Wood finishing is such an important touch when it comes to woodworking, which provides the natural look of the wood and protects it from external elements. However, it tends to be one of those processes that are full of pitfalls for many uninitiated craftsmen. Knowing some common mistakes regarding finishing wood will enable you to take steps in avoiding them and thus arrive at a smooth professional result.
Choosing
the Wrong Type of Finish
One of the first major decisions you will
encounter in finishing woods is to choose the right type of finish. The choice
among varnish, lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, among others, depends on the
final use of the item, the desired aesthetic of such, and on the particular
characteristics of the wood. A rather frequent mistake is the use of inadequate
finish for the type of wood or for the purpose to which the latter serves. For
example, if a shellac of sensitive nature were to be used on a table destined
for use in a kitchen, then it would wear off rapidly. Research durability,
drying times, and appearance of each type of finish to properly match it to
your project.
Lack
of Preparation on the Surface
A good finish begins with good preparation.
For finishing, wood surfaces must be clean and dry and free of marks that will
be accentuated by the finish. Poor preparation-lack of sanding, not cleaning
off dust, placing finish over old finishes that have not been removed-results
in a coarse, lumpy surface. Always start with coarse paper, then progress to
finer grits for a smooth base. Wipe down the wood with a tack cloth to remove
all dust and debris before proceeding.
Failure
to Test the Finish
A certain finish might look altogether
different on various woods or even on different areas of the same piece, due to
grain variation and differences in absorption rates. The most common mistake
people make is putting on a finish on a whole project without first testing on
a scrap piece or an inconspicuous area. You test a finish just so you know what
it's gonna look like for final color and finish, just so you can do a little
adjusting if need be.
Applying
Too Much Finish at Once
It's tempting to try to apply a thick coat
of finish to speed up the process, but this is a mistake that's sure to cause
runs, sags, and slow drying times. Wood
finishing times should be respected by thin coats and allowing an adequate
drying time between successive layers. Thin coats have a better drying hour and
a lack of imperfections.
Ignoring
the Environment
The environment itself has a major impact
on the finishing process. High humidity, dust, and temperature extremes can
affect the way a finish cures. Not adapting your working conditions for these
environmental changes or accommodating these changes may result in either too
slow of too quick a drying of the finish or an improper curing of it. It's also
appropriate to work in well-ventilated areas at appropriate temperatures with
suitable humidity for the best results.
Wood finishing is more art than
science, requiring a little patience and practice to get it precisely right. By
avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance both the appearance and
longevity of your woodworking projects. Remember, wood finishing times aren't
just numbers-they're guidelines that, if followed, can lead to beautiful
durable finishes. Regardless of whether you are an amateur or a professional,
the time it takes to master these steps will greatly pay off in big dividends
for improved woodcraft.
