Replies

1. 
   Robert_Weiner | Jan 29, 2002 07:08pm | #1

   *
   Mark-

   Are you wiping, brushing, or spraying? If you are not sure yet, do you have access to spraying equipment? Do you have a brand of finish in mind? What wood(s) is the unit made of? Have you stained already? Are you trying to achieve any particular look (deep grain, clean and modern, etc.) ?

   If you are looking for an easy yet very handsome finish that is hard to screw up, then I suggest Minwax wipe-on poly. I have used it on my last several projects and am very pleased. Spraying would be much faster, but if you don't have the equipment, then the wipe on poly is a very good alternative. Equipment cost is the price of a rag, and since it is applied in very thin, quick drying coats, the chance of drips/sags or flies in your finish is minimal.

   If you answer the questions above, then I believe you will receive a heap of good and more detailed advice. Please post a picture when done (in the Gallery section) with a description of how you made it and the finish you chose.

   Peace.

   -Rob

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Jan 29, 2002 07:54pm | #2

   *Man, I hate that when it happens.......Mark, I just composed a rather lengthy "primer" on all three methods; brushing, spraying, and wiping on and "lost" it.Any who, please get back with the answers that Robert asked for. It does sound like you have made up your mind on the finish just not it's application, correct?I will say that spraying on a varnish type finish requires considerably more than brushing or wiping it on. Biggest thing is that it should really be done in a booth and keeping the gun clean is almost a bigger pain then setting up a booth.Also you might want to check click here, the techniques for brushing would apply.Dano

1. 
   Mark_Tierney | Jan 31, 2002 01:17am | #3

   *Robert:I am wiping on the finish and plan on using General Finishes clear sealer followed by a few coats of their Arm_R_seal. This will match other furniture I've made in the room and I've had good success with this finish in the past. It is the scale of the project that has me asking the questions. The unit is made with frame & raised panel construction. The frame is cherry with the panels (already finished) being highly figured (blistered) maple. I don't have spray equipment for the job. The look is to highlight the figure in the maple and accentuate the different wood tones between the maple and the cherry. As far as look, it is probably in the traditional line, although this is not my expertise. Family seems to like it and will actually let it adorn our family room with some follow-on requests for other pieces. Even my 7 year old daughter, who definitely has an opinion, has asked for some items.Thanks.Mark

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Jan 31, 2002 04:23pm | #4

   *Mark, I have done large pieces both ways--all surfaces horizontal and rotating and vertical. A corner cupboard was the most recent and it was definitely vertical. Using a wipe-on finish is very do-able and with excellent results, if you need another vote. Just keep an eye on it in oblique light to look for holidays and sags if working vertically.