What Finish Should I Use? | Woodworking Beginner Tips

In this video I'm going over wood finish. This is by no means a complete comprehensive look at wood finishing...and instead something more like the 80/20 rule. Where you get a small amount of information (20%) and that is good enough for getting you through most situations (80%). To be more specific though, this video covers surface finishes vs penetrating finishes, how to prep your wood for them, how to apply them, and how I decide when to use a surface wood finish vs a penetrating oil wood finish. Not everything, but enough to get most woodworkers through most situations and projects.

#Woodfinish #woodworking #wood

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[JamesFunkify]

I used to sand to 220 and then quit. Then a buddy whose mind works in realms I've never contemplated, said that light refracts (? think that's the word) more precisely (acutely?) the higher the grit (the wood becomes like a mirror of sorts). So I thought I'd go crazy and sand my rocking chair to 1000. What a difference. I'm not a commercial shop, just a retired guy, so time isn't a concern. When you're old and grey and have tons of time, give this a whirl. You won't regret it!

[gergelydarmos]

I talked with a guy, who's selling several types of oils for a living, he discouraged me from sanding above 180 grit BEFORE applying the first coat of oil, because you are limiting the ability of the wood to absorb the oil. after the 1st coat has dried, it's OK to sand it down to 240-280 lightly

[timmytwister]

Brown paper! My mom used to be a decorative artist using traditional Scandinavian techniques. She was an expert at achieving smooth final finishes. She was the only person I knew who recommended using a finer and finer sandpaper, then finally brown bag paper... until you! Nice 👍🏼

[MattHarbin]

Thank you for actually demonstrating the light sanding between finish coats. I feel that's a step that is breezed over by most woodworkers, and has been a frustration for me as I enter woodworking.

[crabdv]

Exactly what I was looking for for a couple of years, this gave me much more clarity on what to use in my personal projects, thanks Chris!!!

[BeauChampion]

I feel like there is no "definitive" video on finishing, so I love to hear from other woodworkers what they use/do and why. This was great!

[sneakincreased]

The epiphany at the end was really helpful. I was already leaning towards oil for a live edge desk I'm building and this helped me decide that oil is the best choice for what I want to achieve aesthetically.

[jennsmistake]

I've been struggling with wood finishing for the past few months and this video...gave me good advice for my next finishing steps! Thanks for sharing your tips, Chris.

[nicholasclarke]

Just ordered a quart. Looking forward to using it on a few upcoming projects. You are correct...I hate finishing, but love to build.

[maureendeloffi]

I made my first piece of furniture, a solid maple kitchen table. I used advice in this video to decide how to finish it. I used oil based wipe on poly, and it came out beautiful. I’m so happy with it!

[jollyraider]

This is the best video on simple finishing for newbies that I've seen, and I watched a lot of them. So helpful.

[ScottWalshWoodworking]

Thanks for the awesome video! I think one of the biggest issues I have when finishing is that I tend to rush through the process because I just want the project to be done and over with. It's tough for me to stay engaged in a project after I've put so many hours into it, and I already have my sights set on the next one.

[Foureyes.Furniture]

Supply is low as there is a shortage of cans due to the pandemic. We have jugs coming, we will be switching to those until cans become readily available again.

[Matimila]

This is a brilliant summary thanks Chris.
You really do cut through it in a way only a great teacher can.
Thanks for sharing.

[graham]

This has been soooo helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences. Loving your channel ❤

[commanderchair]

Glad I watched this as I'm planning on making a plywood media console out of baltic birch ply and was going to use oil but you showing how oil makes the edges darker definitely makes me want to use poly instead now. Thanks!

[adam_loooong]

This was super helpful. I have plans to build a walnut dining room table. I love the look of the oil but the protection of the poly. But I think after this I’ve landed in a penetrating oil because the table will get used and beat up and I’ll want to be able to easily restore it. Thanks - this was helpful!

[nickbraden]

Very helpful! Thank you for comparing poly to oil; I’ve been looking for info on that exact comparison.

[jakelotter]

Nice video. My family and I included that have been in the cabinet industry for over 50 years have exclusively used dark walnut Danish oil under catalyzed lacquer on our home furniture as well as many many many clients. I have a 40 year old grandfather clock that still is showroom quality with still nearly flawless joints done this way.

[ashlynuskoski]

I just started sanding a coffee table down to the wood and this video came out. Perfect timing!!