Can You Stain MDF?

Everything today has an acronym, and they have become a part of the English lexicon in everyday use now.  You probably use some of them, too, at the least when you are using a messaging app on your phone.  LOL, …

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Pros & Cons of Using Beeswax As A Wood Finish

I like beeswax as a wood finish because it’s easy to use and safe. It’s natural, which is great for many woodworking projects. But it’s not perfect. It has some downsides, like not being very tough and melting easily. I’ll …

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How To Thin Polyurethane For Spraying

We like oil finishes for our woodworking projects.  There is something about the hand finish of rubbing oil onto the wood that is so satisfying, establishing that connection with the wood and the hard work that has gone into the …

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The Secret To Fixing Your Woodworking Finish

This video is by Billy from Newton Makes. In this experiment, he walks through three unusual home remedies for removing water rings from finished wood surfaces: toothpaste, mayonnaise, and fire. Water stains can ruin the look of an otherwise beautiful …

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Restoring a Folding Rocking Chair with Vintage Charm

This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers. It’s a thoughtful restoration of a well-loved folding rocking chair that had endured years of wear from use and coastal exposure. Mike takes a patient, practical approach to renewing …

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How To Make Wood Filler Without Sawdust

We’ve written of wood fillers in the past, and the most comprehensive piece published on these pages had to do with choosing the right wood filler for your project.  It will answer many, if not most, of the questions you …

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Will Water-Based Polyurethane Yellow?

We all have a pretty good idea of the value of a topcoat on our stained projects.  Stains will enhance the wood’s appearance and grain and provide color to the wood. However, stains offer no protection to the wood.   Key …

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Is Maple A Hardwood Or A Softwood?

I know a little bit about maple trees. I live in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the northern Berkshires, and my property is surrounded by a lot of swamp maple, which is a dense wood. One of the trees is …

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How To Remove Danish Oil From Wood

We like wood oil finishes, and have moved in their direction for our finish of choice and away from some of the other popular finishes like polyurethane, shellac, and varnish. We like wiping the oil on and in, and we …

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Pros & Cons of Using Beeswax As A Wood Finish

I like beeswax as a wood finish because it’s easy to use and safe. It’s natural, which is great for many woodworking projects. But it’s not perfect. It has some downsides, like not being very tough and melting easily. I’ll …

Read more