Basic Woodworking

WOODWORKING

Chapter 22

Friends and Foes

Introduction:

Before you begin finishing your project, you should pay close attention to the environment in which you are

working; it can be friendly or unfriendly. The following tips should help

Friends:

 Good lighting: Good lighting is essential. Use direct light to reveal runs, blemishes, missed areas, etc. This

means you will need to move your project or yourself around to allow the light to do its

business.

 No Mess: Make certain the area is clean around you. Nothing should obstruct your work once you get

going.

 Good Ventilation: Do not do finish work in a closed area without proper air flow. Fumes can be

dangerous, not to mention give you a terrible headache. Also, make certain winds or breezes

cannot come into your work area, they carry particles that could adhere to your project.

 Clean Applicators: An applicator is the method by which you will apply your finish. The most common

and basic methods of applying finish are with rags or brushes. Make certain your applicator is

clean, dry, and free of loose material (detached brush hairs, threads, excess material, etc.). These

will come off and stick to your project. Some shops are equipped with spray booths, which

require special attention.

 Supplies:

Stir Stick: Stains should always be stirred gently before beginning your project because heavier

color pigments settle on the bottom of the can.

Paper towels and rags: Clean-up messes immediately! Don’t leave puddles of finish behind for

someone to deal with.

Rubber Gloves: Besides keeping your

hands clean, gloves help

prevent the oils in your skin

from affecting your stain.

Aprons: If you do not wish to damage

your clothes, aprons are

suggested.

Drop Cloths: If you are staining on the

floor, use a drop cloth. This

will help prevent particles on

the floor from adhering to

your project.

Safety Glasses: As always, wear your

glasses. Droplets of finish

liquids and fumes can burn

your eyes.

Foes:

 Sawdust: Finish areas and sanding areas should be separated. Floating dust particles will adhere to your

project and ruin the finish. Never sand near the finish area.

 Sloppy stainers: Protect your work from sloppy stainers by putting your finished project someplace safe.

Don’t leave it on the staining table. Some people are much too aggressive when staining and send

droplets everywhere. You can’t change them but you can save your project. Put it in a safe place.

Likewise, don’t be a messy stainer. The staining process is slow and easy, gentle and fluid. Take

your time....And clean up after yourself.

 Messy people: Clean up is crucial. After you finish staining or applying your topcoats, clean up your

brushes with paint thinner. Stain and Polyurethane are oil based materials, which means you cannot

wash them with water. You must use paint thinner to clean your brushes. Rags should be put in the

proper disposing can.

Finishing