Unbelievably Easy DIY Wood Finish Recipe // Woodworking

Three ingredients make up the easiest to apply, quick drying wood finish. This video was sponsored by Squarespace. To get 10% off a site of your own, visit www.squarespace.com/anneofall...
Most folks think wood finishing is tricky business, but I like to keep things easy in my woodworking shop and I use this same three part oil wood finish on almost every piece I build. This easy to make wood finish recipe is also easy to make and apply, and dries quickly allowing multiple coats. This method requires the least prep work (goodbye sanding) and is also unbelievably easy to repair, fix any scratch or dent in your furniture finished with this same oil, and all you have to do is scuff the surrounding area and wipe on more finish. You also don't need a whole bunch of other finishing supplies for this method, no spray booth, no special finishing room, you just dust off your bench and wipe it on. Even the fumes of this finish are very mild! Because this has been my favorite wood finish for so many years of projects, it's the best wood finish I can recommend. Also, you get a sneak peak of my upcoming democratic chair build!
Video by the ever talented Jacqueline at www.entertwinemedia.com
/ entertwinemedia
------------------------
I'm Anne of All Trades. In NASHVILLE, I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm. Whether you've got the knowledge, tools, time or space to do the things you've always wanted to do, everything is "figureoutable." I became "Anne of All Trades" out of necessity. With no background in farming or making things, I wanted to learn to raise my own food, fix things when they break, and build the things I need. 8 years ago I got my first pet, planted my first seed and picked up my first tool. Get a better roadmap of how to grow deep roots and live the life you want subscribing to this channel and look for NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEEK!
Help Support this project and others!
Patreon - / anneofalltrades
Merchandise - teespring.com/stores/anne-of-...
Other places you can find me
My website - www.anneofalltrades.com
Instagram - / anneofalltrades
Twitter - / anneofalltrades
My goal is to learn and share traditional techniques and skills while showing my peers how to get from where they are to where they want to go, how to do the things they are passionate about, and what can be done TODAY to engage their own community and grow deep roots. Whether it's carving spoons, making my own hand tools, restoring my antique truck or growing heirloom tomatoes, the farm and workshop definitely keep me busy and support- whether financially through Patreon, through shopping my affiliate links, through buying merchandise, plans or project videos, or even just liking, commenting, and sharing my content with others helps me GREATLY to keep producing quality content to share.
You can also support me through your purchases. By shopping my affiliate links, at no additional cost to you, I might earn a little extra if you click and there's a sale.
Check out my Amazon Store- shop all my favorite items from business building books and resources to tools I use in the shop, to products I use around the farm!
www.amazon.com/shop/anneofall...

[@AnneofAllTrades]

HEY! YOU! We are running a SALE for 15% off everything in my web store- merch, plans, etc. Use discount code FARMFRIEND for a 15% discount until May 27!

[@vishwanadnegi]

Please guide me to purchase this recepi or products to India

[@stuartbraithwaite1297]

Great informative video, have tried this method and is now my goto method of applying wood finish.

[@clifc6351]

I love that chair! I like the looks of the rustic angles of interest and the angles in the seat. The 2 woods really makes it sharp. And the finish shows off the craftswomanship. Thank You for sharing your knowledge.

[@user-fh7fo3pe5y]

Beautiful work!

[@jadefritz3035]

I came across this formula some years ago. Then lost it. Now, thanks to you Anne - I have it again just as I am starting on my 3' x 7' wood slab kitchen island top. Can't wait to see the results!!

[@Kkuts37]

Thank you for this recipe, Anne!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You are so welcome!

[@Grunt49]

Thank you!Love the way the wood comes alive with the finish.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Isn't that incredible?

[@kamsok6132]

Thank you for your generosity. I know that "small" tips often hide years of experience and hard work.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

it's funny how easy it is to gloss over some of the most important things! I'm trying to create some videos folks will find truly helpful during this time. If you've got any ideas, send them my way!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Beautiful exited to try it . Ty

[@FigmentsMade]

Thanks for sharing! I'm always interested in hearing about different finishes. I will have to give this a try!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Please do!

[@bcendrars1]

Thanks for the video ! I'm still a beginner, and very happy to know this recipe, i'll just replace linseed by teck oil, this is easy to apply, very rewarding

[@AB5900.]

"For forever and ever, Amen" made me chuckle. Great video!! Loved it!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hehe glad to hear it!!

[@Zerostar369]

Thanks Anne. Im looking forward to trying this with my next piece.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Wonderful!

[@jcevans16]

great video, and beautiful chair!

[@yellowmuginc]

Such a fun quick video and a new finish to try! Thank you!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed it Stu!!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Anne, thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marlawhite3682]

so very cool!!! Thanks for the new idea for the finish!!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You bet!

[@tayleanruatha]

Awesome as always Anne! Thank you 🙏🤙

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@BartNoble]

Looking forward to trying that finish. That is a gorgeous chair!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kyleclark5290]

Love the simplicity and flexibility of this method!👌 And the democratic chair is awesome. I really want to make one!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

you should! it's a really fun project!

[@fishmut]

Awesome tips there, thank you for sharing, I’ll try this combination, your chair looked slick . 👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you!

[@flyingpigpreserve8562]

Wow what a simple and easy way to finish a piece of furniture. Thank You I'm sure I'll try this. Peace Be With You ☮️

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Can't wait to hear what you use it for!

[@AlpacaMade]

Awesome, brilliant, can't thank you enough. Not only have you settled the poly vs oil argument once and for all. you've also solved the troublesome "poplar work desk" top refinishing problem. 😁👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Awesome, thank you!

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Awesome video by a awesome Lady Thanks Anne

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stallman2]

Thanks for another informative video. I'm going to try this finish on my next axe handle I make. You continue to be awesome and amazing!! Stay Safe

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bret_Lambky]

Thanks for the great video! This is a great recipe for a durable finish! I bet it’s a good indoor and outdoor finish! The poly in conjunction with the oil is a great protection!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It is!

[@ThinkB4UAct]

Thanks for the recipe , Anne , will add it to my collection of one so now I have 2 and counting 😊

[@AnneofAllTrades]

haha perfect!

[@eddiestipe2009]

You are absolutely correct, that is one of the best finish I have used. I have been using it for almost 30 years. You can not go wrong. Thank for bringing it out so others can use. Take care and be safe.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you've found it to be as wonderful as I have! And with many more years of trial and error!

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

I just slapped one without blo for wipe on poly and been using it for a bit. Great on little bird houses that we paint with tempera by our kids

[@TurboBlu4]

I will definitely have to try this. Thank you

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Please do!

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

Tried, tested and much loved recipe. Really great looking chair you've made. 👍🏽 I just finished a refurb on an old padded rocking chair, and like you say, putting the first coat on and watching the magic as the grain pops is absolutely the best stage of the build/refurb. 👌🏽

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Nice work! It really is the best part.

[@KRWoodworks]

Cool. My wife and I have been making and using this for about 30 years. I learned about it building wooded boats.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Heck yes! It’s wonderful

[@Darkotex]

Every time I watch one of your video productions I come away inspired! This one made me want to go out to my garage shop & put some finish on some wood! Keep up the great work & instruction Anne. Now on to the baby chicks video

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That makes me happy to hear! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@gophersgirl]

My woodworking teacher always made his own using pinesap and other natural ingredients, that stuff always smelled amazing!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I love that smell too!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great tip on finishing

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stonee1968]

Awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomasnewton9818]

I've used this for wood turning. I like it because it's super easy.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Heck yeah!

[@DH-ry2ho]

Really great tips!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tdkrei]

First and foremost great job on the chair. Thank you for sharing this finish I will give it a try, since I do mostly turning projects I use a similar mix, only difference is I use 2# shellac in place of the poly. It gives a very nice finish especially when you burnish it a bit. Keep on smiling.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Awesome! Thank you! I love shellac too, that's the only other finish I ever use.

[@reforzar]

Congrats on 150k! That’s a great finish👍🏻

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks brother! That’s exciting, I didn’t even notice!

[@dereklong801]

I'm a big fan of measured mason jars. They come in handy for all sorts of things around the shop.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hear hear!

[@SteveC38]

Great finishing tips Anne👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@HistoricHomePlans]

Cool! I look forward to trying this.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You should!

[@mariovillagres4983]

Nice video l like this information about everything you mixed up l like working with wood to and this is giving me more ideas. Thanks for sharing this information

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NikonBirder]

Thanks

[@calebcordell4793]

Hey there. Just used the finish in a sliding barn door someone hired me to make. It is amazing. The finish is so awesome and results are consistant in old reclaimed lumber. Thanks again. It worked so good

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is awesome! Thanks for reporting back!!

[@jackiegammon2065]

THANK YOU for sharing your furniture finish, have a couple of projects waiting to happen... but more than likely they will be fall projects. BTW! LOVE the chair!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you so much!

[@ptaylor4923]

I love walnut & red oak, too. My grandfather did a lot of work with dark walnut. I think you could use one of those plastic pour attachments that you can put on paint cans to make the varnish pour easier. 😉 Thanks again!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

ha! I probably could, perhaps after it's safe to go out again, I'll get a pour nozzle along with some gloves ;)

[@GibClark]

thanks for the tip 👍👍👍👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks for watching Gib!

[@brucehutton2089]

Good video Anne nice and simple it's been around for many years. Good point about repair. I have many furniture items I have made and any damage repair especially with children is easily repaired compared to stained furniture. Ashleigh 💖

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks Ashleigh!

[@iakkatz128]

thanks Anne. I always believe simple is best. I think this one is also one of the cheapest.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

simple and cheap rarely intersect with quality, but I think in this instance they do ;)

[@daveharrington7500]

Very good Anne. Full of very good information. But them that is what we have come to expect from your videos. It looks as though your move the Tennessee has set in and you are beginning to feel comfortable there. You are a great gal Anne and a serious inspiration to young women everywhere.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much for the support Dave!

[@unitwoodworking5403]

Easy finish always looks believable after your explanation.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you think so!

[@cabinlife2347]

Thanks for the recipe for wood finish. We have a few pieces of old wood furniture that I hope to refinish and want a finish that brings out the natural wood finish. Maureen

[@AnneofAllTrades]

awesome! I hope it works well for you.

[@joeleonetti8976]

Thanks Anne. The finish step is always the funniest part where you get to see what prior to that was only in the minds eye. My favorite wood combo is cherry and maple with walnut and maple a close second. My favorite finish is garnet shellac. For wood projects that will see more use, I will try this one.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I love those combos too!!

[@4n2earth22]

I have build some nice items from Koa, American Cherry, and Eastern Hard Maple. Kitchens and executive desks, primararly.

[@gogomogo3632]

Beautiful chair!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! 😊

[@jnpropertiesllc6051]

thank you

[@Makete100]

That chair is beautiful. I like the tool marks in the seat. Couldn't see many tool marks anywhere else, but that seat is excellent.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks! They are everywhere, but most obvious with the raking light on the end grain of the chair.

[@conradsenior5843]

I use that myself. And you are 100% correct. It is awesome for walnut. It is a bit light for white wood. I recommend a coat of stain first if you want the wood darker.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you like it! To each their own, but I don’t like to use stain- stain is really hard (almost impossible) to do really well, and after something is stained, it’s really hard to hide future repairs. I like wood to be whatever color it started and try to use finishes that bring out its natural tendencies. If I really don’t like the color, I’d be tempted to paint it rather than try to use stain to make it look like something else, because a closer look will always reveal that it’s not.

[@Hapotecario]

awesome work. was looking for ideas to stain some vintage mirror frames. thank you.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You are so welcome!

[@dickgeerling4953]

I used a similar finish for years on refinishing furniture that I "saved" from recycle, I mixed 1/3 Polyurethane, 1/3 Linseed oil and 1/3 Tung oil. Worked everytime with minimal effort. Love your videos!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you!

[@scottsmith8546]

Awesome job Anne! It is very satisfying to watch the grains pop and the end product come into full bloom. PS - Make sure to add some little cups that you can fill with a little bit of the stain/solution and set them under each of the legs, and just let them sit for a while, so the feet can soak up as much of the finish as possible, which will protect them from literally anything on the floor even standing water. It's an old trick used to waterproof old porch rockers.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s a great tip! Anything good enough for porch rockers is good for me!

[@davetarrant6888]

Thanks so much for sharing. The chair’s wood contrasts look incredible. Would you use this same recipe on a workbench top?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yes, absolutely, it's what's on my bench.

[@tandiparent1949]

Just found you Anne....I'll be trying out your finish, it's really pretty

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you!

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

good tip. That's the recipe I use too. Works well.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Sure does!

[@shopcuts6528]

Another cool video! I believe that recipe is what Sam Maloof used, or something very similar. I use that combo on a lot of my pieces and they always turn out beautiful. Really a timeless finish.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It is indeed, though I believe he finished it with a coat of hard wax.

[@matthewjamestaylor]

I love that wood combination. It provides such an amazing color contrast. I made my entire kitchen out of Red Oak (door panels and cabinet framing) and Black Walnut (door frames and drawer fronts). My counter tops are terra cotta tile and there are a lot of copper accents. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers.

[@Makete100]

That kitchen sounds fantastic. Would like to see it.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

oh man that sounds incredible! I would love to see it!!

[@matthewjamestaylor]

@@AnneofAllTradesfacebook.com/matthew.j.taylor.528/media_set/?set=a.10207649181465445 I made an album. Cheers.

[@BeaverCraftTools]

Good finish recipe! I usually use only boiled linseed oil to finish my wood carving projects.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LordDragor]

As always, good and informative. And remember to soke the rag in water and dry flat or burn the rag. Rags like that have burned down many houses. The rag is self-igniting if curled onto a ball. I keep my oily rags in an empty paint can with some water inside. Just stay safe.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

My rags go directly in the fire pit for that very reason.

[@4n2earth22]

Yep. A water bucket with a heavier-than-water "lid" that fits inside the bucket is what I use when doing projects like that. Lift the lid and drop in the rags, plastic bags, what ever has the finish on it. Close the lid. Safe.

[@judgeworks3687]

That’s a beautiful chair.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

thank you! Video coming soon!

[@patrickperson1252]

thank you Anne for the info good Morning of Brittany .

[@BossmanEight]

You're braver than I, Gunga Din! I absolutely *hate* getting finish on my hands. Hate it!

[@mysticvalleywoodworks2777]

Would recommend it for a table top. Like tv console table

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Good video Anne! Thank you for sharing it with us!💖👌👍😎JP

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks JP!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Your very welcome Anne! Have a great week!😎

[@thomashearn3141]

I first saw this finish on Pinterest. Saws on Skates site. They call it Bob’s Miracle Finish. I have used this finish and like it very much. He used the Gloss Spar Urethane, but it doesn’t come out to glossy. Love your videos.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks for that!

[@ChuckInOregon]

Excellent video! I just subscribed. FWIW, Sam Maloof popularized that finish a long time ago.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

He did, though I believe he used tung oil in his concoction, and waxed it after ;)

[@MoscaWoodworking]

best finish ever. I always use it, but I apply a coat of dewaxed shellac before as "sealer". it really pops the grains up

[@AnneofAllTrades]

There you go!!

[@mick2spic]

By “pop the grain” do you mean raise the grain? So that you don’t have to sand after the 1/3 BLO/ poly/ mineral spirits coat? Or does shellac help bring the color out of the grain? Wasn’t sure which you meant. Just looking for tips, thx

[@danielreyes-dj4nq]

Love the carpenter

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Hey back! That looks gorgeous on the wood. Another finish to add to my arsenal. Who is doing your camera work for you these days? Will we get a peek?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Jacqueline Cassell. Find her on Instagram she’s hilarious!

[@mattj1783]

That’s a great finish, we’ve been using that recipe for 30 years. It’s great because it’s very forgiving, because you just wipe it off.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s why I love it!

[@paulbrown3367]

You have my dream set up. And watching someone similar to my wife, doing the things that i want to do while watching with my wife. Is a blessing and an eye opening inspiration to her. Thank you.

[@50Acres]

Hmm I use the same thing except I do Turpentine for the Mineral Spirits. I wonder if one is better than the other?

[@mikehogan1827]

Lovely. Looking forward to trying it. I’ve been using Osmo wood wax to finish a number of projects, and I’ve been really pleased with it. I’m wondering if you’re familiar with Osmo, and how you think it compares to the finish you’ve highlighted in this video. Thanks again for all you do, Anne.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

They are completely different finishes, so tough to compare. Ease of application is about the same, cost is pretty different, osmo is $$... beyond that it’s tough to say

[@sandrarattray1202]

Hi, very helpful! Any tips for finishing pieces destined for outdoor use eg cedar table?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'd likely use a straight Polyurethane finish for things that might get wet.

[@mcarojcc]

Great 'recipe'! Wondering if you could sub tung oil for the BLO and get similar results. Thanks for all the great content.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

People often switch the mineral spirits with tung oil, Not sure what would happen if you switched the blo, but it’s probably worth a try if you like experiments ;)

[@wdtaut5650]

I never thought of combining walnut and oak. It is going to look fabulous in ten years. That's not a slam. It really will.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

i'm excited to see it age as well. I considered fuming the oak, but I loved the contrast so much I kept it as is.

[@katkilcullen3063]

Thanks Anne, can’t wait to try this! I love your setup on Squarespace. Which template are you using?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Neuvou I think? Sp?

[@kristinecarrillo1047]

Hi Anne : ). Could I possibly use this amazing finish over a stained piece? Your chair is beautiful!

[@2300Kenzie]

Good recipe. I imagine the mineral spirits help wick the viscous polyurethane into the wood more efficiently. Sometimes I use dilute lacquer to harden wood in a similar manner. If you need some very durable and weather resistant wood, I imagine osage orange (aka hedge) should be available in your area. Tough stuff, twice as hard and strong as white oak.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Osage is awesome, I've used it for a few things. I haven't been out and about much since we moved here to see what's available.

[@melissahoenigmann2458]

Thanks Anne. I can’t wait to try this. Sometimes the simplest things are the best! I have all 3 parts, but the urethane I have it water based. Do I need to purchase the oil based version?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yes definitely get the oil based one, as adding the oil to the water based one won't mix ;)

[@josamaralabao7593]

Great video, thank you very much for the knowledge. Quick question, would this work for pine floors? Thanks

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You’d want something thicker and more water resistant than this for that I’d imagine

[@josamaralabao7593]

@@AnneofAllTrades thank you for the reply, can you suggest a product? Love your work,

[@satishkaul1663]

I have seen you apply on the chair which intself is a masterpiece but I feel this polish will not further to the ambiance of the chair.I will use your recipe & then decide where it can be used.I think in less ornetted furniture.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Hope you'll hit up your local Harbor Freight for good inexpensive blue nitrile gloves soon. I've used this before and it is the most forgiving for sure and if your work area isn't totally dust free it's not a problem (unlike if you were to use that Spar Urethane pure that is a dust and bug magnet).

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I usually use medical grade gloves but considering the greater need for them currently, I’m happy to wing it for a season. I do love the forgiveness of this combo!

[@JoriDiculous]

Really like the design on the chair. Looks like you axed it out. Rough but still clean.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks 👍

[@MarcM1979]

My go to recipe. 🙂 A coat of wax afterwords and Sam is smiling down on us. To this day I regret not taking the trip to meet him when I had the chance.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

He seemed like an incredible guy! I've been down to visit his shop a couple of times.

[@camerongaul261]

Thank you for sharing this! Would tung oil work as a replacement for the linseed oil?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You can play with the ratios, but since tung oil is already one of the components, you might get in trouble. Part of the reason we like BLO in this combo is because it hardens a little better than tung, which is better at penetrating the wood.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Cool chair and recipe. I "discovered" nearly the same thing a few years ago quite by accident. A really hot day using Helmsman on an outdoor project. I could see the poly started kicking off before flowing out, not a good look. My mind immediately when to all the sanding required to fix it. So I thought why not either way I have to fix it, so I wiped the whole piece down with a rag soaked in mineral spirits and crossed my fingers. Next day it looked like glass! Not a single defect to be found. I don't really care for the full on glass poly look but in this case I was really happy to not be redoing! I'll give this recipe a try next time.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That's awesome, I love it when things work out like that

[@markengineeringSA]

awesome Video ,Seems like a finish i could even handle ;-)

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You can do it!

[@markengineeringSA]

@@AnneofAllTrades plus no cleaning of brushes ,yay 👍

[@ryanbailey112]

Going to try this today. I suspect the name brands for the mineral oil and linseed oil shouldn't matter? Love that chair design and your show!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

brand doesn't matter- quality does though, sometimes some of the cheaper ones have a lot of additives, so watch out for those.

[@tomm8188]

Hey Anne, love the channel! What do you use to finish your spoons/bowls? Thx

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Generally a beeswax/mineral oil blend