Pitfalls of Finishing Pine
Cross-grain scratches, bleeding pitch, and blotchy staining can mar your finish if you don't use proper techniques
Apr 11, 2006
It is ironic that the wood many first-time finishers tackle is one of the more challenging woods to finish: a piece of unfinished pine. Pine may be easy to cut and shape, but it needs special care when being sanded, stained, and clear-coated. Below you’ll see the problems that can result. To find out how to avoid these problems and achieve a beautiful finish on pine, buy Finishing & Refinishing Furniture,
|
SANDING PROBLEM: Because pine is such a soft wood, care must be taken to always sand with the grain and avoid cross-grain scratches. |
 |
|
|
SEALING PROBLEM: If pine knots are not sealed with shellac, the pitch in them can bleed through a clear coat such as this lacquer. |
 |
|
|
STAINING PROBLEM: The right-hand side of this board has a more even tone because it was given a thin coat of shellac. The washcoat controls the amount of stain that the wide bands of spring wood can absorb. |
 |
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Bumblechutes Bee’Nooba Wax
Foam Brushes
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in