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How to prepare
and apply a beautiful finish to your work.
Finishing is a very important thing. It
draws out the natural beauty of wood, and at the same time helps to preserve
it. There are many on the market, and today we're trying a new Organic product.
It's an oil and it's made in Australia out of organic plan oils and the like
- Great stuff! Smells nice as well!
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Before
we start to apply any finish, we need to make sure our wood is ready to
accept it. I'm going to start preparing the wood with my orbital sander.
I will start with a 60 grit disk (Which is quite rough) and work to a
100grit. |
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These sanders
are good, they do not scratch the wood, especially when you have 2 intersecting
grains on the door.
Notice that it is hooked up to a
vac. I'm also wearing a mask and goggles for safety. |
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There are many
sand papers on the market, and it can be a bit confusing. You don't
need an electric sander like mine.
You can do it by hand. Remember
start with a course paper and work to fine (higher grit) |
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Its always best
to finish by hand, I've let the sander do the bulk of the work.
You should sand up to 220 grit or
there about's. For best results. |
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Now its time to go
and raid the kitchen bin. Use a plastic container to hold the finish.
This is the easiest way, and saves alot of mess. |
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This is new for me.
I've seen these before and decided to get a few. They are foam brushes
designed for applying finish to wood, and I can say after this. THEY ARE
GREAT! |
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Just a little oil
at a time, if you over do your brush you will end up with too much on
your wood, and it will not absorb it - therefore it won't dry. |
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As you can see,
I'm finishing a small medicine cabinet made with old pine, with a mahogany
panel in the centre of the door. Similar to the oak one I made here.
Apply the oil WITH the grain, and
in long even strokes for best results. Ensure that you apply the finish
evenly and generously. |
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You can see the difference
the oil makes to the old pine and mahogany panel, it really en-riches
the wood and makes it look alot more pleasing. |
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10 minutes later,
go over it with a dry paper cloth, to remove any excess residue or oil.
This will also give it a matt shine. |
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I hope i inspired
you to go out and have a go at finishing, its alot better than leaving
wood bare, and you are really doing justice to the wood.
Useful links:
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