DIY Wood Finishing

[ThePolskiOgorki]

I know this isn't a woodworking forum but had something I wanted to share with any handy FOHers out there. I have been putting some finishing touches on a long and arduous renovation at "mi casa" these past few weekends. Today's job was to put a finish on my railing. I have tried a lot of different wood finishes over the years as I am a bit of a wannabe carpenter. Some have worked well and some really just suck. If you have ever given wood finishing a try yourself you know the finish you put on your projects can really make or break countless hours of labour. Today I tried something new. A product made by Varathane (first picture). It's a water based clear coat in a satin sheen. Water based means no unpleasant smells and easy clean up. Worked beautifully. I sanded everything starting at 180 grit and working up the grits to 400 grit. Applied a light even coat with a sponge/foam brush. Let it all dry. Hit it all again once dry with the 400 grit to get rid of any grain that raised from the first coat. Applied coat two and let it dry. Buffed very lightly with a scotch brite sponge. Done. Smooth as a baby's ass and because it's a satin finish it really does a good job of hiding any brush strokes that a gloss finish might otherwise fail to do. Couldnt be happier with it.

Some pics of the finished product.

[terrantheman]

Nice work!

[NicPac]

Beautiful

[foursite12]

Wow, I have shied away from the water-based products but that looks great, esp with the blonde wood. Thanks for sharing!

[Fugu]

Many thanks for the info!

[Squarehead]

You've done a great job,congrats

[irratebass]

Man, that turned out really nice....good job!