How do you finish your projects?

[BobD]

Here's a place to discuss the new poll.

[Jediscroller]

I selected natural as that's how I finish 90% of my stuff but I've used all of the above, hehehe.

[Greenfield_Bob]

I finish my projects all three ways, so I checked other.

Bob

[Bill Wilson]

For me, much depends on the wood I'm using for the project. I typically prefer to let the natural wood come through the finish, but I will occasionally paint or stain.

For example, fretwork done in cherry or walnut, I will often dip/coat with BLO then spray a top coat of either varnish or shellac. Oak & maple will either be stained or left natural with a clear water-borne poly. About the only thing I paint is backer boards and some kinds of Christmas ornaments.

[Steviegwood]

I picked natural also. That is what I use for most of my projects unless something different is requested or required. Steve

[MacS]

I selected all the finishes, because there are times when each of these finishes is appropriate for doing different work.

As most will select a "clear coating on the natural wood," did you know that even some natural woods can be improved with grain enhancement, brushed out colored glazes, or a tint of color from transparent shading stains.

These techniques may make an interesting finishing article.

[MacS]

I wanted to add these finishing techniques to show you what they look like in case you are not familar with them. These photos are to show the techniques, they are not the best photos to see the start to finish results.

1- The "grain enhancement" photo - first shows the natural wood, it does not show how I enhanced the grains in the second photo.
2 - The "glazing" photo - shows the steps to a brushed out glazed finish with added color to the wood and the grains.
3 - The "shading stain" photo - shows how you can add transparent color to your woods, and still end up seeing the natural wood.

These techinues could be benifical if you wanted to match the color and characterics of other woods.

[Woodbutcher68]

When I started using hardwoods a few years ago, I quit using stains and paint. I finish scrollwork with Tung Oil, BLO, Laquer and poly and turnings with CA or friction polish.

[Tor]

I use a clear coat, currently shellac. I have considered using different shades of shellac for differing yellowing effect, but beyond that, I don't think I would try, because I choose the colour and grain of my woods for effect.

Tor

[MikeDingas]

I usually finish my projects with a beer and a cigar...