EcrosTechWiki | Woodworking / Finishing

Finishing Woodworking Projects

Finishing is the application of a substance that will penetrate and / or coat the wood in order to improve its appearance and / or protect it from damage. Although paint is, technically, a wood finish, it is usual in woodworking not to obscure the appearance of the wood but to show it to best advantage. A few finishes that spring to mind without resorting to Google are oil-based urethane, water-based urethane, linseed oil, tung oil, mineral oil, walnut oil, danish oil, teak oil, lacquer, varnish, shellac, wax and various proprietary variations and combinations of these.

Selecting a wood finish may take into account availability, ease of application, protection of the wood, the effect on the wood color, grain and figure and the knowledge and past experience of the woodworker.

Water-Based Urethane for Coasters

Watco Danish Oil

Shellac Followed by Water-Based Urethane

Woodworkers Source claims that padauk keeps its color : https://youtu.be/7wMYISJQ68g (June 2018). Black wood grain filler. Shellac thinned with Klean Strip denatured alcohol (what is the composition?) and mineral oil. Three or more coats of urethane, "scuffed" between each and after final. Sheen restored to final coat by polishing with synthetic finishing pads (medium, fine and ultra-fine) and finally liquid polishing compound (Howard Restor-A-Shine).

Woodworkers Source proposes this as a finish for a canarywood taco tray https://youtu.be/Le4rTV6pyZg (March 2020). Shellac thinned with Startex denatured alcohol and mineral oil. Three or more coats of urethane, "scuffed" between each, but not after the last. This denatured alcohol's Safety Data Sheet indicates ethyl acetate up to 5% and three other additives up to 1% each, so it isn't "pure".