STEP-BY-STEP

1. Sand
After planing and scraping to eliminate machine marks, I use a random-orbit sander to move from 180 up to 220 grit. Then I wipe with a damp cloth to raise the grain and finish, by hand, with 320 grit. I finish-sand all panels prior to assembly.

2. Wipe on the finish
For the interiors of all my work I use clear shellac cut 50/50 with denatured alcohol. I apply with a cotton rag, and after the coat has dried, rub it out using a gray abrasive pad. This mix dries quickly. I apply a second coat and rub it out later in the same day. The shellac prevents dirt and oil from getting into the wood and doesn’t leave behind any strong smells.

For the exterior surfaces, after drying my first coat overnight, I rub out all surfaces with the gray pad then wipe on another coat of the oil/varnish mixture (equal parts of tung oil, satin spar varnish, and thinner). I typically give vertical surfaces two coats after the primer. Horizontal surfaces get three. I finished both sides of the top of my chest with the oil/varnish mix so that the sheen of the opened top matches the chest exterior. This finish gives me a slightly ”dry” look and a satin sheen that I prefer.