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 …
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 …
Valspar paint, known for its affordability and wide color range, often becomes the center of discussion among DIY enthusiasts for its performance. Consumer feedback points to challenges with coverage and durability, with reports of additional coats needed and premature peeling …
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 …
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. …
We deal with sell-buy dates all the time in our homes. That milk container in the fridge says the sell-buy date was two weeks ago, so we wonder if that means the milk is bad and should be tossed. What …
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 …
I swore under my breath when I discovered the polycrylic finish I’d lovingly applied to my refinished furniture had dried into a sticky, uneven mess overnight. Before you resign yourself to the same sad fate, grab some coffee and let …
Polyurethane is a common choice for finishing wood flooring and furniture, providing a hard, clear coating that safeguards against moisture and scratches. However, polyurethane’s drawback is its strong odor during application and drying. This odor is primarily due to VOCs …
In my woodworking projects, I often find myself reaching for polyurethane, whether it’s oil-based or water-based. This choice always leads to a crucial question: How many coats are necessary for that perfect finish? Water-based polyurethane requires 3 to 4 coats, …
Even though the warp drives in Star Trek lore were merely make-believe and came from Ray Bradbury’s imagination, engineers and scientists today appear to be close to a warp drive engine. Imagine that. (pun intended) A warped sense of humor …
My, how impatient we have become these days. Instant gratification is the rule now – we want it all, and we want it now. Those of us who work with wood know this doesn’t work well in the shop. Years …
It’s inevitable that we will make holes in or dent wood as we work with it on a project. We have sharp tools in our hands and in our shop, and sometimes our hands are clumsy. We have hammers and …
I winced, looking at the scratches and dings all over my dresser, wondering if all that wood filler I’d smoothed into the gashes would prevent the new paint from adhering properly. Should I prime it first? Before you risk peeling …
I grimaced looking at the bubble-filled polyurethane finish I’d carefully brushed onto my DIY coffee table using a foam brush. It was supposed to leave a smooth, even coat not make my project look like a science experiment gone wrong! …
In my experience with woodworking, one of the key challenges I often face is dealing with cracks and knots in wood. These imperfections can affect both the look and strength of any wood project. I’ve found that polyurethane is effective …
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 …
We know polyurethane, and we like polyurethane. We use it as a finish for our woodworking projects often. We have a bit of experience, then, in washing our brushes after using polyurethane, as well as cleaning up after its use. …