Raw, unpolished wood is an unmarked, unprotected surface that undergoes the process of wood finishing to turn into a sleek and pleasing surface with protection against wear and tear. Whether you are working on a handcrafted table or an antique chair, knowing how to do wood finishing helps your project to have a professional and long-lasting result. The finishing process consists of a series of steps, and the exact steps you take depend on the wood you are using, what you are trying to accomplish, and what tools and materials you have at your disposal; finishing is an important skill for anyone who wants to spend time woodworking.
The Surface Preparation for Finishing
Surface preparation is the first and the most important step of how to do wood finishing because it forms the base for all other steps. The first and best would be to clean up the wood as much as possible to remove any debris, dust, dirt, or oils that could prevent finish adhesion.
Second, it’s an essential part of preparation because it smooths out imperfections on the surface and opens up the grain to absorb stains and sealers cleanly. Use the coarsest sandpaper to take away rough spots and then gradually exfoliate to finer grit for a smooth and even finish.
With materials like oak and walnut, very special care goes into sanding it to feature the grain pattern, which gives depth and character to the final look.
Home Improvements: Choosing The Right Stain or Finish
Choosing the right stain or finish is critical to getting the look and durability you want in a project. There are many different shades and types of stains; from waterborne to oil-based, each with benefits.
When it comes to oil-based stains you would use this product to stain hardwood furniture such as furniture made with oak or walnut stain as this enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain.
The type of finish you use, lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac, will depend on what the item is for and how much protection it needs. For instance, polyurethane material is great for high-traffic spaces and shellac creates a rich, glossy finish that is great for decorative pieces.
Applying Stain to Get Uniform Look
To get that professional finish when applying stain, you should do it methodically with high precision. Using a clean brush or cloth, work the stain, in the direction of the wood grain, and apply as evenly as possible on the entire surface.
Multiple coats are recommended for a deeper tone but allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Make sure to take an extra stain off immediately after application, or you will have blotches or uneven spots. Treated to this, step is important for woods like oak and walnut because they are porous woods that may absorb the finish irregularly otherwise.
Sealing the Wood to get Long-Lasting Protection
Following staining, it is important to seal the wood as this process holds the stain in place and protects the surface from moisture, scratches, and general wear. A sanding sealer or dewaxed shellac is often used as a sealer to provide a smooth base for the topcoat.
Seal the surface with a brush or sprayer, and ensure it is evenly covered. Once dry you can lightly sand the sealed surface with fine grit sandpaper to remove any raised grain and imperfections and have a perfectly smooth surface to lay out the final finish.
Polishing a dry disc with a Topcoat
The top coat is the glossy or matte finish layer giving the wood an extra touch of beauty and protection. Topcoats made of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer are popular because of the seemingly opposing benefits they bring regarding durability and appearance.
Spread the topcoat in thin even layers going with the grain of the wood to avoid streaks or bubbles. Multiple thin coats may be applied over a wide variety of hardwoods including oak and walnut, resulting in a luxurious and polished result. The ultra-smooth result is achieved by sanding lightly between coats using fine-grit sandpaper.
Buffing and Final Touches
The last step in how to do wood finishing is buffing, which is simply working down to a perfect, flawless, and ready-to-use surface. After the topcoat is completely dry, you should use a soft cloth or buffing pad designed for use on the veneer to polish the surface a bit, reviving that natural veneer luster.
If you want that professional-looking mirror sheen, you can finish up some of the micro scratches with a fine polishing compound. Take a look at the finished item in good lighting to make sure there are no missed spots or imperfections, any one of these is small but can make a huge difference in the quality of the project.
Conclusion
Wood finishing is a series of absolutely meticulous steps that need to be perfected to ensure the perfect detail: surface preparation; and the application of stains, sealers, and topcoats; all of which help add to the natural beauty and durability of your wood. If you work with an intricate oak cabinet or a stalwart walnut table, the appropriate techniques and materials can take your project to a professional level. OAK Furniture Collection has the widest assortment of high-quality wood furniture and finishing products to browse and choose from, as craftsmanship, style, and durability go hand in hand.
