I have no formal finishing room, and that’s becoming a problem as I try fussier finish techniques and coloring.
The woodshop has adequate light but is full of dust.
I do have a utlity room that I can use, but the lighting is dismal. I just drove myself crazy trying to stain and glaze a poplar table in the dark.
What kind of lights/lamps might I bring into the utility room when finishing to provide adequate and proper lighting?
gaf
Replies
gaffer,
If you don't plan on putting in overhead lights there are a few easy ways to light it.
The cheapest way is to use a clip on light that will take at least a 150 flood light. Put a few of those around and at least you can see what you're doing.
Another method I'll use to get strong light is to plug in a pair of 300 watt halogens that are on a telescoping stand. You can get something like this at one of the big box stores.
This is by no means the best way to light something. It will be pretty warm in the area when lit and multiple lights require multiple plugs.
On the other hand if it's cold in there............
Just remember things always look different in natural light so be sure to check things as you progress through your finishing.
Peter
Peter:
On the subject of light differences -- as a serious amateur photographer, I have long been conscious of light. However, a few recent experiences with flourencent light in the workshop caught me by surprise. The first was a refresh of an old french polish that had gotten water rings and dings over time on a lovely matrehed crotch table top. You helped me with that about t ayear ago. In the shop, under liner T-8 flourencent lights, I was never satisfied with the quality of the finish. It was smooth, it was deep, but it had cloudy swirls. Still, I ran out of time and brought it in to the house for a party. Under incandescent lights mixed with natural window light, the finish looked lovely, so I stopped worrking about it.
SImilar things have happened on other projects. ANy thoughts?
Joe SUllivan
Hi Joe,
My first thought is to bring it into the house sooner!!
If you did polish out, is it possible you used too much oil in your FP technique? If so, you may not have gotten it all off the surface.
What did you do for a final polish? Did you use any compounds? Maybe the light just magnified it a bit. Hard to say.
Peter
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