Time and material cost spent in a woodworking project have the ability to turn the final Finishing stage into a stressed situation. There are range of ideas you can click when concerned about finishing. Take a look at the usual wood finishing myths along with the actual concepts. Do read it, as you may come across some really useful details about wood finishing products.
- Myth:Finishing on both sides of wood prevents or decreases warping.
Fact: Finishing only slows but doesn’t reduce or prevent warping that results from wood shrinking. This is because moisture vapor goes through the finish and leads to warping up to an extent. Warping that’s caused by compression shrinkage on areas open to wetting & drying are not hindered.
- Myth: For better results, sand to #440 or finer grit.
Fact: Wood sanded to #440-grit has high gloss as compared to wood sanded to #180-grit, as #440-grit polishes more than #180-grit. However, no major difference is seen after application of any film finish. How about trying it and seeing how many hours you save.
- Myth:Slow brushing leads to best results.
Fact: Slow performance isn’t appreciated anywhere. Hence, brushing needs to be done rapidly. Make sure maintaining the control.
- Myth:Brush should be applied across the grain first and then with the grain.
Fact: You can opt for slow-curing finishes, like varnishes. Though you may get a coat that’s little more even in thickness but it won’t be visible.
- Myth:The longer deck stain colors are left on the wood, the deeper they soak in the wood and the darker the wood turns.
Fact: Yes, wood turns darker when stain is left for longer but the reason is different. Actually, some of the thinner in the stain evaporates, which increases the ratio of colorant to liquid. With high concentrations of colorant, darker colors are produced.
- Myth:Apply and wipe off stain with the grain.
Fact: When excess stain is wiped off, direction of stain application doesn’t matter. Also, it doesn’t matter in which direction stain is wiped off. What matters is making final pass with the grain, to ensure that streaks left are not noticeable.
Stop following anything you just hear from someone. Trust the proven results that have been explained to you quite clearly. Good luck!
