hazard@ihuxe.UUCP (10/24/83)
Ahh... wood finishing.
When it comes to finishing all my projects, (there are a lot that
never get completed, let alone finished) I have fallen into a
rut. I always use Watco stains and oils. Their stains are easy
to use and give a pleasing color, and their oil produces a finish
I really like.
The oil usually takes about 6 applications; about 2 days
apart. Starting with the third application I use emery paper
with the oil to smooth any raised grain. I always apply the oil
(and the stain for that matter) with a small piece of cloth.
After coating the whole piece, I follow-up with a dry rag and
remove the excess oil. Each application uses less oil and more
rubbing. After the final coat has dried and been buffed I apply
Watco wax, which is 99% cannubura(sp?).
Six months later I usually go over the piece with another
light coat of oil. It takes about a year (two more applications)
for the oil finish to hold it's own without needing any more
applications.
Besides liking the final results, I am very pleased with how
forgiving oil is to the amateur. You can never apply too much,
never have to worry about drips, runs, hair or dust, and can
always re-work (including sanding!) parts that didn't come out
right.
Sure the finish doesn't look like someone veneered
plexaglass(TM) to the surface, but I still get a satin finish
that you can see yourself in.thomas@utah-gr.UUCP (Spencer W. Thomas) (10/26/83)
I'm going to build a pantry soon, including some bins for flour, etc. My question is what kind of finish do you recommend for something which will be in CONSTANT contact with food? This is not like a cutting board, where an oil finish is fine. I had thought of polyurethane, but wondered what the alternatives might be. (Or I could always line it with plastic, but that would be a pain.) =Spencer