Steps to Finishing Wood

A proper finish not only looks good, but it also helps protect the wood.

Shelves, tables and furniture made of wood only look as good as the finish applied to them. Done correctly, the finishing process takes time but results in a beautiful and well protected product.

Sanding

Sanding the wood smooth is the first step to obtaining a beautiful finish. Sanding is a progressive job beginning with coarse grit paper to remove tool marks, blemishes and pencil marks, then progressing to finer grit papers to eliminate tiny scratches left behind from the coarser grit paper. Dusting the wood with a tack cloth -- a cheesecloth soaked in sticky resins -- removes the fine material left behind by sanding.

Application

Stains may be applied to color the wood prior to finishing. Lacquers and varnishes need to be brushed on while linseed oil, tung oil and Danish oils are rubbed on. Most polyurethane finishes need to be applied with a brush, although some manufacturers thin the product enough to make hand rubbing possible.

Buffing

Wood grains are raised by finishing oils. While difficult to see, the grain can be felt by hand and can mar the finish. A buffing with fine steel wool between coats and after the final coat knocks down the grain and leaves behind a smooth finish.

References

• The Family Handyman: Wood Finishing Tips
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Wood Finishing