How do I Buff Wood Crafts?
Buffing is the process of applying a sheen to a wooden object. Buffing removes slight surface imperfections in the clear finish, making it a very smooth surface. It is the very last step in the finishing process before displaying the object. It involves several steps but each step is simple. By taking your time, you can buff any wooden object to bring out the wood's natural beauty.
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Allow the Finish to Cure
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You must allow the polyurethane or lacquer finish to cure thoroughly before buffing. Usually, you need four to five thin coats of polyurethane, varnish or lacquer for a high sheen after buffing. Read the label on the can for the recommended curing time. If you try to buff an uncured finish, it will simply gum up instead of polishing. You will have to remove the gummed up finish and start over. Experts at "The Family Handyman Magazine" recommend waiting several days for polyurethane to fully cure.
Remove Blemishes
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Obtain 00000 grade steel wool, commonly known as "5 ought" grade. Make a small pad out of it, about 2 inches in diameter. Hold the pad with your fingers. Lightly scour your object, with a very light touch. Some woodworkers like to apply a light coat of oil to the pad. If you do, use vegetable oil, since petroleum based oil may dissolve the finish. This is the hard part of the job. It requires the right touch. Too heavy pressure will remove too much of the finish. Too light pressure will not remove blemishes. Practice on some scrap wood first to develop the right feel. Carol Williams, extension agent for Utah State University recommends this process when doing buffing and furniture refinishing. She uses 0000 grade, which is slightly coarser. Using a dry cloth, clean all the oil off the object.
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Swirl Mark Removal
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After using the steel wool, slight swirl marks remain. Professional buffers recommend using corn starch or talcum powder to remove the swirl marks in metal, but it will work just as well with wood finishes. Obtain some loose weave cotton cloth, like T-shirt material. Make a pad about 2 inches in diameter. Sprinkle baby powder (which is talcum powder) on the object. Lightly buff with the cotton pad. Again, you have to use the right touch. Move your hand rapidly, but with just a little pressure.
Waxing
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This is the final step. Brush off all the powder and apply a very light coat of furniture wax with a cloth pad. Do not reuse the pad you used powder on. Do not use shoe polish, as some may have harsh chemicals that dissolve the polyurethane or varnish. Buff out the wax with fresh cloth padding.
Practice First
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Practice on a scrap piece of wood first to develop the skill. Obtain a block of the same wood you made the craft object out of. Coat it with five thin coats of finish, per the manufacturer's recommendation. Allow to fully cure. Practice all the steps on the scrap piece first, to develop the right pressures and feel. Experiment with 5 ought and 6 ought (000000) steel wool. After you are confident you have developed the skill, move on to the final piece.
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References
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