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    Finishing

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    • Finishing Basics
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    • Sanding & Surface Preparation
    • Coloring Wood
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    Brushes, Rags, Cloths, and Pads

    Learn more about the choices for applying finishes by hand.

    Author Headshot By Jeff Jewitt Dec 17, 2020
    cloth and rags for finishing
    Clockwise from top left, T-shirt-type cloth and paper towels can be used for general staining and glazing. The fine-textured, lint-free padding cloth (center) is better for finish application and polishing. Tack cloths (bottom right) lift sanding dust, burlap is used for scrubbing paste wood filler, and muslin is used in French polishing.

    Finishing is uncomplicated if you decide to go the hand-application route. Basically, you can choose from rags, paper towels, and brushes.

    Rags, Cloths, and Pads

    Almost any clean absorbent cotton cloth will work for applying finishes. I recommend bleached, 100% cotton T-shirt material. Paper towels are also handy for applying wiping varnishes. I prefer a nontextured type of paper towel such as Viva or Scott towels. Linen, 100% wool, and muslin (found at fabric stores) are used in some finishing procedures such as French polishing. Padding cloth for applying shellac and padding lacquers is available from specialty finish suppliers. Tack cloth (sold at paint and hardware stores) is used for cleaning debris and dust from sanding between coats. Lamb’s-wool applicators and short-nap rectangular pads work well for applying finishes to large surfaces like floors and walls. Brush-style foam pads are suitable for most varnishes and water-based finishes.

    Brushes

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    Finishing Basics
    • An Introduction to Finishing
    • Finish Selection
    Tools & Materials
    • Brushes and Applicators
    • Brushing Techniques
    • Tips and Tricks
    • Safety
    Sanding & Surface Preparation
    • Before You Finish
    • Sanding
    • Sealers and Fillers
    Coloring Wood
    • Dyes and Stains
    • Painted Finishes
    • Ebonizing & Oxidizing
    • Fuming
    • Gilding
    Finish Types & Waxes
    • Oil-Based Finishes
    • Water-Based Finishes
    • Wax
    Spray Finishing
    • Equipment and Setup
    • Spray Techniques
    Shellac & Other Finishes
    • Shellac
    • French Polishing
    • Finish Recipes
    Repairs & Refinishing
    • Finish Repairs
    • Refinishing

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