Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • Projects & Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum
  • Gallery
  • Blogs
  • More
    • Log In
    • Join
    Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe

    Fine Woodworking Project Guides

    Finishing

    Guide Home
    Chapter
    • Finishing Basics
    • Tools & Materials
    • Sanding & Surface Preparation
    • Coloring Wood
    • Finish Types & Waxes
    • Spray Finishing
    • Shellac & Other Finishes
    • Repairs & Refinishing
    Member-Only

    Sign in or become a member to access this story

    Sign in

    Varnish Finish Brings out the Best in Cherry

    This easy-to-apply wipe-on finish deepens the rich color of cherry.

    Author Headshot By Michael Pekovich Dec 09, 2014

    Start your 14-day FREE trial to watch this video

    Plus, access more than 500 video workshop episodes when you become a member

    Start Your Free Trial

    In this video workshop, Michael Pekovich shows you step-by-step, how to build a beautiful cherry side table, harvesting each and every part from a single board. With advanced lessons on grain matching and milling, as well as a hybrid cabriole leg design that poses interesting woodworking challenges, this table is sure to become an heirloom.

    This easy-to-apply wipe-on finish deepens the rich color of cherry.

    Produced by: Ed Pirnik; Video by: Gary Junken; Editing by: Tom Olivares

    Purchase this video workshop on DVD.

    Purchase the project plan.

    Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

    Sign Up

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up
    ×

    Videos in the Series

    • Single board side table making

      Introduction: Single Board Side Table

      December 9, 2014

      Learn about the design and techniques used to create a contemporary side table that serves as an amalgamation of Shaker and 18th-century period furniture techniques.

    • Episode 1: Board Layout and Rough-Cutting

      December 9, 2014

      Building a side table from a single board requires a thorough understanding of wood grain. Learn how to select the perfect piece of cherry and how to harvest all the…

    • Learning general milling techniques

      Episode 2: Advanced Milling Techniques

      December 9, 2014

      Catch a crash course in general milling techniques, with an eye towards great grain and color matches.

    • Episode 3: Joinery and Tabletop—Part I

      December 9, 2014

      Tight mortise-and-tenon joinery is the key to a project that will last more than a lifetime. Learn how to lay out all of the side table’s joinery and cut accurate…

    • working on a dovetailed top stretcher that ensures this table will never come apart

      Episode 4: Joinery and Tabletop—Part II

      December 9, 2014

      Complete the joinery phase with lessons on tight-fitting tenons and a dovetailed top stretcher that ensures this table will never come apart.

    • Episode 5: Contemporary Cabriole Legs

      December 9, 2014

      Fire up your bandsaw and learn how to create a modern twist on the classic cabriole leg—one of the hallmarks of the Single Board Side Table. Episode 6 coming Friday,…

    • Dovetailed drawers

      Episode 6: Glue-Up and Dovetailed Drawer

      December 9, 2014

      Slow down and learn how to get your glue-up right—the first time. Then learn to do dovetails the old-fashioned way: all hand tools, all the time.

    • varnish finish

      Varnish Finish Brings out the Best in Cherry

      December 9, 2014

      This easy-to-apply wipe-on finish deepens the rich color of cherry.

    X
    X
    Previous: Sand Between Coats for a Flawless Finish Next: The Confusion Over Wipe-On Finishes

    Guide

    Finishing

    Chapter

    Finish Types & Waxes

    Comments

    1. capiron | Aug 19, 2017 10:38am | #1

      In the finishing section, just before dipping the steel wool in wax to rub out the finish, , something was poured on the steel wool from a rectangular can, but it wasn't identified. What was it? Thanks

      Dan

    2. Canguys | Jan 22, 2018 09:15pm | #2

      I was going to ask the very same question. What did Mike pour on the steel wool before dipping into the wax can?

      Very nice table Mike. I thoroughly enjoy that series and now it is on my TODO list.

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Jan 22, 2018 10:52pm | #3

        That was probably mineral spirits, but I'll try and confirm.

    3. user-7106104 | Jan 02, 2019 10:59pm | #4

      Mike, this is really great and you teach the steps very well. So glad I joined Fine Woodworking. Can’t wait for your next one.
      Randy

    4. user-6193229 | Jan 08, 2019 10:36am | #5

      Another excellent lesson in woodworking.

    5. Billygoat21 | Jul 05, 2019 07:11am | #6

      Mike,
      I really enjoyed watching your videos, I recently finished some shaker style tables using your help. I have a question on finishing, It appears your using wax that is no longer available, is there a type of wax I should use; with mineral spirits or toluene based solvents? I have concerns about using certain waxes with solvents that may harm the Waterlox original sealer oil based varnish that we used. Thanks again.

    6. DrCrack | Nov 22, 2019 05:55pm | #7

      Easily one of the best video series I've seen. In particular, episode 1 in which you covered board layout and grain analysis was very insightful. I've been a beginning woodworker for about twenty years now, but with your help, I'm hoping to move up to hobbyist soon.

    7. user-7106104 | Jan 23, 2020 12:33am | #8

      What was the answer regarding the can right before dipping into the wax? Was it mineral spirits?

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Jan 23, 2020 09:21am | #9

        Mike pours mineral spirits (or sometimes turpentine) on the steel wool before he applies wax. https://www.finewoodworking.com/2011/05/18/how-to-apply-wiping-varnish

    8. user-6864349 | Mar 17, 2020 12:48pm | #10

      If you think Mike does a good job of instruction in the video, you must go to one of his classes. I have attended 2 at Marc Adams and he is by far one of the best instructors I have had. Laid back and a VERY dry sense of humor.
      Tom

    9. user-6193229 | Feb 12, 2021 09:12pm | #11

      When I watch videos of projects being built the person making the project always starts with, I have milled the stock to a ruff size. It was real helpful to get a lesson on what happens before the parts are cut and put together. Also I appreciated the part about laying out of the parts so that there less chance of getting things turned around.Great tips I enjoyed the series.

    Log in or become a member to post a comment.

    Sign up Log in

    Finishing

    Finishing

    Choose and apply the perfect finish for your project.

    View Project Guide

    View All Project Guides »

    Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Finishing Project Guide.

    Start Free Trial

    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

    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • #289-May/June 2021

      • Arts and Crafts coffee table with story-book charm
      • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
      • Seven tasks for a block plane
    • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

      • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
      • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend
    • #287-Jan/Feb 2021

      • Simple, handsome 17th-century box
      • Online extras from FWW issue #287
      • Editor's letter: Finding sanctuary in the shop
    • #286-Tools & Shops 2021

      • Shoulder plane setup and use
      • Online extras from FWW issue #286
      • From the editor: A shop to call home
    • #285-Nov/Dec 2020

      • Make a dovetailed desktop organizer
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #285
      • Announcing FWW ambassadors

    UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

    Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

    Fine WoodWorking

    Follow

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Membership & Magazine

    • Members
    • Digital Libraries
    • Join Unlimited
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Manage Preferences

    Taunton Network

    • Fine Homebuilding
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Fine Gardening
    • Threads
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Careers
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights

    © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Get instant access to over 100 digital plans available only to UNLIMITED members. Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building!

      Main Menu

    • Projects and Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum

      Popular Topics

    • Design
    • Small Projects
    • Beds
    • Chairs, Benches And Stools
    • Built-ins
    • Storage And Shelves
    • Cabinets
    • Carving
    • Casework
    • Desks
    • Tables
    • Shop Storage And Furniture
    • Woodturning Projects
    • Workbenches
    • Surface Prep

      More

    • TV
    • Forum
    • Blogs
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Customer Support

      Account

    • Log In
    • Join

      Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Libraries
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe

      Membership

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Unlimited
    • Log In

      Shop the Store

    • Books
    • DVDs
    • Taunton Workshops

      Events

    • Fine Woodworking Live
    • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

      Account

    • Log In
    • Sign Up

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Follow

    UNLIMITED

    Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Upgrade Membership