Water-Popping -- the Secret to a Great Finish

When you have sanded a woodworking project and before you apply a finish, wipe the surface with a damp rag. The water swells any wood cells that may have been crushed by the sanding process. It also causes any loose wood fibers to pop up. When the surface dries, give it a light sanding with the last grit used. This will smooth out any irregularities and knock off the loose fibers. This technique is called “water-popping” and it greatly improves the wood surface for finishing. Stains and finishes penetrate deeper, cure smoother, and look better.

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Machine planing, jointing, and sanding is not kind to wood. These processes can compress and crush the wood cells near the surface, interfering with the penetration and bonding of finishes. They may also partially detach wood fibers, creating “whiskers” that stand up when you apply a finish. The finish wicks up these fibers and hardens as dimples and bumps; detracting from the look and feel of the finished wood.

For this reason, many craftsmen wipe down the wood surface with a little water when they finish sanding. Some even do it between each grit as they work their way from coarse to fine. The water swells the damaged cells, restoring the wood’s microstructure. It also raises the whiskers. After the surface dries, a light hand sanding with the last grit used will knock off the whiskers and smooth out any irregularities. This technique is known as “water-popping” or “raising the whiskers.”

Some woodworkers prefer to wipe the wood with mineral spirits, naptha, or turpentine, especially when using an oil-based finish. These substances will not swell the grain as much, and consequently do not restore the microstructure of the wood as well. Wiping with water will not interfere with an oil-based finish so long as you allow the moisture to evaporate completely before applying that finish.


Water popping takes a little time, but it results in a better finish. With the microstructure of the crushed cells restored, stains, dyes, and finishes penetrate more deeply and bond better. And with the whiskers removed, the cured surface is smoother. For some finishes, the deeper penetration makes the wood surface more translucent, accentuating the wood grain. In short, the final finish looks better, feels better, and lasts longer.

[MA_KA_PA_TIE]

The best woodworking tips on the web. Dude even breaks down the science so we can learn theory while learning application. Truly a gem.

[itschilled]

Sitting here 15 years later, I finally understand why my first woodworking project looked so bad. Well, one of the reasons.

Thanks for the insight as always!

[Eneulogeo]

You’re legitimately the reason I’ve started this as a hobby - I’m very grateful for the work you do. My wife and I love watching your videos for both the obvious quality of your work but also the apparent joy you bring to it.

[AnakiteOG]

I've been water popping with 50% water 50% ISO alcohol. Dries really fast and pops those fibers 😎

[jiggymonkey]

Thanks for explaining it in layman's terms (the how and WHY). I can't speak for the others here, but I enjoy learning why something is done so I can apply that skill and knowledge elsewhere.

[EricTheOld]

My father used to call it "raising the grain". I refinished many black walnut gun stocks that way with steel wool then applied linseed oil to a beautiful finish.
You do great work

[murphymmc]

Nice to see him passing on tips that every older woodworker knows. Stuff we use all the time that younger are pretty clueless about. Denatured alcohol works as well, doesn't pop the grain as much, dries much faster. if I'm not staining a wood, I finish with a hand plane, sharpened correctly it gives equivalent to a 1500 grit surface, which means it's shiny. No, it doesn't absorb much finish, the grain is pretty well sealed already.

[stephenhanson]

I’ve literally just stumbled upon this majestic man, and spent the last 45 min binging his content. I am a very amateur woodworker. But my god, I just want this man to be my grandfather. I hope this guy is as half as amazing a person in real life, as he comes across in his videos.

[justwannaridemabike]

Thanks ‘Woodwork-Santa’
I love your content

[abcsandoval]

I found I out that I knew nothing about wood. This guy is incredible.
It would be great to have him as a neighbor.

[johnvesperman]

As a youngster, my uncle taught me to dampen the surface with denatured alcohol to raise the grain. He said that the alcohol evaporates much faster, and eliminates the risk of leaving water marks. Once the alcohol is gone, sand the surface until smooth.

[Nyro]

I've been seeing woodworkers do this and I had no idea why, now I know thanks!

[NGorso]

When you put the water on, and I saw that precious paw appear on your hand....my heart

[PHEONYX]

I simply can not adequately convey just how much that i absolutely love your marvelous and calming channel. Watching your amazing tips and tricks on wood working is akin to watching an episode of Bob Ross.

[TrinityUnofficial]

god i have so much respect for you knowing small stuff like this, especially since i feel like i know things like this in my craft, just little things other people wouldn't even know about but it serves a legitimate function

[benjaminmeyer]

This was the short that got you my subscription.

There's something so absolutely elegant about how a true master teaches: someone who has so much experience under their belt that they can teach a simple technique that absolutely transforms your own results.

I am always delighted to come across your videos in my feed. Please, keep the amazing videos coming!

[mistertwister]

It’s genuinely amazing to me how he’s still finding new things to teach us, I’ve helped my dad woodwork on home projects for literally decades now and neither of us had ever even thought to that.

[shoelesstrucker]

Has anybody else called you the Einstein of woodworking? Love your videos. Keep ‘em coming!

[rag]

I came across this guy yesterday and instantly was hooked.