When we began our woodworking hobby, we assumed there was a generally accepted order in which our project was to be finished. If the wood was to be stained, we stained, and then we added a topcoat, whether polyurethane, varnish, …
Teak wood is a good choice for outdoor furniture, as you probably know. You might even have a piece or two of outdoor teak furniture yourself. It’s a durable wood, has a Janka rating of 1155, which ranks it harder …
While we have moved away somewhat from default staining our woodworking projects, turning instead to wood oils or products like Rubio Monocoat, we still will occasionally use a wood stain as part of finishing the project. Stains come in a …
We’re so lucky to have so many different kinds of woods available to us to work within our shop. Supply chains have recovered somewhat from the disarray caused by the COVID pandemic, and lumber yards and specialty wood shops both …
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 …
I’ve used polyurethane on just about everything—bar tops, tabletops, nightstands, shelves. Some projects turned out great. Others… not so much. At first, I figured any clear coat would do the job. Just slap it on and wait for it to …
We like oil finishes on our woodworking projects. They create a beautiful finish, accentuate grains, and offer great protection for the wood surface. There are a variety of oils that work well on wood, and we’ve written about some of …
When I finish a woodworking project, I want it to feel finished—not just well-built, but protected and complete. A good finish adds that final touch. It brings out the grain, protects the wood, and helps the piece last. And if …
We know it to be a durable finish on our woodworking projects, and we’ve all likely used it in our shop. It’s a protective finish that saves the wood from heat (to a degree, pun intended) and moisture. It sits …
Wood filler is a substance used to fill imperfections in wood, such as nail holes, cracks, and dents. It is typically made from a combination of wood fibers, resin, and a hardening agent. It can be applied with a putty …
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, …
I now tend more to oil finishes for our woodworking projects; there is something to be said for a high-gloss finish. It adds a wonderful air of elegance to wood and adds depth and quality to its appearance. QUICK ANSWER: …
I’ve made my fair share of wooden coasters over the years—usually as a way to use up scrap wood from bigger projects. At first, I didn’t put much thought into the finish… until I started seeing water rings and dull, …
Wood’s natural patterns are beautiful, and our goal is to make them stand out. This article will show you how to highlight wood grain (make it pop) using simple, effective techniques. Each technique is easy to follow and can make …
We woodworkers make all sorts of things to work within our shop, from jigs to fences, to all sorts of workarounds and such, and it is always satisfying to do that for ourselves. We always have scrap pieces of this …
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 …
Curious about staining caulk and how it can elevate your DIY projects? You’ve found the right article! I’ll explore whether you can stain caulk and share some straightforward tips for achieving beautifully stained caulking. Understanding this can make a huge …
I gnashed my teeth looking at the polycrylic finish on my restored midcentury dresser – it had yellowed the gorgeous wood I uncovered after endless sanding! Before you set fire to your workshop in defeat, I’ll explain if using polyurethane …