2006

    Naugahyde Stuck to a Lacquer Tabletop
    Who knew? August 30, 2005

    Pre-Cat Clear Coat Over Latex Paint
    Water-based pre-catalyzed lacquers work well in combination with latex paints. June 28, 2006

    Pre-Conditioning with a Washcoat
    A thinned-down version of your topcoat stain serves as an effective wood conditioner before staining. October 26, 2005

    Measuring Thinners and Catalysts
    Old pros share several ways to measure proportions when mixing finishes. October 28, 2005

    Humidity and Conversion Varnish Cure Time
    Dehumidifying, air-conditioning, or heat drying can speed CV cure times during muggy weather. October 26, 2005

    Metal Dye Container Leakage
    Apparently some dye formulas eat through some metal cans, causing leaks. March 13, 2009

    Removing Sanding Dust
    Finishers describe how they remove dust when sanding between varnish coats. October 28, 2005

    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

    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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

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

    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

    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

    Bleed-Through with Paint and Primer
    A woodworker describes sanding problems and bleed issues with latex coating. May 28, 2010

    Adhesion Problems over Aluminum "Silver" Leaf
    Advice on how to make a clear finish stick to aluminum leafing. October 15, 2009

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

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

    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

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

    A Smooth Finish for Cabinet Interiors
    Tips and techniques for eliminating surface roughness in water-based finishes for cabinet interiors. April 30, 2006

    Cleaning Airless Spray-Gun Tips
    Pros suggest methods using needles and various solvents. October 2, 2005

    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

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

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

    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

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

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

    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

    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

    Cleaning the Spray Gun
    Secrets from the auto-body side. March 18, 2005

    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

    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

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

    Black Dye Stains for Maple
    Tips and tricks for applying a dark stain to maple while still revealing the grain. Pros recommend various methods using inks, dyes, and toners. October 28, 2005

    A "Piano Finish" for Plant Stands
    Here's a good description of the steps involved in getting a very high-gloss opaque black finish. August 15, 2011

    Chemically Weathering Pine
    Advice on how to give pine that instant touch of gray. August 16, 2009

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

    Coloring Water-Based Lacquer
    Paint stores can add pigment to a water-based lacquer, but the results may vary. This thread from the Finishing Forum supplies a few tips. October 19, 2005

    Clear Topcoats over Tinted Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer
    Finishers discuss the risk of "wet-line" defects when applying and sanding a clear topcoat over a tinted pre-cat base coat. May 11, 2006

    A Gray Weathered Finish for Furniture
    Using bleaches or dye, sealer, and toner to get the look of sun and rain weathering on furniture. April 19, 2006

    A "Mahogany" Stain for Oak
    You can match the color, but not the grain. October 2, 2005

    Clearing the Air Lines in an HVLP Spraygun
    Tips on troubleshooting the airflow through an HLVP spraygun. March 3, 2010

    Avoiding Orange-Peel with Conversion Varnish
    Advice on adding measured amounts of thinner to achieve a proper spray consistency and prevent orange peel. February 15, 2009

    Black Finish to Match a Grand Piano
    A furnituremaker gets tips on "ebonizing" a music stand to match a grand piano's black finish. August 22, 2005

    A Compatible Glaze for a Cherry Cabinet
    Experienced hands suggest burnt umber or burnt siena as tones that won't fight with cherry's complex natural hues. December 15, 2005

    Cleaning Stain off an Oak Door
    A customer changed her mind about the stain before the topcoat was applied. What to do? July 11, 2009

    A Black Finish on Furniture
    Black paint can be added to most water-based finishes. Here are a few tips on formulas and application. November 13, 2005

    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

    Clear Coating Polished Aluminum
    Several suggestions for a water-clear finish on exterior metal hardware. September 3, 2011

    A Clear Coating for Purpleheart
    Advice on a clear coating that won't darken purpleheart. February 19, 2006

    Clear Auto Finish for Exterior Wood?
    Will an auto finishing product work on an outdoor wood project? Most finishers in this thread say not. June 28, 2005

    Adapting an Airless Pump for Use with an AAA Gun
    A pump made for use with airless sprayguns can work with an air-assisted airless gun, but with some limitations. January 18, 2011

    Cleaning a Pressure Pot
    A routine for rinsing out a pressure pot and spraygun with solvent. April 18, 2015

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