FINISHING #1: OVERVIEW

I promised Blake that I would undertake a short series on Finishing techniques – primarily using Wax.

These three short blogs are the notes presented at a demonstration I gave last Friday evening. Sorry there are no photographs at the moment – not that there would be much to see. I hope you find it useful.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Finishing
This presentation is going to try and explain the selection process and application of wax as used as a protective and decorative finish.

The goal of this presentation is to explain why we are selecting the use of wax, the preparation of the surface prior to application, the application of the wax and the maintenance of the piece after application.

But, before I start in detail, there is a selection process we must go through every time make something, this is applicable whether it be a Table, Box, Piece of Art or a small Egg turned on a lathe. Most of us, through experience, do not go through this process consciously every time, but sub-consciously we do, it all comes down to past experience.

There are 5 main categories/thought processes we must apply in each and every project these are listed below.
1. Why finish a product
Why do we apply a finish, whatever it may be?
• To give some protection to the finished item from damage
• To enhance or change the appearance of the material used.

2. Selection of finish
The first questions we have to ask ourselves, even before we start the project is “What level of protection do we want/need”?
i. Cosmetic (Art pieces, decorative – non use items)
ii. Durable (chairs, cabinets, beds)
iii. Heavy Use (table tops, work surfaces)
iv. Inside or outside (will the project come into contact with the elements ({sun, wind, rain snow})

3. Surface Preparation
The amount of work done on surface preparation largely depends on the following:
i. The type of finish/protection selected.
ii. The material used.
iii. The appearance of the final project (Rustic, everyday use, fine use).

4. Applying the finish
The application of the finish is largely determined by the finish selected, but could be one of the following:
• Spray
• Brush or roller
• Hand applied (rubbed or wiped)

5. Maintenance
This last part of the process involves what must be done to maintain, sometimes even to enhance the project after it is finished and in place.

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)