options for applying finish

Learn how to apply wood finish. Creating a flawless finish can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Take the mystery out of wood finishing and avoid costly and frustrating mistakes with these simple wood finish recipes. Each recipe includes a video demonstration and a link to step-by-step instructions, and a list of wood finish product recommendations that will help you create a perfect finish on your next woodworking project!


Essential Wood Finish Supply Checklist

The following woodworking finishing supplies are useful to have on hand in your shop.


Surface Preparation:
Sandpaper: 80-grit through 320-grit
Mineral Spirits
Wonderfill Wood Filler

Stains:
TransTint Dye
Gel Stain
Oil-Based Pigment Stain

Topcoats, Paint, and Wax:
Seal Coat Finish
Urethane Top Coat
Stain Blocker Primer
Milk Paint
Wax Finishes

Finish Application Tools:
Paint Brushes
Synthetic Finishing Pads
Wood Finishing Value Pack
Micro Spun Shop Towels




Stain Finish for Highly Figured Hardwoods

figured wood grain


Adding color to highly figured hardwood can be tricky. Without the proper technique, the results can be disappointing to say the least. Follow our step-by-step instructions and product recommendations below for superior results.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Stain Finish for Highly Figured Hardwoods



Natural Finish on Close Grained Hardwood

natural finish birch


Learn how to apply a lovely durable finish to close grained hardwoods like: birch, maple, cherry and others. This simple “no-fail recipe” offers clear demonstrations of all the essential steps. Easy, fast and effective.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Natural Finish on Close Grained Hardwood



Natural Finish on Softwoods

natural finish pine


Learn to get a lustrous clear natural finish on softwoods like pine, Douglas Fir, cedar and others. Follow the clearly demonstrated step-by-step instructions for sure-fire success. Easy, fast and effective.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Natural Finish on Softwoods



Stained Finish on Closed Grain Hardwood

stain closed grain


Close grained hardwoods like birch, maple, cherry and other are tricky to stain successfully. Learn how to get great results by following our step-by-step video “recipe.” A clear finish is applied after the staining step.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Stained Finish on Closed Grain Hardwood



Stained Finish on Open Grained Hardwood

stain open grain


Learn how to successfully apply a stain to open grained hardwood, followed by a clear topcoat. Add color to species like red and white oak, ash, mahogany and others with classic pigment stains. Check out our easy to follow step-by-step video.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Stained Finish on Open Grained Hardwood



Paint Finish for Wood Recipe

paint finish


Getting great results when painting raw wood is easy to achieve — if the proper steps are followed. This video goes step-by-step demonstrating how to get a great painted finish every time.


Step-By-Step Instructions: Paint Finish for Wood