Rustic Reasons #2: The Finish

It’s been said about woodworkers that the last thing we do and the first thing our end-users see is the finish. Perhaps that’s why we call this terminal process a finish. Although the unvarnished truth is that design and execution make the piece, it is often the varnish that sells it.

As with many internet arguments, extreme positions are usually the result of individual bias without considering the personal preferences of others. I prefer to think in terms of tradeoffs. When it comes to finishing wood, I use a personalized set of criteria that while remaining honest and focused, allows me to mix and match tradeoffs to varying degrees. My way of thinking doesn’t take an extreme and unbendable position. Instead, I make choices based on practical, convenient, economic and even artistic merits. Others, with dissimilar perspectives, may come to different conclusions. As long as they are honest about their opinions and respectful of mine, then that’s all right with me. I don’t claim to be perfect, just human.

When I set out on my journey to make rustic furniture I chose to maintain my family’s tradition yet not be afraid inject my own artistic license. For me, that means adding Japanese tool techniques, Arts and Crafts era style, Native American (especially Cherokee) ascetics, some East African design and even a little Scandinavian modern influence. Those are things from my worldly experiences and they have become acquired preferences. My designs are Appalachian-based and influenced by my life with no apologies. Hey, I’m just being honest.

Most discussions about finishing rush to dunk the brush. I’m not going to talk about detailed finishing techniques. Instead, I want to examine those elements that lead to the desired type and quality of finish. I like to think about finishing in terms of The Four P’s:

• Perspective

• Patience

• Practice

• Preparation

Perspective is a personal choice, but it must be an honest choice. We all view the world differently. How you see your woodworking project is unique to you. Your perspective is also a result of your skills, materials, tools and location. Choose what is appropriate for your intended projects and for your end-users. Let reality be your guide.

Patience is a requirement for developing good finishing techniques. Start with a plan and stick to it. Be sure you understand each step and its requirements. While time is always a concern in our busy world, shortcuts and rushing a critical step may result in a bad finish. Generally, most commercial finishing products come with complete instructions. They may also refer you to additional information, such as websites. Read all of the instructions and make sure you understand the time, tools and skills needed to properly apply the finishing product you have chosen.

Practice is always a good idea. Why would you spend tens or even hundreds of hours of your time on a woodworking project then attempt a first-time finishing technique that might ruin it? Start by setting aside some extra wood from your project for practicing the desired finishing techniques. This will this allow you to correct mistakes “off-line”. Also, you can save the successful experiments as examples of the finishing styles that you have mastered. I a growing collection of my best practice boards that I use to show perspective clients the kinds of finishes that I offer.

Preparation is never wasted. When done well it helps to assure a successful finish. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Well, an extra ounce or two of preparation may be worth saving your woodworking project from an incurable finish. Preparation techniques such as planning, scraping, sanding, sealing, priming, scuffing and polishing all have their place in a good finishing routine. What your finish shows at the end is what can be seen. Bad sanding, blotchy stains and irregular varnish detract from your workmanship. While you can’t hide your finish, a bad finish may hide your woodworking skills.

Now that I’ve started you thinking about finishing, it’s up to you to finish the process of perfecting these important skills. Applying a finish to your woodworking project is not just the last thing you do. It’s the beginning of taking pride in a project well done.

-- Randy, Rustic Artisan, a family tradition. (No PM's - auto-deleted.) - "I am a seeker, not a follower."