Easy Gloss Woodworking Finish

How to finish a table in a high gloss. But probably not the high gloss you are used to. More of a polished marble look, than the traditional gloss varnish or lacquer. The method I am going to show you was taught to me by Luxedge Furniture up in Canada. So big thanks to James for sharing this with me! Let me know what you think or if you have any questions for me!
Want to build your own epoxy table? Check out my epoxy table virtual workshop: workshops.blacktailstudio.com/
Related videos and blogs:
Gloss finish blog/video: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
How to make this table: • How to Make a Colored ...
Satin finish guide: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
How to sand properly: www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...
Items used in this video:
Osmo 3043: amzn.to/3iIRPFa
Osmo 3011 (3043 alternative): amzn.to/3gUUz1u
Sandpaper storage: amzn.to/2Y1qeHf
Festool sander: amzn.to/33S82n4
Festool vacuum: amzn.to/3aiMuRS
Light Stick: amzn.to/2XSLf6M
White buffing pads: amzn.to/3kBNXaB
Gem sander (w/ dust shroud): amzn.to/3kDuOVH
Gem sander (buffing only): amzn.to/3ixsspC
Stiff brush: amzn.to/3kEscah
Mesh sandpaper pack: amzn.to/3kOMPke
Bondo spreader: amzn.to/33TJXwo
blacktailstudio.com/
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[@Cipher184]

Hey Cam, I just wanted to let you know that I recently stumbled across your channel, and while I've seen river tables and the like before, something about your work, your videos, and the way you discuss and teach your methods really ignited a passion in me. I'm a quickly aging general contractor who has always loved the art of fine woodwork but who has made a living out of the rougher and more utilitarian projects like siding, framing, roofing, etc... Watching your videos though has given me inspiration and an excitement I haven't felt for years. I'm already planning on a few small starter projects to get a feel for working with deeper epoxy pours and am so looking forward to learning the craft. Thank you very much for taking the time to teach and pass your knowledge on to others. I know I'll be using your videos and blog as invaluable tools as this old dog tries to learn a new trick.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Wow, that’s so cool to hear man. Good luck!

[@freeridefox420]

same dude, best ever to let ur creation go wild.

[@jeffcarlson9306]

Hershey PA. Love the look .of the satin finish on a predominantly wood table. The gloss really makes the piece pop when you have the colored epoxy river and the blue really stands out. Like them both depending on the makeup of the table top

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Jeff!

[@darrylstromberg8207]

Kennesaw, GA. My first Osmo project was a live edge walnut bench as a trial. Everyone loves it. Osmo is my go to finish these days. Thank you for the detailed instructions on how to apply. You make us all better at the craft.

[@TiffanyNicole81]

This design with the blue is absolutely my favorite. I love this! 😍

[@MattCurney]

Cam’s handling of trolls is officially my new favorite thing

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks Matt 👊

[@sgt_retiredcharlie4102]

OMG YES! I died laughing at the Walmart Troll! Great tables!!! I like the more glossy sheen, (personal opinion) but I think it looks better, IMHO> Love your vids, just SUBBED!

[@JKNProductions]

Agreed. It is perfect.

[@stephenharrison4640]

Best thing about working from home on Zoom. You can handle your trolls without getting fired.

[@michaeldodson879]

Washington, I really like the Osmo finish. I’m going to give both a try on some segmented turning. What attracts my eye is the incredible grain pop you achieve. That’s why I love to work with wood.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks michael!

[@dominicklapola1188]

North Carolina, love the video! Working with the Osmo on some coasters i'm doing (small first epoxy project). Just finished the second coat after sanding with 600, you're right its really hard not to get discouraged when the other pieces i havent yet sanded or touched are so crystal clear! Hoping for a better look tomorrow. Thanks for the great video!

[@leelavoie6753]

Edinburg, Deep South Texas! I re-visited this video to review the color epoxy and a shiny finish. I have a request for a table like this. Thank you Cam for so many details!! I’m anxious to proceed forward with confidence. 2.27.2022

[@bwemery5]

watched every second of this and love it

[@rushipatel2282]

The video is 8 minutes long and you commented this 6 minutes ago.. something aint adding up

[@BakaWoodworker]

@@rushipatel2282 Playback speed...2x? "Warp factor 4 Scotty"

[@raymondhill3446]

Yet no City, State or Country! Hmmmm...

[@BlacktailStudio]

I appreciate that man!!

[@GabrielHakulin]

Czech Republic, Brno - the satin finish is amazing! Have you considered making a table with emerald green epoxy? Would look stunning

[@mikeg7011]

Beautiful. And thank you for taking the time to video and share your talent. I never used Osmo or Rubio before, but after watching this, I feel pretty confident. I'm going to go with the gloss Osmo as shown here. Thanks again

[@alleatwain9287]

Gloss table! Beautiful.

[@tlgraber]

Watching from Ghana! I prefer the looks of the high gloss finish, but for real life use I'd probably choose the satin finish.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Tom!

[@devillxx9612]

Lubbock TX. Could you possibly do a video about after care for these types of tables? And what to use and not use for after care

[@maleficentcop2752]

Yes I'd like to see that as well..!!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Good call!

[@melodimckeighan9303]

@@BlacktailStudio which video has the answer to this question. - you have so many!

[@jefferybartel1312]

Brownstown, MI. Thank you for the detailed directions on how to use the osmo on a table.... I've used it on little handheld projects but nothing so large that needed so many coats. Wonderful detailed work you do! Thank you.

[@leyderness3553]

They both look excellent!! Just depending upon the look you are looking for and the application. Beautiful work!!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks!

[@Tkschelle]

You convinced me to switch to Rubio, but I like how this Osmo table came out. Any chance you would eventually do a comparison of durability between the two against water rings and general wear and tear? Thanks.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I am planning on that!

[@krumpetrov5323]

​@@BlacktailStudio Bulgaria :) I have used the bloody Osmo and if there is spillage of water (not wiped immediately) the grain raises and the finish gets messed up. Don't like that Osmo one bit.........overprised.

[@aatutossavainen6930]

Nice idea!!

[@bpt006]

@@krumpetrov5323 hi .. you applying it incorrectly .. two coats brushed on and not wiped off will give you a bomb proof finish.

[@krumpetrov5323]

@@bpt006 hmm but even Osmo are showing in their videos that you should wipe it off. Never seen anyone recommend just wipe on and leave it to dry up. I have seen a top being only wiped on and then the surface is not smooth. Any videos you can suggest?

[@derekolander7933]

Houston, TX. The satin is my preference.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Agreed!

[@garyburnett7378]

Naples, Florida. They are both beautiful. I have always loved the gloss look but recently, guys like you are dragging me over to the satin side of things. Keep up the good work. I’ve been doing woodworking for 50 years including 10 years as a custom woodworking contractor but I learn so much from your videos.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Wow, thanks Gary!! So nice of you

[@stephenross1581]

England, I’m still working my way through your videos and loving every minute of it, you keep them coming and we will all keep watching and learning 👍🏻👍🏻

[@sinister19801]

Texas... I'd still love to see a break down of how you do your pricing. I think a lot of new wood workers have the issue of not know what to charge.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’ll see what I can do

[@richardtalbot9215]

@@BlacktailStudio Austin, Texas: Meet too. I developed a formula to help me triangulate on pricing but it would be nice to know what pricing strategy others are using as comparison.

[@slightlyGEEK]

Warsaw, Poland: definitely prefer the satin finish. High gloss is a bit tacky IMHO ;-)

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s fair!

[@drewt3210]

Generally, I'd agree. Easy to stray into looking plastic. Some highly figured woods would be wasted if not for French polishing, though. There's a time and place for everything.

[@michaeltrumph121]

@slightlyGEEK No way, high gloss is so much better looking.

[@penderwoodworking]

Rocky Point NC Just wanted to say you have inspired me to turn my hobby (woodworking) into at least a part-time job. There is much to be said for doing something you love. keep up the good work. Thank you

[@anthonyrobertson5287]

Anthony, UK, love the finish, I like to still feel the wood personally, totally going to use this on my first project, learning so much from you, got to say thanks.

[@IRONMANMETALBILLDANKANIS]

Historic Philly, love the osmo. How does it hold up to the water-resistant test like the one you did for the Rubio monocoat? Which do you prefer? Thanks for all your tips. God bless.

[@gregmislick1117]

I'm pretty sure that he said that the Rubio monocoat holds up better to water than the Osmo...but I don't think that Osmo was drastically worse than the Rubio.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Rubio is better. Osmo isn’t great, but looks amazing.

[@Gary-pc2uv]

The audio seems quieter than usual? Still really interesting though! Nice job!

[@nfwolfpryde]

Glad it wasn't just me. It's SUPER quiet.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I used a new audio tool. Thanks for letting me know!

[@LanceCustomWoodcraft]

Was wondering the same w/ respect to Tkschelle's comment; looking forward to a durability comparison! Going to attempt a similar office table for the wife once we relocate closer to the NC coast! Cheers, and thanks Cam for sharing your time and talent!

[@BlacktailStudio]

We’ll see how they do!

[@DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

Both tables are beautiful. That blue resin sure pops though. That's my favorite.

[@TheHamahakki]

In my eyes too much gloss makes things look cheap. Satin is way better.

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s fair!

[@jackwaldrop6350]

I love your videos but, among the negative comments, I'll have to say that some of your viewers are very petty, no fault of yours however. To the viewers that think that you talk too much, maybe they should take an advanced computer course that will teach them how to use a MUTE button.

[@RobDucharme]

This is cool. So yeah, for my first ever slab project I bought a simple 6' long by 24" wide live edge pine slab. I cut off a 24'x24" piece to practice on (I built a router table to plane it perfectly flat). That went well. However, I then added a couple coats of polyurethane to the side of the slab that would become the bottom, just to practice poly application. That turned out to be a bad move, as it caused the piece to slightly cup inward on the unfinished side. I think it was something like 3/32", which might sound like nothing but to me it wasn't cool at all. So I resurfaced the top side and finished it as well. Then I did the other 4' section of the slab. I started with the bottom, flipped it, then finished the rest of the first coat. So far, perfectly flat! Excited to get further into woodworking and learn more. Osmo is a product I've been told about so that's how I ended up here.

[@nicholaslile6283]

I’m overseas currently. And I like the higher gloss look. I can’t wait to get home and try this out!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks nick!

[@warrenwoodward9447]

Love that hi- gloss look. Great job!

[@MikeL-rb7sc]

Great video, I learned alot about the repeat coats needed with Osmo. I will be finishing a river table with 3043, I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for a great video!

[@puddle1puddle]

Lincolnshire,England,love both tables and finishes..pure quality...

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks bud!

[@scottdesart275]

I really like the osmos finish, just the right amount of sheen. Haven’t had the guts to do a pour table, but I’m warming up to the idea. You are an inspiration. Anatone Washington (very eastern Washington)

[@chrisgoodson2604]

Campbellsville, Ky. Almost finished with my first table- learning as I go!

[@southernmistii]

Cam, great video and you have shown me how to finish the top of the walnut desk I am building. Thank, you.

[@markdlacap8510]

GUAM! Ive been wanting to be a weekend warrior and make some nice tables with local slabs on Guam. GOOD WORK CAM!

[@donaldogara1289]

Thailand. Satin finish for a dining table, semi-gloss for a coffee table. Great work Cam, as always, thanks for the great information.

[@cameronpetersen5763]

Phoenix Arizona. This finish is exactly what I have been looking for, and my next table build needs it, so I am super excited to have watched this video! Thanks again for all of the amazing how-to’s, keep up the amazing work.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ya man!

[@dennisjenkins7040]

Millen, Ga. I like the high gloss myself. I'm a sucker for shiny, glossy, smooth. Now that I have found your videos, I hope I can improve my finishing and try some new stuff out. My go to is usually gloss poly as it's pretty easy and straight forward. Yep, I watched the whole thing 😁

[@BennyLigues]

Your video was great. I am in the process of making my first River Table and I am going to use your tips.Thanks for putting these videos out.

[@LewisLokitz]

Lewis lokitz CaryNC I’ve been building a 29x39 coffee table. It’s my first large project. I’m at the wood treating phase. I did the bottom first in case I made mistakes, which I did but was able to correct. This is the best video I’ve watched to get my finishing right. I’ll be building legs then place the piece in our family room. It took an enormous amount of (enjoyable) work but it appears it was worth it. Along the way I viewed tons of KZbin’s and this morning I called osmo directly to get some advice. Keep the faith.

[@brown2823]

CT, USA Thought I'd try my hand at making a small river table, but wasn't quite sure how to finish it. Thanks for the video - love the higher gloss finish, but the satin finish is pretty cool as well. Depends on the project. Huge learning curve - lots of fixable mistakes. I'm excited to try something a bit bigger. Your tips are great!!

[@Monkey_Snot]

Hello from Canada, Blacktail. Love your work, I am an amateur woodworker myself, mainly cedar furniture, but because of your videos, I'm now doing some resin tables and enjoying it, thank you for you insightful videos, keep up the good work.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks for saying so!

[@gordroberts53]

British Columbia, Canada. I like the gloss finish better and I like this particular gloss finish much better than any of the alternatives I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing

[@timloney2251]

Olaton, KY. I love the polished look, very unique and not plastic looking. I’ll have to give it a try on a test piece. Both tables are beautiful in appearance and craftsmanship!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Tim!

[@AlexMartin-dx4bp]

UK - definitely Satin, also top recommendation for the sand paper storage! Got mine all sorted and freed up a shelf

[@BlacktailStudio]

Enjoy!

[@skipflorey2511]

Watched from California...I like the polished look on the right. Also this video is perfectly timed since I’m assembling a 3-in-1 bed for a grandchild due in Sept. I starter with 1 coat of 1101 (pre-assembly) and will move onto the 3043 Thanks for great videos👍.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Perfect 👌👌

[@hughmcglynn1877]

Wexford, Ireland. The tip for not handling the osmo workpiece just saved me a huge headache so thank you in advance for that. Have to go with the High Gloss Finish it looks amazing. Love the skill and craftsmanship you put into your work and every piece. Appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos they've helped me a lot with getting ready to build some pieces with Epoxy. Many thanks

[@BlacktailStudio]

My pleasure Hugh

[@rocnred]

San Diego, CA loves both finishes. My wife and I flip between a Rubio Monocoat and an Osmo finish for a desktop table and an entertainment center we are building thanks to you. Maybe one of each?

[@alanpfahler1707]

Very inspiring video. Thanks from Al in Ohio.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Princeton, NJ - Love them both. The big one as a board room/meeting table, and the smaller as a museum fender table, or museum piece. I tried Osmo for first time, but I used it like a danish oil and let dry. In the future, when I get a Ryobi 18v buffer, I will test out both products.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Good call!

[@EvaderGuy]

Dry nice finish. It works well with the grain and river. I like the “islands” in the river.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks David!

[@travisg1759]

Excellent! Well done and thank you for your time. I think the sheen depends one two things: Taste and Use.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Good call

[@adrianrouse3619]

Last weeks project with the satin finish but the high polished table looks amazing.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Adrian!

[@adamclay2284]

Can’t pick between the they are both stunning

[@pdxrealestatebabe]

I love your instructional videos like this!

[@andrewalvey7033]

Houston, Texas. I just have to say I truly enjoy all of your videos. I am currently building my own river epoxy table (I have no wood working experience) and I've watched all of your videos and feel like I can tackle this. I'm going to pour the epoxy next week and just ordered some Osmo 3043 for the finish. I have watched this video in particular at least a dozen times to be ready for the finish!

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s awesome!

[@SuperskillsCoUkTraining]

UK Outstanding finishing skills, explained in an easy to understand manner. Thanks!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks bud!

[@BrianD3468]

Florida here. Both of the tables look amazing.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks brian!

[@TheDrewdaddy44]

Awesome video! Amazing results! Thank you

[@mikekorzelius6275]

Beautiful - High Gloss definitively - Charlotte, NC , US

[@sawdust7929]

This is an awesome video, thank you! I like to put screws in the threaded inserts while applying finish. Then when flipped over, the screws keep a nice gap for the finish to continue to dry!

[@snarfersaxe]

Las Vegas. Thank for sharing your knowledge and tips

[@BlacktailStudio]

For sure rob

[@daryletaylor2590]

(LA) I'm looking to refinish a long skate board for my grand daughter your techniques will be helpful.

[@ahujeffrey]

Perfection! Love it. Thanks 😊

[@elizabethroberts244]

Thank you, this is one of the best videos with links I have come across.

[@artsymarxist]

i love the blue epoxy so much! would love to see more of these colored epoxy pieces. The black always looks amazing too of course tho.

[@thomasgroth430]

Cincy - Respect on both. I think both look great, personally prefer the satin finish

[@margaretbrudzinski5411]

Maplewood Minnesota. Both finishes are great. Just depends on what you’re looking for. I absolutely love the smaller blue river table! You do beautiful work.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Margaret!

[@Haasepko]

holy shit, I have literally searched for a video about the finishing for a week now. Struggling with my first epoxy table which is half colored and half clear pour, so the finish is extremely crucial. Thanks so much for making this video! Helps out a lot, since everyone is just showing the pouring process and then switches to the finished product! Keep up the good work!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Ya man!

[@biddy6785]

I prefer the satin top with dark epoxy. Understand that others prefer high gloss finishes, but they don’t look at all natural. Most all my indoor finishes are done with walnut oil. It is a drying oil and polymerizes for a natural look. Love your work and the time you take to explain the process as well as any mistakes you make along the way.

[@ijqd]

Caguas, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷! Always enjoy your videos!!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Ivan!

[@sidenek5950]

Amazing video. It’s very detail

[@adriandraia]

Timișoara, România. I appreciate very much your work and i love the finished products. Them look so wonderful.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks! And I have a lot of Romania comments already, who knew?!

[@paulcantrell1615]

You sir are an artist. This makes me want to get into building these things.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks paul!

[@tomburns7544]

Hi, Cam. Beautiful work. As for the type of finish I prefer, I do like the higher gloss. I like it better than the ultra-high gloss of epoxy, even. But I also suppose it depends on what colour the wood is and the other things in the room the piece is in, too. But overall, yeah. The high gloss. Also, I am getting such a kick out of the responses to trolls at the end of each video. Done with just the right amount of sass. Well done!

[@WTR385]

Hi Cam I know I'm commenting on an old video you've uploaded. I'm Steph I'm 52 and I'm autistic and I don't make gorgeous tables like you inwhich I wish I did I watched this procice video some days ago and I've ordered your buffing wax oil from the states the exact one including the exact colour and size yes it's cost a heap but I've just started restoring solid wood xtra large boxes and have studied your ways you've taught in your videos I'm no professional like you this I've discovered that it calms my condition as I also suffer mental health issues I wish I could hug you from the UK I've bought the buffer too and the sponge and have used your teachings to get the finest results like you when you have sanded and oiled and repeated along with using your lamp light which I'm using too I'm channeling my mental energy that I have huge amounts of and now im sleeping better and feel more positive about myself through what you've told your followers thankyou Cam from Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom xxx plz keep up your great work

[@olgaduckworth]

Love your videos they are really helping me progress thank you! Also my preference is the Matt finish, take care xo

[@usaamahhassen2975]

I'm watching from South Africa... Thanks alot for the video on gloss.. Waiting for this one... Thanks alot.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks!!

[@benlogan2622]

Sunshine Coast Australia 🇦🇺 I love both dif finish for dif applications

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Ben!

[@paulc.fisher7574]

Thanks for the video. You mentioned that it may be necessary to sand the underside because of the marks left on it by the cloth on your table when you turn it over. I was able to avoid this by temporarily inserting some 3 inch bolts into the four corner-most threaded inserts I installed for attaching c-channels and legs. When I carefully turned the table over it was sitting above the surface by about 2½ to 3 inches preventing contacts with the padding I had on the table.

[@gregpentz6447]

Rossville ga. Loved the side by side comparison.

[@pauljensen7518]

mankato mn. Hi Cam! wonderful video. I have been building live edge tables for over 20 yrs, and I really appreciate your info! thanks.

[@simonwilmshurst2382]

New Zealand, I'm loving using the Osmo

[@guybrown1865]

Watched from Ontario, Canada. Your work is beautiful!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks guy!

[@mrdowning89]

Dallas, TX. That high gloss finish is really nice! Great tips in this vid. I’m going to try using these procucts on my next project.

[@TheHMSBros]

Great to see process videos, it's always good to learn more. I'm personally not a fan of gloss in many things (finishes, paints or stone) so it'd be satin or matte for me

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’m with ya

[@wilbearworks]

Lincolnshire UK. Great help thanks

[@alcolyles4503]

Western Pa here. Coincidentally recently made a table nearly identical to that one, walnut with practically the same blue river. Sadly not nearly the same gloss. Looks like I have some work to do. Great work sir!!

[@lalosandoval2347]

Watching from Mexico and as always awesome work, thanks for sharing

[@fnordeon1013]

South Eastern Sweden, Hi Cam. In my humble opinion, choosing a finish is all about how a finish complements the table as a whole. And matching the interior of course. The gloss finish definately made a beautiful finish on the black table. But, going with the Osmo matt finish on the blue table, was definately the way to go there. It simply made it stand out, in a way that I dont think a gloss finish would. At the same time, I can certainly see a matt finish work beautifully on the black table. I generally prefer a matt finish, I think that always complements the product best as a whole. But that is just MHO. Great work as always!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks for that!

[@vincentlehmann646]

both interesting and nice, thanks for showing !

[@dartru]

Beautiful work.

[@tunjimike]

From Nigeria, u did a good job on the finishing

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks bud!

[@LouAdzima]

Great project! Love it. Working on my first Small table.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Lou!

[@USApatriotDerek]

Benton Maine USA Thanks for the finishing tips, nice work!

[@ResinWoods]

Love them both! 💕