The following wood finishing information is from Floyd Carter at:
The Woodwork Shop
David Dean, Owner
8500 Wolf Lake Drive, Suite # 101
Bartlett, Tennessee 38113
901-755-7355
Sanding and Finishing: Key Points
1) You can sand too smooth
2) Used sandpaper is NOT equivalent to the next finer grit!
3) Random Orbit sanders are your best friend!
4) Wash coats can virtually eliminate blotching in Cherry, Pine, Soft Maple and Poplar.
5) Danish Oil can enhance even the most mundane piece of wood.
6) Modern wipe-on finishes take most of the hassle out of the finishing task.
Water-Based Finishes...Acrylic Products
I use either "High Performance" or "Polyacrylic versions. Both work very well with the High Performance working a little better when wiped on or sprayed. I have had great results with both for furniture. There's no objectionable odor and clean up is very easy. I am still reluctant to use water based products for table tops which will get heavy use. Some folks have even used them for floors with good results.
Danish Oil
While some experts use Danish Oil for a finish, I am convinced it should be used to enhance the appearance of the wood and/ or color sapwood. After 72 to 96 hours, Danish can then be top-coated with any finish...Poly, Water, Lacquer, etc. Apply enough to wet the wood and then sand in with 220 wet or dry sandpaper or "Chore girl" type pad in 220 grit or equivalent (our part # AV/F Hand pad.) It will fill the porous spots that cause the blotching.
Dyes
These are great for unusual color effects and for woods which are very difficult to stain such as Hickory/Pecan and Ash.
Wash Coat
This is a low-cost version of the commercial products called "Wood Conditioner". Use 1 part sanding sealer and 8 parts of what it is thinned in. I use one part Clear Sealacell and 8 parts of mineral spirits.
Information Sheet.... Finishes
Oil/Urethane Finishes (Arm-R-Seal)
This is a highly durable General Finishes Product. It wipes on and flows out like it was sprayed on. It comes in Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss sheens. Can be wiped on, brushed on or sprayed on.
If you still have questions or problems, call Floyd Carter at 901-755-7355,
