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 …
We’ve written quite a bit about wood fillers and putties, products that fill nail holes, cracks and holes in wood generally, and any opening in wood that needs to be filled. Key Points: One such article is about staining wood …
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: …
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 …
We’ve moved away from wood stains, both water-based and oil-based stains, for our woodworking projects and graduated to drying oils. We love the look and the feel, and we enjoy the cloth rub to apply it to the wood. There’s …
Linseed oil is a staple in woodworking, enhancing wood’s natural beauty and durability. Yet, its use comes with a significant fire hazard if the oil-soaked rags are not disposed of properly. These rags can spontaneously combust, posing a serious risk …
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 …
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 …
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 …
