Another finish method - from the blog "Tom's Workbench"

[Dave Bagwill]

I have read this over a few times, and it is worth testing. I got this from the blog "Tom's Workbench".
(Here's the link to the blog : http://tomsworkbench.com/category/finishing/)

"Maryland box maker Dave Knipfer calls it the Rude and Crude method of finishing, and I’ve found that there’s a lot of sound wisdom in giving it a shot.

First, I’ve really done away with staining. When I need a piece of wood to look like cherry – I go and get cherry. The range of colors in domestic and exotic hardwoods – and softwoods, for that matter – is very impressive. I’ve found it easier – and gives a better result – if you let the wood’s natural color come through.

The next thing I did was improve my sanding technique. Now, I’ll use a smoothing plane and scrapers to do the bulk of the work, and I will use sandpaper wrapped around formed bocks to reach into molding profiles. My Porter Cable random orbit sander does occasionally make an appearance, but the sweet action of planes and scrapers eliminates the drudgery of sanding.

The next thing I do is to use Zinnser Seal Coat as a sanding sealer. It’s a 2# cut of clear, dewaxed shellac, and I usually cut it half and half with denatured alcohol to ensure a very light coat. I’ll blow off any dust on the piece and then use a rag to wipe the shellac on. Don’t be bashful, use a lot of it!

Once it’s all covered, then you set the project aside for the shellac to dry. Give this process at least two hours for the shellac to really get set – overnight is preferable.

This next step may seem kind of counter-intuitive, but bear with me. You want to use a fine grit sandpaper (320 or higher), #0000 steel wool or a fine plastic abrasive pad, and rub the shellac finish. You want to sand that surface for a good long time. Dave says to rub until your arm is about to fall off – if your sanding arm hurts after a few minutes, you are doing a good job!

What you are doing is removing all of the shellac from the surface, leaving only the stuff down in the pores. Remember the blotchy pine problem? Leaving this shellac seal coat in the pores will eliminate it once and for all.

After what seems like an eternity, you’ll have a very smooth, begging to be touched surface on your project.At this point, I blow the dust off of the piece and get ready for the final step.

I have given up on brushes. Period. My new motto is, “If I can’t wipe it on, I don’t use it.” Wipe on polyurethane, varnish, Danish oils or similar finishes go on beautifully in very thin, even coats. You would have to try really hard to leave a wipe mark, sag or other imperfection in the surface if you use these products. The finish goes on very smooth over the prepared surface, and I set the piece aside to dry. Later, I will put on additional coats of the finish, following the manufacturer’s directions.

What do my projects look like now? The wood absolutely glows under a picture perfect finish. People who look at my stuff want to see it first, and then they want to touch it.

It’s a finish fit for a king."

[Ken Hundley]

I like that you have found a process that works for you. I think the best way I can describe my process at that point is that I lose patience. I haven't done a great wipe-on or rubbed finish yet, and my spraying technique can really use some improvement. My first attempt was with a brush, but there were so many other issues on that jumbo that the finish telegraphs, I can't decide if certain problems are in the finish or not. You describe a very simple procedure, but we have heard so many times that preparation is the key to a good finish, no matter what. I need to work on both ends of it....thanks for posting antoher alternative.

[Dave Bagwill]

I've posted 5 or 6 that are suitable for at least trying out on some wood. I still use the true oil. though I have been experimenting with gel varnish and I like it pretty well. I would not miss finishing at all if I could afford someone to do it for me. I kind of enjoy it but it would be nice to farm it out and be guaranteed something stunning.