Finishing Archives

Colonial railing
November 15, 2024

What's a good way to refinish a 16' long colonial-shaped oak handrail?
Drawer faces have slight mismatched veneer
November 14, 2024

Hello all, I am refinishing an old dresser and see the top two curved drawers are slightly redder than the rest. Originally the dresser was darker so I didn’t see…
finishing reclaimed chestnut!
November 14, 2024

finishing a small box made from salvaged chestnut. end grain on lid comes out very dark, even with gel stain. [on test piece!] seal with shellac first? as an alternate…
Repair/Restore Old Leather(?) Table Top
November 13, 2024

I need lots of help and advice on repairing the surface of an old table I have. The table is structurally sound, nothing is cracked or broken. The surface of…
What old finish is smoothed by damp cloth (water)?
November 13, 2024

I am repairing an old gate-leg table. The top has a smooth, dark stained finish. The two drop leaves appear to have the same finish, but those surfaces have rough…
Renewable matte finish over gel stain
November 9, 2024

I want to put a matte or very low sheen topcoat over a heavy coat of gel stain. I want it to be renewable/repairable (so, not poly). Fewer coats required…
Sealcoat scuff?
October 30, 2024

I usually start with 2 coats of Sealcoat before topping with poly. I've always scuff-sanded the shellac before adding the poly. Do any of you skip the scuff and go…
Pairing red oak with sapwood onto a mesquite base, with milk paint textured area.
October 19, 2024

I had inherited a slice of red oak and had some so-so mesquite slabs I saved from a tree in my yard. I don't necessarily think the two woods are…
Finish options for cherry
October 10, 2024

I'm just about ready to assemble my Morris chair built from cherry.My plan has been to use an aniline dye from Lee Valley (Natural Antique Cherry).Ive used it before with…
Restore a finish products
September 28, 2024

Cleaning and waxing proved to be fine for flat surfaces like a table top. When it came to the turned and fluted table and chair legs it was an issue. Someone…

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