My wipe-on finish kit consists of a jar lid, a rag, and a used squeezable mustard bottle. I usually mix my own wiping varnish, so I marked the sides of the bottle in 1-oz. increments to make it easy to mix the finish right in the container. Then I shake it up and I’m ready to go.

Twist open the container, squirt a little finish into the jar lid, dip the rag, and go. Each squirt introduces only a very small amount of fresh air into the container, so the varnish lasts forever without jelling. Periodically, varnish builds up on the tip, but the hardened finish chips right off.

My current finish container is five years old, so I am due for a new kit—as soon as I empty my next bottle of mustard.

Jim Richey

Mike Ryan, New Hope, PA

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