I’ve built a Mission style desk and I’ve finished it using the Arts and Crafts finish article by Tom McLaughlin. Per the article I have a coat of Sealcoat on the desktop, actually two coats on the top and bottom of the desktop. I am now at the point of putting Waterlox on the desktop and I’m planning on using the technique outlined in Michael Pekovich’s article “Wiping Varnish”.
Question is this – On the premise of doing the same thing to each side of a board; do I need to put Waterlox on both the bottom and top of the desktop? I was thinking of continuing with a couple more layers of sealcoat on the bottom and putting Waterlox just on the top; this would save me time and money.
Thanks
Mark
Replies
Finishing both sides is a myth. The insides and underneath of Furniture was never, ever, ever finished when furniture was built and finished entirely by hand. It was only after the advent of spray finishing that it became easier to finish it all than to prevent finish from getting into those areas.
If finishing bottoms helps you sleep better, have at it. Continue with the Sealcoat on the bottom if you would rather, but it really, really isn't necessary.
Even with spray guns, we would only spray a quick fume under large solid tabletops.
I do finish both sides and have seen enough glued up boards in my basement shop when it gets humid warp towards the finished side when the other is unfinished that I will continue finishing both sides.
Extra Seal coat On the bottom is good, I’d suggest at least two coats. You’ll never block all the water vapor from getting through but at least slow it down compared to the top side.
Mike
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