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Wood
finishing is probably the most neglected part in any
overall wood working project. It's probably due
to our impatience at seeing the project finally finished
and completed that leads us to gloss over the finishing
touches of our work. However, wood finishing should
be given as much attention as the initial wood working
stages in putting the project together. After
all, you wouldn't want your precious work to deteriorate
with time because you didn't put as much thought into
the finishing.
In
general, the type of wood finish you choose depends
largely on the ultimate use of the wood working object
in the end and also partly on the final look you desire.
Any sort of wood finishing is there to protect
the surface of the wood from wear and tear and general
weathering. Surface finishes like varnish, polyurethane
and lacquer do this by providing a protective finish
on the surface of the wood. Oil finishes tend
to penetrate into the grain of the wood and protect
by hardening the wood fibers themselves.
By
and large surface wood finishing gives you better protection
against stain and abrasion but tend to be more difficult
to repair when they do get scrubbed off. They
also have that 'false luster' that some prefer but it
does tend to give the wood an 'artificial' look and
feel about it. Oil based finishes come of their
own in that they tend to protect with a more matt finish
and brings out the glorious grain of the wood to perfection.
However, the disadvantage that all oil based wood
finishes have is that they tend to have a solvent base
so the fumes can be a problem and they do tend take
longer to dry. Washing up is also a messier process
necessitating the use of turpentine. When water
based surface wood finishes came about, it took the
wood working world by storm for its ease of use, quick
drying time and non-toxic properties.
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Wipe
on wood finishing products from Rockler
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When applying wipe-on type wood
finishing products, it's recommend that you use lint-free cotton or
Rockler's high-quality Cheese Cloth. |
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Rockler's Poly Gel
Finish
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CHARACTERISTICS & QUALITIES: Easy to apply. Simply wipe
on. For a drip proof, run proof and uniform finish.
APPEARANCE:
Satin sheen increases with the number of coats. Won't fade.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good to very good durability. Suggested for use on chairs,
dressers, and chests. Also ideal for use on molding and woodwork. |
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Rockler Shellac
Kits
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: It dries very fast and gives you a nice
appearance.
APPEARANCE: Best for matching antique finishes. Tinted for
different wood tones.
DURABILITY & USAGE: It is not completely water resistant,
and it can be brittle. |
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Rockler's WunderCote
Finish
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: Easy to apply. Simply wipe on. Requires less sanding. Fast
dry time.
APPEARANCE: Slight amber cast to it so it looks more like a
varnish finish. Available in gloss and semi-gloss.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good to very good durability. Suggested for use on furniture
and table tops. |
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Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil by
Rockler
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: Gives a very professional looking, handsome finish yet is
relatively easy to use.
APPEARANCE: When
used alone, you'll get a satin to semi-gloss finish with good chatoyance. Adds
warmth to natural wood color.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good durability. World-renowned furniture maker Sam Maloof
uses this in combination with the Sam Maloof Oil/Wax (see below) for his
museum-quality tables, rocking chairs, and other furniture.
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Sam Maloof's Oil/Wax by
Rockler
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: This oils-and- beeswax formula is made to be used in
conjunction with Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish.
APPEARANCE: Use
after applying Sam Maloof's Poly/Oil finish to increase chatoyance and give a
rich, semi-gloss appearance.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: See above. Oil/Wax formula is recommended for use on furniture
that won't be exposed to excessive heat or moisture. |
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: Deeply penetrates wood and builds to a highly protective
finish.
APPEARANCE: Available in satin, semi-gloss, or gloss.
DURABILITY
& USAGE: Excellent. Our most durable wipe-on finish due to the
high polyurethane content. Great for kitchen tables and other pieces that need
to stand up to heat, moisture, and alcohol. |
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: Formulated of pure oils, phenolic resins, and drying
agents that go on easily. Non-toxic when dry, meaning it can be used on surfaces
that will come into contact with food.
APPEARANCE: Flat
to satin-sheen finish.
DURABILITY & USAGE: Excellent durability. Water and
abrasion resistant. A good choice for highly burnished turned surfaces, such as
bowls and vases. Also great for walking sticks and chairs — even table tops. |
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Rockler's 100% Pure Tung
Oil
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: A 100% natural oil containing no driers or
solvents.
APPEARANCE: Flat to satin-sheen finish.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good to very good. Very water-resistant. Use on furniture or
any wood object where easy maintenance is desired. |
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General Finishes Danish
Oil
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: High linseed oil content penetrates deeply into
wood. Tried-and-true and easy to use.
APPEARANCE: Flat
sheen with "open pore" appearance. DURABILITY &
USAGE: Fair durability. Use on indoor furniture and decorative items.
Requires reapplication over time. |
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Woodburst Chinawood
Oil
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: Designed especially for outdoor use, but can be used
indoors as well.
APPEARANCE: Flat to satin sheen.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good to very good durability. Helps protect wood from
elements. Great for use on decks, outdoor furniture, picnic tables, and backyard
play sets.
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General Finishes Salad Bowl
Finish
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: Made to be 100% safe for use on any wood surface
that comes into contact with food. Varnish/oil blend.
APPEARANCE: Flat
to satin sheen.
DURABILITY & USAGE: Good durability. Use on salad bowls,
wooden spoons, cutting boards, etc. |
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General Finishes Toy Maker's
Finishes
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: Safe for use on children's toys and furniture.
Applies easily like an oil, yet looks like a varnish.
APPEARANCE: Flat
to satin sheen.
DURABILITY & USAGE: Good to very good durability. Use on
bare wood or stained children's furniture and toys. |
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Wipe
on wood finishing products from Rockler
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General Finishes Poly/Acrylic
Waterbase
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CHARACTERISTICS &
QUALITIES: Very fast drying and easy to apply. Easy water clean-up.
APPEARANCE: Your choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear so
it adds almost no color to wood.
DURABILITY &
USAGE: Good to very good. Use on chairs, dressers, chests, molding
and woodwork. |
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General Finishes EF High
Performance Waterbase Polyurethane
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CHARACTERISTICS
& QUALITIES: "EF" stands for environmentally friendly!
Fast-drying. Easy water clean-up.
APPEARANCE: Your
choice of satin or gloss. Virtually clear, so it adds almost no color to wood.
DURABILITY
& USAGE: Excellent durability. Tough enough for kitchen/dining
room tables. Durable enough even for floors! |
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For
additional insights on wood finishing, click
here to read questions and answers with Nordy
Rockler.
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