Choosing a Finish

by Teri Masaschi

While most finishing materials used on turnings on the lathe are familiar to wood finishers, the methods of application for them are different. This article, written ...

by Teri Masaschi

There are few woods that yield as contrasting appearances as bird’s-eye maple. Teri Masaschi, a professional finisher, shares three ways to finish this exquisitely ...

by Chris A. Minick

This primer on aerosol finishes dispels many widely held myths. It discusses the availability and quality of a variety of spray finishes: varnish, lacquer, stains, ...

by Mark Schofield

Furniture makers Garrett Hack, Phil Lowe, and Dolly Spragins demonstrate their favorite finishing methods a home-brewed wipe-on technique, traditional applications ...

by Jeff Jewitt

Though many woodworkers are undaunted by complex joinery or intricate machining, they cringe at applying a finish. Jeff Jewitt gives an overview of finishes and ...

by Andy Charron

Andy Charron notes how water-based finishes have improved over the years and compares nine to a few tried-and true finishes. The ones he tested scored well on stain ...

by Jonathan Binzen

Experts disagree about the best food-safe finishes. Finishes can be divided into two categories: film-forming finishes and penetrating finishes. For a cutting or ...

by Andy Charron

Andy Charron, author of a book on spray finishing, figured out a way to apply even coats of waterborne lacquers that are smooth and free of defects, whether using ...

by Chris A. Minick

Waterborne finishes are nontoxic, adhere well, raise the grain less than they used to, and are easy to use, dry fast, clean up with water and level out well. Finishing ...

by Chris A. Minick

Finishing chemist Chris A. Minick considers three things when choosing a finish: the application equipment he has, the appearance he wants, and the degree of protection ...

by Jim Tolpin

When it comes to outdoor furniture, you have to decide how you want it to look over its lifespan and how much time you’re willing to invest to maintain that appearance ...

by George Frank

George Frank calls woodfinishing the stepchild of woodworking. Even its vocabulary is poor and misleading, he says. He explains the difference between dyeing and ...

by Ian J. Kirby

Finishing seems to create as many problems at the end of a job as bad preparation of wood creates at the start, writes Ian Kirby. In this article, he makes a few ...