Paul's Essential Wood Finishes | Paul Sellers

When it comes to wood finishes, for most, it is like watching paint dry, but we woodworkers must come up with something that makes our work look good, has durability, and is generally easy to apply. Over the years, I have tried most, and the two I lean on the most are shellac and water-based clear varnishes.

Chemicals as solvents used in paints have harmful effects, and we have become more conscious of the problems they cause. I wanted to let people know what I use in the day-to-day.

These two are the ones I rely on the most, but I do use other finishes from time to time.
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[shukrimahmood]

It is extremely kind of you to share your much valued knowledge and years of experience with people from all over the world, to say the very very least. I can hardly find the right words to express my feelings of respect, gratitude, and appreciation. My best wishes, Sir.

[jerronimo]

Being a novice in woodpaint and after watching countless (sponsored) youtube video's giving biased advice on the next "wonder" product your advice is a breath of fresh air. Why reinvent the wheel, products used for many years are perfectly fine. The sad thing is that your channel never showed up in the searchresults... found it by chance via someone commenting on a sponsored "woodworking" channel with all the expensive festool and milwacky stuff looking brandnew.

[GB-muue]

2 x ten min videos and I’ve learned a ton. Thanks Paul.

[STANWoodwork]

I like that nice and simple . Not complicated procedure of finishing projects.

[FixingFurniture]

Great tips for the water based finish on a table top. Thanks for sharing that Paul. Scott

[PatrickvanEwijk]

I have been waiting a long time for a good informational video. Thank you so much for showing the final steps in the finish. This is where a lot of other videos fall short. I have learned so much from you, thank you for giving all your knowledge.

[_john_doe_]

Very informative as always. :)
My personal favorite if I have time and it's solid wood, is to start with boiled linseed oil, then a few layers of shellac on top of it. And then same as you add a bit of wax last.

[ericvogt]

I am currently restoring old furniture from my grandma and this is what I needed as I am nearly about to finish the first piece. Thank you very much for your informations, glad to have such a kind person lime you and your team :)

[coljter]

Thank you Paul! I'd love more of these finish videos, they're very helpful

[drekowski]

Shellac is a great finish. For tables, I prefer natural oil finishes, e.g. clarified linseed oil or tung oil. They take a bit longer to cure, but can be easily refinished and hold up well to regular exposure to water.

[thCenturyPox]

I absolutely agree that some finishes have too many chemicals that I simply do not want around me. I like oil/wax mixes like Osmo for this reason, but they are not the most robust for certain items. Just stripped a beech chair that had been stained very dark and had an old cracked maroon leather seat. Took the frame right back to virgin wood, finished it with shellac and then waxed it. Recovered the seat with a light grey leather and now it is looking very Scandi chic!

[Rearmostbean]

Very helpful, i hate finishing as it seems to end up ruining my work. I usually just use linseed oil, very easy, beautiful finish and feels nice to the touch

[Bpt]

This is the second video of yours I've seen and this time, I subscribed. Looking forward to watching many more.

[graham]

Thanks for sharing this knowledge Paul. Perfect timing for some of my projects. 👍

[Solid_Jackson]

Fantastic video

Speaking of spilling alcohol, what’s your tipple Paul?

[helpigotaquestion]

Thank you Mr. Sellers. Could you speak a bit on what to do with the brushes and rollers afterwards to have them last a long time?

[garethmcneill]

Brilliant video. Takes all the confusion I’ve had out of finishing. Clear, simple and concise. Thanks Paul.

[MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Paul! Thanks a lot! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[danalaniz]

Thank you. I'm just now getting back into my DIY and this topic is perfect as I go back into the shop. Thank you!

[jamesweaver]

Thank you the great information, I was wondering the best way to protect my project I was working on