Wood projects which are stained should almost always have a clear finish applied over the stain. About the only exception to this is when exterior oil-based stains are applied to rough cedar siding. The oil in the stains itself is enough of a protect for the wood then, as the cedar is highly resistant to … Read more
With all the different finish options that exist, paint is often thought of as a “simple” finish, that anyone can apply perfectly, without any previous experience. While that is possible, there is much more to a painted finish than most people realize, especially in applying paint over difficult surfaces. Knowing what products to use and … Read more
Pine is the most common wood used by the home woodworker, partially due to its ready availability and partially due to its low cost. Many new woodworkers, who don’t have a lot of experience working with hardwoods, think that they are harder to work with than pine, so avoid them. But pine has its own … Read more
The number of new homes being built with basements is declining; at the same time, there is a surge in interest in finishing basements in existing homes. That may initially sound contradictory without looking at the reasons for each change. First, as the cost of building a new home rises, those seeking to develop one are looking … Read more
Protecting a finely built piece of wood furniture is as essential as creating it. Many tabletops have been marred or ruined by people setting drinks or hot dishes on them, leaving permanent marks on the finish. While removing this damage and refinishing the tabletop is often possible, that’s an extra project that none of us … Read more