The primary reason behind wood finishing is to ensure that you end up with an excellent piece and correcting any mistakes in your woodwork. When working on a wood project, it is common to make mistakes. However, it is also straightforward to fix these errors. Sometimes you may have to back up and begin again, recut a joint, or fit in a patch. Nevertheless, the best way to avoid mistakes is to practice on a sample board. For a piece with no errors, you can go ahead and smoothen the edges or spray furniture to get beautiful artwork. This article provides you with three wood finishing tips and tricks for kids.
Hand-Sand the Curves
You may have used an electric sander on your work. However, an electric sander will not reach all areas especially the curved surfaces. Use a hand-sandpaper to treat the entire surface. Use the same progression of sandpaper grits when sanding your wood work. You can begin with 80-grit to remove any blemish, then shift to 120-grit, and complete using the 180-grit. Make sure that you progress in steps to remove deep scratches and finish with fine scratches. You will then need to test for stains. Avoid using the stain samples in your local store. Instead, run your scraps through the same sanding process to check for any stain. Test the stains on scraps to get your ideal color. You can also mix stains of the same brand if you want a custom color.
Wood Conditioning
Some woods will absorb stains unevenly leaving you with dark patches. Most people find it difficult to eliminate this effect. However, you can use a wood conditioner to limit the dark blotches. Conditioning will also allow the wood’s end grain to absorb less stain than the face grain. Visit your local paint store to get a quart. If your woodwork is already stained and varnished, you can save your work by getting a wood stain of a close match. Wash your project with soapy water and scrap off any paint splatters. Allow the wood to dry then use a rag to apply the stain. Any bare spot or scratch will absorb the stain. Remove the excess stain by wiping the project with a clean cloth. Allow your woodwork to dry for a few days before adding a coat of furniture wax.
Spraying the Final Coat
For a glass-smooth finishing, begin by brushing on a layer of gloss polyurethane. Leave it overnight to dry then use 320-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections. Remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner, soft brush, or a tack cloth. Apply a second coat and repeat the same process. Brushing after each layer helps you to build a thick coat of finish at a cheaper cost than using aerosol cans. However, aerosol cans leave a professional look since they do not leave marks.
Always ensure that you have the right tools for your job. Learn how to use your equipment to prevent simple mistakes. For the best sanders, get more info on Woodworknation.com.