Replies

1. 
   Quickstep | Jul 03, 2009 10:27pm | #1

   One of my favorite finishes is to do just what you've done to this point and then rub it out with steel wool using a mixture of wax and naphtha. (I happen to use Liberon wax). I squirt the nphtha/wax mixture on then rub with 0000 steel wool; let dry to a haze then buff. The result is a gloss somewhere between matte and semi-gloss. It looks great, but what I really love is the way it feels.

   Make sure it's completely dry before you start, or the Naphtha will dissolve your finish.

1. 
   ajbook | Jul 03, 2009 10:46pm | #2

   That sounds like a good option, do you use the Liberon Black Bison Wax? Is the naphtha just to thin out the wax? What is your mixture for this 50:50?My table is a kitchen island. Will the oil and wax be durable for everyday use?
   Thanks,
   Adam

1. 
   Quickstep | Jul 05, 2009 01:29am | #6

   Rubbing it out doesn't really change the finish much, so your're really still relying on the finish for protection. If the use is heavy, you might consider a couple more coats. Yes, I use black bison wax and thin it about 50/50. There's no real magic to the ratio though, I'm just creating a lubricant to prevent the steel wool from cutting too agressively. You could thin the wax with mineral spirits if you're concerned about the flammability of naphtha. Both are flammable, but naptha is more so than spirits.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 04, 2009 03:03am | #3

   Rottenstone with water,,

3. 
   Gretchen | Jul 04, 2009 03:48pm | #4

   No to the first question. And not necessary to the third. You can apply a coat of a satin finish to what you have to get the finish you want.

   As for oil and wax in a kitchen, no, that would not be durable. The wax will water mark.

   Gretchen
4. 
   hammer1 | Jul 04, 2009 05:05pm | #5

   All you need to do is buff the existing finish with some #0000 steel wool, gently, carefully. There isn't any need to use wax or slather on a volatile chemical. Wax will elevate the shine, naphtha may ruin the finish and your brain.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

5. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 06, 2009 11:28am | #7

   I 'think' but am not sure.. Try on a wood sample that looks like your finish or maybe the under side of the work..

   Get some of the 3M Gray/Grey pads and just rub the surface out... I would use a bit of vegetable oil for a lube.. Maybe even distilled water.. Tap water can leave stains.. Use just a bit ..

   And then again rub it out with Rotten Stone. I use Rainbow brand I get at Rockler.

1. 
   swannyww | Jul 06, 2009 08:10pm | #8

   http://www.hoodfinishing.com makes some interesting commercial products you could check out. i would use the grey pad and a rub out product from Hood. White, grey, maroon etc. I always start at the highest if I am not sure of the look I will get. Whenever i finish a project I also finish a scrap piece so I have a reference for future use, and I have a test piece.