How-To
The Finish Recipe Book
Foolproof finishes from your favorite Fine Woodworking authors
Ready to finish your project but not sure what approach to take? Our new recipe “book” puts foolproof techniques at your fingertips.
Looking for a simple wipe on finish? Try Charles Shackleton’s easy oil and wax recipe. Want get a traditional period look with shellac? Check out Steve Latta’s step-by-step guide. Interested in spray finishing? Get Martin Milkovitz’s quick and durable recipe using lacquer. Click on the links below for more.
All of these formulas have been tested and used by experts.
The Finish Recipe Bible
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Finish Recipe: Arts and Crafts Look Without Harsh Chemicals by Gregory Paolini Mimic the look of a traditional Stickley finish without fuming with industrial ammonia |
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Finish Recipe: Oil and Wax This hand-applied finish requires no specials skills and brings out the beauty in the wood by Charles Shackleton |
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Finish Recipe: Pennsylvania Spice Box A step-by-step guide to a shellac finish by Steve Latta |
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Finish Recipe: Shaker Chest of Drawers Traditional oil-and-varnish finish is repairable and easy by Christian Becksvoort |
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Finish Recipe: Spraying Lacquer This quick and durable finish is a perfect fit for an everyday bookcase by Martin J. Milkovits |
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Finish Recipe: Modern Bench Learn one method for applying a wipe-on oil finish with this step-by-step guide by Mark Edmundson |
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Finish Recipe: Hickory and Ash Blanket Chest Give your projects a great finish in two easy steps by Peter Turner |
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Finish Recipe: Cricket Table Another arts-and-crafts-style finish without the fuming by Chris Gochnour |
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Finish Recipe: Antique Oil Finish for a Bow-Front Hall Table Give your project an antique finish in three easy steps by Charles Durfee |
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Foam Brushes
Foam brushes are great for applying a variety of stains and finishes, and the 2" wide brush is the most versatile. Comes in a pack of 48.
Diablo ‘SandNet’ Sanding Discs
While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.
Bumblechutes Bee’Nooba Wax
Ease of Use = Very good
Sheen = Very good
Appearance = Very good
Non-Yellowing = Very good
Water/Stain Resistance = Excellent
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