Welcome to my blog! My name is Derik VanVleet, and I'm the proud owner and craftsman behind VanVleet Woodworking LLC. I hope you find my posts both informative and inspiring. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for visiting!
Today, I want to talk about a simple yet durable finish for your woodworking projects. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, choosing the right finish is crucial for enhancing your project's longevity and appearance. Here's how I approach it.
First, let’s talk about staining. While many opt for staining to achieve a specific color, I prefer to let the natural beauty of the wood shine through. I handpick high-quality lumber to ensure the best grain patterns and colors. Instead of stain, I rely on natural oils to bring out the inherent richness of the wood.
For my base coat, I use a wiping varnish, which is essentially a blend of natural oils like tung or linseed oil with a solvent like mineral spirits. This mixture allows the oil to dry faster while still penetrating deeply into the wood fibers. I’ve had great results with Formby’s Tung Oil Finish, which is already thinned for easy application. Typically, I apply 2-3 coats of this oil, ensuring it soaks into the wood for added protection.
Next comes the topcoat, which provides the real protection against spills and scratches. I prefer either shellac or polyurethane for this layer. Shellac is a natural option that dries quickly and can be thinned with denatured alcohol. I usually start with a 60/40 mix of shellac to alcohol, applying it evenly with a brush or cloth. After the initial coat, I lightly sand with 600-grit paper to smooth out any imperfections before adding additional layers.
If you’re leaning toward polyurethane, I recommend using oil-based rather than water-based varieties. Mix it with mineral spirits to create a wipe-on solution. Start with a 50/50 ratio and adjust as needed for subsequent coats.
Finally, after letting the finish cure for a couple of days, I buff the surface with fine steel wool and apply a good furniture wax. This step removes any lingering dust particles and gives the piece a beautiful sheen. The wax also adds a protective barrier that can be refreshed periodically.
In conclusion, achieving a natural, durable, and repairable finish starts with selecting high-quality wood and ends with a protective topcoat. By using a wiping varnish as your base and following it with a strong topcoat, you'll create a finish that not only enhances the wood’s beauty but also stands the test of time. Happy building!
P.S. Check out some of my favorite finishing products below:
[Product Images and Links]
*Original Wood Finish, Quart*
*Osmo Polyx-Oil - 3031 Clear Matte - .75 Liter*
*Formby 30063 Tung Oil, High Gloss 16-Ounce*
These items have helped me achieve consistent results in my projects. Let me know if you have any questions or tips of your own!
Lipo Lab Ppc Solution,Lipo Lab Ppc Dissolving,Lipolab V Line Remove Fat,Ppc Solution Lipolab
Shijiazhuang Asa Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.hskinlift.com