We have a recurring finishing problem here at the shop. It seems that whenever a repair or warranty issue comes up the color formula is a big question mark. Typically we are matching an architects sample so it’s not a matter of getting some more Minwax Golden Oak y’dig? The finisher hides in the booth for a bit with his chemistry set and emerges later in the day with his best copy of the sample.
I want to start a database for all of the jobs I manage (for that matter I’d be glad to include the jobs of others if they get me the proper info) but finishing is not my strong suit. I’m hoping that the good people of knots can point me in the right direction regarding what information to record, in what order, what format, whatever.
This is a brand new exercise so I can set it up anyway I like. I’m just hoping for a little guidance here. It will probably be in Excel
So, anybody want to weigh in?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Why don't you just attach the finishing schedule to the invoice of the job as a pdf?
Nothing fancy, just a list of the procedures used.
Something like, 2 coat sanding sealer, sand 320, 1 coat stain(1oz red, 2 oz brown, 16 oz water), 3 coats topcoat...
F.
I usually develop my color/finish on a relatively small scrap, with the formula on the back. When I think it is right, I make a larger sample board, no larger than a square foot, for the client to approve (and initial, if I think there may be a problem later). Job/client name goes on the board, you can store a large number on edge on a shelf, and they make good samples for future clients.
Hi, Not to detract from knots any, but over at woodweb.com they have a professional finishing forum as well as a large data base to look over over.
Wood web is for professionals only so the answers you get are likely to be more from experienced finishers.
I personally find both fine woodworking and woodweb make two really great resourses for me.
Chaim
Hey Jef,
I feel your pain, When I have stains or finishes to match, I have them done by a paint store. When we come up with the right mix they wright the formula down as a per quart or gallon formula, it is written on the receipt, I either put it in the customers file or lately I have been scanning them and putting them in their folder on my PC along with all the faxes, bids, e-mail etc. for the job. Back everything up as normal and you should have it for ever.
Good luck,
John
This might not be all that welcome of a comment, but while having some clue to what was used may give you a head start, all of the information written down very precisely will not achieve a color match.
The reason is that every batch of aniline dye (or a pigment stain, for that matter) will be slightly different in terms of color and strength. In other words, you'd have to have the specific lot on hand of a particular dye to reproduce the original, compounded dye stain formula.
However, even that would not be enough for a match. Aniline dyes, once applied to the wood and under a topcoat, changes color in response to environmental conditions. This change varies considerably depending on the light exposure, type of light, temperature, and other aspects of the furniture or architectural work's use (and abuse).
Pigment stains, though somewhat light fast, will still vary considerably as a result of the surface condition of the wood at the time of application, and will also change color in response to environmental conditions, though not nearly to the extent of the aniline dyes.
I'm afriad you'll have to keep paying the guy with the chemistry set...
On a couple of my projects, I've used an adhesive label (from an office supply store) to record the date, stain/finish info, etc. The label gets stuck somewhere unobtrusive (inside the carcass, on the back, etc) so it's there for me (or someone else) to use someday.
I think a database is a fine idea. But you'll need access, not excel, to make an actual database. You'll want all the pertinent information about the customer, dates, the item(s) you made for the customer, the type(s) of wood used, and a detailed step-by-step listing of the finish ingredients used. In some cases, you may make multiple items for the same customer that includes more than one finish and you'll want to design your database to be able to handle that.
Another valuable tool is to make a color step board for each finish. In most cases, I like to use a piece of 1/8" ply of the wood species I'm working with that measures 12" x 18". Using 2" painters tape, I'll mask off the bottom edge of the sample and apply the first step of the finish to the remainder of the wood. Then I'll add another strip of tape, covering 2" of step 1, then apply step 2 to the remainder. And so on... so that each added step is covered and preserved. Each step is described on the back of the step board. You end up with a board that shows each step of the finish and exactly what the step adds. The step board makes it easy to replicate the finish in the future.
http://www.finishwiz.com
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