Tips for Finishing Woodwork

Whether you are stripping an antique or building a kit, always think ahead to application of the finish. Repairs often call for glue or wood filler. Apply them with care; be sure to wash excess glue off before it dries. When using wood filler, be careful in choosing the color so that it will blend in after the finish is applied. Remember that the finish may change the color of the filler differently than it changes the surrounding wood. Test it by using the back of what you are finishing, and a sample of the filler. It’s much better to change the filler before use if your test tells you that your first choice of filler won’t match.

The preparation of your project for finish is next. In most cases some sanding will be necessary to prepare the surface for finish. Will you be staining before finishing? Remember that the grade of sandpaper you use will affect the depth of color of the finished product. The finer the grade of the sandpaper, the lighter the stain finish.

There are many grades of sandpaper. Coarse & Medium are used for distressing and removing rough textures. Fine and Medium/Fine are used to prepare a finish before staining. Very Fine can be used, if needed, for finishing & polishing after staining.

Always sand with the grain, and remember not to over sand. This can actually seal a wood surface so that the stain won’t leave an even color. Remember end grains will absorb more stain than side grain. Practice on a scrap to learn more.

After staining, apply your finish strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. Remember, a dust free atmosphere will keep your finish clean between coats.