How-To

Finish Recipe: Bow-Front Hall Table

Give your project an antique finish in three easy steps

By Steven Lash #204–Mar/Apr 2009 Issue

The finish for this bow-front table is Minwax Antique Oil, which gives the cherry a nice color and builds a durable finish. It’s not a finish that will hide mistakes in your surface prep, so prep the table with care.

Finish and application: All finishes are wiped on.

Skill Level: Easy

Finish Products: Minwax Antique Oil Finish

Project type: Hall Table

Maker: Charlie Durfee

Materials: Cherry

STEP-BY-STEP

1. Plane
Plane all of the surfaces with a smoothing plane, taking light shavings.

2. Scrape
Put a fine hook on your card scraper and scrape all surfaces

3. Apply oil
Apply three coats of Minwax Antique Oil Finish. After applying the first coat, let is soak in for 10-15 minutes and then wipe off the excess. Let dry for 24 hours. Apply the second coat and sand with 320-grit sandpaper before wiping off the excess. Wipe off excess and let dry for 24 hours. Apply the third coat just as you did the second.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Liberon Steel Wool

Perfect for rubbing out a finish for a low-luster sheen.

Buy at Amazon

Waterlox Original

Versatile wiping varnish is easy to apply and great for both satin and gloss finishes.

Buy at Amazon

Odie's Oil

Ease of Use = Very Good Sheen = Excellent Appearance = Very good Non-Yellowing = Very good Water/Stain Resistance = Excellent

Buy at Amazon

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