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MATERIALS & Hardware •w«P * MM %atfovte rscrr rsBurrs wrm
Selecting and applying a durable finish is easy once you understand the basics. Finishing is one of those tasks that a lot of woodworkers would just as soon skip. Trying to apply a smooth, durable finish to a project can take a lot of time and effort. That's where water-based finishes can come to the rescue. There are a lot of benefits to using a water-based finish. It dries quickly (often within a few hours) and leaves a protective, clear surface. Plus, you don't have to worry about strong odors filling the shop. And when it comes time to clean up, all you need is a little soap and water to do the job. Many woodworkers tend to shy away from water-based finishes because of the belief that they aren't as "good" or don't hold up as well as oil-based products. But the chemistry of water-based finishes has come a long way in the last several years. And that opens up many options for putting a better finish on your projects. FINISH TYPES The wide variety of finishes is evident as soon as you walk down the store aisle. You'll find an evergrowing selection on the shelves. But finding the right one can be confusing. There are polyurethane and acrylic types, and then there are the "poly-acrylic" blends. So how do you know which type is right for your project? To help me understand the differences, I spoke with Tom Monahan, owner Brush On Bubble Free
▲ No Bubbles Dip. After dipping the brush, don't drag the brush across the lip. Drain the excess by touching the side of the jar. ▲ Short Stroke. On flat surfaces, start with a short stroke, brushing toward the outside edge. Doing this helps avoid drips and runs. ▲ Overlapping Strokes. Now, the goal is to apply a full, wet coat of finish with long, smooth overlapping brush strokes. ▲ Use the Tip. Before the finish begins to tack up, hold the brush upright and use the tip to smooth out any bubbles or brush marks. 10 ShopNotes No. 95 |
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