Sticky Finish Mystery
A newly-installed oak floor with oil-based polyurethane wouldn’t dry after five days. What was the problem? Bob Flexner explains.
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Finishing Techniques
Arts & Crafts Oak Finish
Layering colors is the secret to an authentic look. When a customer asked me to replicate the finish on her antique Stickley sideboard for the pieces she had commissioned, I grabbed my yellow dye and a few gel stains, because …
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Easy Aged Cherry Finish
Wipe on years of age in less than a week. If you want to make a woodworker gnash his teeth, ask him to make new cherry look like cherry that has aged naturally to a rich, dark brownish hue. Why …
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Applying Wiping Varnish
An excellent finish for first timers (and beyond). Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the November 2010 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. Wiping varnish might be the most popular hand-applied finish used by woodworkers. It’s …
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Mix-O-Matic
For thorough mixing, a powered paddle is the way to go. Here’s an easy way to make one from a 3/8″ dowel rod. First, cut a slot in the end of the dowel. To do this, attach a fence to …
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Brush End Grain First
Make a habit of applying finish to end grain first. Why? It’s all about avoiding drip shadows. Sounds creepy, doesn’t it? Here’s the deal: let’s say you’re finishing a top. You’re merrily brushing the first coat of finish back and …
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