How Many Coats Of Lacquer Should I Apply?

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Matt Hagens

When applying lacquer to wood, the number of coats required varies based on the wood type, application method, and the working environment. Typically, you should anticipate applying at least 3 to 5 coats for brush applications and 6 to 9 …

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Should You Sand Between Coats of Stain?

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Matt Hagens

Even we woodworking hobbyists want our projects to have a professional look when we’re done. We want the corners to be square; we want the tables to be level; we want the finish to be even and blotch-free; and we …

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Is Tung Oil Food Safe On Wood?

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Matt Hagens

We were discussing finishes the other day with a friend, a fellow woodworking hobbyist, and in particular, our current preferences.  We talked about stains and topcoats and such, finish products we’ve both used in the past, and we found we’d …

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How To Fix Uneven Wood Cuts (4 Methods)

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Matt Hagens

Uneven wood cuts prevent a clean, level, and square assembly in our woodworking projects. We know these are all essential to a stable, strong, and secure finished project, whether a desk, a chair, a table, shelving, cabinets, picture, window and …

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How To Fix Blotchy Gel Stain (Easy To Follow Steps)

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Matt Hagens

We know what blotchy means…patchy, covered with blotches, uneven, spotty.  When it comes to woodworking, we know also that we don’t like blotchy finishes.  A spotty and uneven finish on our project almost takes the fun out of woodworking after …

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What Are Some Drill Press Alternatives?

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Matt Hagens

How steady is your hand?  How accurately can you make a cut with a circular saw or a cordless drill?  The answers will have something to do with your experience as a woodworker.  Certainly, professional woodworkers are accustomed to having …

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How to Stain Wood Filler & Avoid Common Problems

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Matt Hagens

As a seasoned woodworker, I’ve often relied on wood filler to address imperfections in wood projects. Wood filler is essentially a compound used for repairing and concealing flaws like nail holes, cracks, or gaps in wood. But, can you stain …

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Can I Use A DEWALT XR Battery in 20v Tools?

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Matt Hagens

You’re considering purchasing DEWALT tools and might be curious if the batteries from the 20v Max line of tools can be used interchangeably with the 20v XR line. Can you use a standard 20v Max battery with the XR tools? …

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How Long Should You Wait For Stain To Dry Between Coats

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Matt Hagens

A wood stain application requires careful timing, especially when adding multiple coats. Done correctly, you get a flawless finish; when done wrong, you risk tackiness or uneven color. This article dives into stain drying times, environmental factors, and common pitfalls. …

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Finishing Face-Off: Wood Stain vs Dye

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Matt Hagens

Back in the 60s and early 70s, it was tie-dyed tee shirts and bell-bottom jeans, the uniform of the day.  Rock music, Woodstock, the aroma of cannabis in the air, but don’t take the brown acid.  Colorful, each tee was …

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Can You Screw Into Wood Filler?

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Matt Hagens

Ever wondered if you can actually screw into wood filler without turning your project into a DIY disaster? You’re not alone! In this article, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty of wood fillers – from the trusty epoxy to the versatile …

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18V Vs 20V MAX Battery Drills: Performance Comparison

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Matt Hagens

When deciding between an 18v and a 20v drill, particularly in popular brands like DeWALT, it’s important to understand their power and performance nuances. The primary difference between 18V and 20V drills lies in the voltage of their batteries, with …

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