Who doesn’t get a little anxious about applying a finish to a newly completed wood project? It’s always a bit of a guess as to how it’s going to come out, and it’s a slow part of the build process.
Both of which frustrate us all when we’re making projects.
But the beauty of most oil based wood finishes is that they tend to nail a sweet spot:
However, there are trade-offs.
The 6-hours-or-more dry time is what makes them so dang easy to apply, but it also might try your patience. Plus it gives dust and particles a big window to settle on your project and cause a couple of annoyances you have to sand or scuff out.
Oil finishes also come with some hazards. Don’t breath the fumes, for example, by working in a ventilated area and wearing a resiprator. Any oil rags can combust if you don’t lay them out flat to dry before throwing them away.
So there’s that.
When you’re new to building projects out of wood I’ll probably recommend an oil-based finish just about every time because they’re the most fool-proof products for getting a gorgeous look without a lot of technique or equipment.
So we made this video to give you something to bite into to get acquainted with the different types you can use, and how to choose the right one for your project.
Vice President of Operations – Woodworkers Source
We’re a family-owned lumber & woodworking supply retailer with 3 delightful stores in Arizona, and 35 friendly employees.
Mark oversees the company and creates tutorials on wood finishing and woodworking tips for hardwood lumber.
Woodworkers Source is a division of MacBeath Hardwood Co.
