Finishes
To fully complete a woodworking project, the work must be sealed using a finish. This not only protects the project, but makes it more attractive. Advances in chemistry over the past decades have opened a variety of new finishes, and enhanced their effects.
The surfaces of the timber must be adequately prepared before finishing. This is done by filling all the whole, cracks, dents, gaps, etc with a matching filler (putty), and sanding till smooth. After this, a finish, such as those below, can be applied.
To fully complete a woodworking project, the work must be sealed using a finish. This not only protects the project, but makes it more attractive. Advances in chemistry over the past decades have opened a variety of new finishes, and enhanced their effects.
The surfaces of the timber must be adequately prepared before finishing. This is done by filling all the whole, cracks, dents, gaps, etc with a matching filler (putty), and sanding till smooth. After this, a finish, such as those below, can be applied.
Stains
In order to make the colour of your project match the surrounding decor, wood stains can be used. Manufactuers offer a wide range of colours, and colours can be mixed to achive the desired tone. Stains should be applied with a brush or pad, but a test on a scrap piece of wood should be conducted before proper application. Second coats can be applied if neccessary.
In order to make the colour of your project match the surrounding decor, wood stains can be used. Manufactuers offer a wide range of colours, and colours can be mixed to achive the desired tone. Stains should be applied with a brush or pad, but a test on a scrap piece of wood should be conducted before proper application. Second coats can be applied if neccessary.
(Source: http://www.vortex42.co.uk/Projects/Fidget/images/build/cottageExterior/Shingles_01.jpg)
Polyurethane Varnish
This is the most commonly used finish with hobbists and also commercially. Impervious to water, polyurethane can be purchased in an array of colours including clear. The surface will slightly darken with this finish, although it will not detract from the beauty of the project. After a light sand each time, several coats should be applied to optain a glossy finish.
This is the most commonly used finish with hobbists and also commercially. Impervious to water, polyurethane can be purchased in an array of colours including clear. The surface will slightly darken with this finish, although it will not detract from the beauty of the project. After a light sand each time, several coats should be applied to optain a glossy finish.
(Source: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/graphics/09-22300.jpg)
Wax
This is the oldest of all finishes, and a large variety is available for woodworkers. A pad is needed to rub the wax into the wood, and the wax should be rubbed in a circular motion. Although resulting in a beautiful finish, wax finishes are not totally waterproof, and the surface must be waxed regularly to maintain the effect.
This is the oldest of all finishes, and a large variety is available for woodworkers. A pad is needed to rub the wax into the wood, and the wax should be rubbed in a circular motion. Although resulting in a beautiful finish, wax finishes are not totally waterproof, and the surface must be waxed regularly to maintain the effect.
(Source: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2620568737_c9a6746453.jpg?v=0)
French Polish
As modern synthetic finishes are a lot easier to apply, the application of French Polish by hobbists has slowly phased out.Although a difficult task requiring great skill, satisfactory French polishing can be done through practise.
As modern synthetic finishes are a lot easier to apply, the application of French Polish by hobbists has slowly phased out.Although a difficult task requiring great skill, satisfactory French polishing can be done through practise.
(Source: http://www.dardonville.com/images/French%20polish_detail_1.JPG)
