Finish and Finishing
Applying a finish to your woodworking project can sometimes be frustrating. Discover how to choose and apply a finish. Learn all the tips, tricks, and techniques you need for success.
Makers of aerosol finishes typically suggest you clean a nozzle by tipping the can upside down and spraying. That wastes finish and propellant, and you may still end up with a clogged nozzle.
Before staining, wipe your project with a cloth dampened with naphtha to reveal any areas where glue still resides.
To keep your serving pieces in top-notch shape for years on end, follow these tips:
Painting furniture with a typical latex wall paint can produce “block.”
The chamfered edges of the boards (D) create V-grooves that accent, rather than hide, the joint lines.
Parts for small wooden toys can be a real hassle to finish—they tend to flip over or scoot around when applying a spray finish.
I started using polyurethane paint a couple of years ago for high-gloss color coats on toys. Unfortunately, the expensive finish cures quickly in a sealed but partially full can.
To keep my workbench free of paint and varnish spills as well as glue drips, I mounted a retractable vinyl window shade to one end.
Working in an unheated shop in a cold climate.
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