How To Choose A Wood Finish, and How To Apply

[@antony735]

You don't mess about. No waffle. No long winded introductions. Superb! "Don't bury a good thought with a multitude of words." Love the way you add details so we can pause for the tech specs, plus handy links to look at products. I've subscribed and will be watching... Cheers

[@haxificality]

I'm struggling between learning and sleeping. But great info though, will watch it again with coffee. Definitely a good starting point for starting woodworkers.

[@saidalkiyumi3499]

Great. Mr Brown gave significant information about the wood finish materials and the technique in a single video.

[@tanyelitaze3526]

This video saved my day, I was lost in a wood finish rabbit warren! Thank you for making such a clear, comprehensive and concise video.

[@andycorb]

Just what I was looking for. A UK wood finishes video! Thanks for such an easy to follow guide. That has made my life so much easier for selecting the right finsh.

[@scarto3887]

Easily the most informative and to the point no BS video on You Tube.Thanks for sharing your craft Sir. A gazillion likes :-)

[@zabekaca8916]

I just nee to say THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I am doing huge diy reform of my house and there are so many detail things I don't know and now watching your videos so many questions i have got answered! Thank you!

[@kamilt5410]

Great job! Almost everything what you need to know about wood finish in one place. Well done! Saved for the future projects.

[@misterinostroza]

Just perfect for non-native speakers. Really informative. Greetings from Chile!

[@kittysterranart3266]

I started tinkering in woodworking in a middle school shop class. But didn't fully grasp everything but enjoyed the experience. A couple decades later, I am looking to get my hands on woodworking again. Naturally I have many questions. This really helps. Because I wasn't even sure the difference in the "finishes", how to apply them, and if you could use multiple finishes to get a really nice look and durability. I am looking to start small, get a hang of woodworking on smaller project like shelves or small tables or small boxes before I get to one of my ultimate goals of working with epoxy resin to do resin river tables. I definitely subscribed. I will be watching this more an more.

[@jamika2118]

My teacher mentioned this video in an example page for coursework, I'm glad I checked it out because it had practically everything i need for my page on wood finishes. Thanks

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@edwoodcon9039]

So much needed video.thanks for sharing. What to do to stop furniture from spliting?? Waiting for your reply

[@dianadietz]

I recently purchased a Glowforge laser printer (cutter) and was exploring the idea of creating jewelry made of exotic woods. After watching dozens of woodworking KZbin videos I ran across yours... thank goodness!! I was about to give up on the myriad of time-consuming ways to finish hardwoods and you completely simplified the subject. Thanks so much for sharing all that information in such a straight-forward and organized manner. You have a LIKE and a new subscriber across the pond. Cheers!

[@thewoodworkguy1189]

Once again a clear and concise educational video. Everything that you need to know about wood finishes.

[@Mr2at]

This is the type of video I've been looking for; for ages. This will be a reference video i will keep coming back to. Great effort, thanks.

[@KCS_]

Planning on a workbench build , this video is very helpful , surprised that you don't have more subs because you definitely deserve more subs

[@dddmmm21]

I struggle with the actual definition of "varnish"... I always understood it as generic and broad definition for a topcoat, like Polyurethane is one type of varnish and most varnishes are pretty much poly or variations of it... If not the case, not clear what a varnish is.

[@royster3345]

Got into wax finishes, experimenting with briwax with a hard floor wax as a final coat to give more protection.

[@keithdavidson4723]

This is such a useful and comprehensive guide to wood finishes, when and why. Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@vincebaker3384]

This was an absolutely great video in my opinion I really liked all the detail you put into it. I am going to save this video and use it as reference for finishing future projects thank you so much.

[@louistangmusic]

Everything I needed to know in one video. I love u man. I started sweating while I’m B and Q not knowing what all those products are meant to do

[@belqeesmas7482]

The best and the most useful video on finishing ever seen by me thanks for explanation.

[@sustrasbk]

Great and very useful video! A lot of the products that American woodworkers talk about seem to be unavailable or have different names in the UK

[@murilomatosmendonca9065]

All the questions I had are now answered in one video. That was a thorough, excellent class, really. Thank you!

[@srs1166]

Very very good presentation. Great advise and straight to the point. PLEASE MAY I ASK YOU? I HAVE TREATED POLES THAT LOOKS GREEN BECAUSE OF THE TREATMENT. I WANT TO APPLY A DARK VARNISH TO IT BUT THE GREEN SHOWS TO MUCH. CAN I USE A CLEAR STAIN TO REDUCE THAT GREEN LOOK AND THEN VARNISH?

[@jasonellis3379]

Thanks Keith, was looking for more info on finishes for my carving knives handles and other small projects. Now an informed decision has been made, BLO and wax. Thanks again, a loyal sub from Canada.

[@manithaariyathilaka5182]

Hello, I live in Sulfolk and was just wondering where I can buy hardwood boards which have been dried to make furniture around Norfolk/Sulfolk area?

[@uktony1525]

A really useful video. As someone who makes furniture from pallet wood I find that Van Dyke crystals make a really good stain which is infinitely changeable based upon the dilution rate with water. Denibbing after with steel wool then using a couple of coats of dilute varnish then wax produces a really nice finish if applying the wax with 0000 steel wool. Almost idiot proof (useful for me!).

[@AtomicReverend]

How do you not have more subscribers? Every video I have watched of yours has been very informative. On that note do some more restoration videos, they are how I discovered your channel as a lover of mid century modern furniture and being cheap I tend to find or buy beat up furniture and restore it or make it your videos have inspired me more then once.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you! There will be more...

[@abdulkkhan5095]

Very beautiful explanation.

[@savasbolulu4551]

Underrated video about woodfinishing.

[@alancarlyon3928]

Hi, great detail given! Can you give some information in sealing tree wood? I am creating rustic garden coffee tables as a hobby now that I have retired and the videos on KZbin are mostly American or some other country, resulting in me not being able to purchase the sealants products they use, ones that I can purchase are very expensive! I am sure your information on this subject will help a lot of watchers who are doing outdoor rustic furniture like myself! Cheers!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I don’t have much experience with exterior finishes but I think any exterior finish would require regular maintenance and topping up for it to last. I tend to rely on either Teak Oil or spar/marine varnish for exterior

[@adtymryd6295]

Can't wait to comduct some testing of my own using these infos, thank you very much for sharing Also, nice pace and editing there. Simple, straightforward. Just the kind of my quality content 😊

[@audripp]

I have a dark sideboard that has a highly polished finish (lacquered? Polished) it has had some wear and tear to it. It has had a water spill at some point and the surface has cracked just a little in places, but want to restore it to a nice smooth finish again, would shellac be my weapon of choice? - thank you for your video it was really informative 👏 You are bookmarked, lol

[@wilsonchen4978]

Thank you so much for the detailed info!

[@andljoy]

I dont make may things , but when i do i use the method i learned from you when you did your older table. Danish oil with wax over it. Never fails me . Sure its not has hard wearing as varnish , but its good enough for me and i love the feel of it. Never did like the feel of varnish. I sometimes sand the oil in , this can fill in any tiny scratches on the surface of the wood and makes it feel amazing! But you have given me an idea! Danish oil mixed with brixwax !!!!

[@1806StoneHouse]

I'm looking for a finish for my salvaged Pine floors.. we're looking at using linseed oil.. we know it will scratch.. but, we like the idea of a more natural finish.. what can we do to make sure its as durable as possible?

[@BryanSp]

Hi there. Fantastic video. Quick question. What would you recommend for an solid iroko worktop? Thank you.

[@paultay23]

Nice one Keith, very timely for me... Loads of useful info, i have just about finished making a solid oak bespoke side table, drawer, magazine rack thingy for the missus. I now have to decide what finish to use, either my go to Danish Oil finish or the increasingly popular Osmo or hard wax oil. or get onto Etsy to get some of your product... Cheers Paul 👍

[@veronveritas3880]

This was the most helpful video I could find. Thanks!

[@michaeljohn8397]

I am filling the cracks in a piece of burl timber with resin and then was going to finish the wood with a lacquer and was wondering if you can lacquer over the resin

[@bibinoojen]

Very informational video! Thanks!

[@terilachonce280]

refinishing an exterior weathered door that will remain hanging. Does this sound right: Strip, sand lightly, stain, .... can I then spray lacquer, light sand, second spray lacquer? I've never used a spray, always brushed the varnish/poly but with so many edges and etc on these doors and sun (side) windows I'm considering the spray.

[@st1mp0]

I recently purchased some oak, Ash and beech wood planks which I intend to use for shelves. My question is.. I want to keep the bark on the shelves for as long as possible. Would I need to apply anything I to the bark to make it stronger? And do I also apply the oils to the barks? Will be following your advice from this video. Earned yourself a like and a sub. Thank you :)

[@markthompson8511]

Hi very informative vid I have several pine doors that have been stripped the problem I have is they have all bowed any ideas how I can save them ? Thx Mark

[@pagie__]

Great video! Got a quick question for you, though not entirely related to this video. I'm looking to stain a reclaimed timber table. European/UK softwood (bought from RCC Furniture). Should I use a pre-stain conditioner between sanding and staining to prevent blotching/streaking when applying the stain? Asked on a few woodworking forums, with no reply. Any help would be massively appreciated!

[@miguelalves9099]

Hi, great video. What do you think is the best finish to place on a bed frame and that keeps the original raw wood color? Thank you

[@jronmorgan]

What finish would be best for a desktop that comes in contact with skin (forearms) for extended periods of time? My current desk has a very hard, white, paint-like finish.. This sticks to the skin on warm days and can be very uncomfortable. What kind of finish might be breathable and not irritate skin? I plan to stain before finishing. I am not really concerned about toughness of the finish.

[@jeanbaynham8593]

brilliant very useful and no waffling !!!!

[@stevengpeacock1]

Really useful thanks. Informative, “no fuss” delivery.

[@fixitmakeit72]

Great video. I have just treated an english white oak beam with boiled linseed oil and after 3 days its dried way to dark. I obviously didn't sand it enough prior and would like to use acetone to remove the oil before i go back to the sander and start again. Would acetone do the trick and break the linseed oil down so i can wipe it off?

[@Zoo_pickles]

Whew! That was a lot ..... I feel like I just graduated! Lol Thank you soo much for sharing very, useful, informative and educational. I have so many videos in my library that I can now delete. This will be my go to video!

[@albertravn]

Great video and channel. So happy I found you. I am currently building a new kitchen with my woodworker-friend, and we are looking for the right finishes for my kitchen counter. It's plywood of the type "far eastern", and it has slightly red tint. Therefore we've applied black powdered stain mixed in water to make the counter look solid black, while still keeping the wood texture visible. Now we're looking for the right finish to seal the stain, and we're keen on using danish oil or tonkin lacquer, but we are not sure if we'll be able to mix the water based stain (even though it's completely dried out) with oil based finishes. We also are not sure if they are food safe, and if they will seal the stain properly. Do you have any suggestions for us?

[@debbieminkus2566]

Hi ! Can you put wax on a stained wood piece? Or does there have to be coated with poly first ? Thank you

[@alasdairmackenzie515]

Great stuff, Keith!I've just been experimenting with dye... A wee cabinet with figured Ash doors. Decided to dye some Meranti (I think) for the frame and used some ebony spirit dye and put on two coats of Osmo. It's a brilliant finish! Has a real feel of Ebony - cool to the touch and very smooth, if you see what I mean. I've used Osmo before. It is expensive but a little goes a very long way and it is a fantastic finish.Onwards and upwards! and have a great weekend!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks! I’d love to try it some day

[@barbaralonadier7773]

I have a poplar arch and wondering what color stain I can use just to give it a hint of burgundy. Thank you

[@estebandelatrinidad9241]

Ey brother i recently sprayed some entertainment units here in California and it’s really a pain in the butt.i sprayed modern master gloss poly I used some lvlp gun for it

[@birdman6813]

I'm trying to refurb a pine dining table. I've sanded down and was going to finish with 2 coats of boiled linseed oil. Will that be enough to protect it or do I need to use something else? Will the linseed dry totally or leave a oily surface? Any help would be appreciated please...

[@auntbusy3899]

Hi, thanks for your video. I’m trying to re purpose a shelving system to use out doors in my backyard. Besides paint, I’m using vinyl wallpaper, for the sides and back of the shelving system. The wood is some sort particle board. What should I use to seal it, and protect it from the Florida sun and rain? Will sealers adhere to the vinyl? Should I use a water based polyurethane first over the paint to seal the wood, and then apply the vinyl wallpaper? Will the wallpaper stick to the sealer? I also would rather have a matte finish, but don’t even know if any of this is possible. This is my first project.....so I am a bit lost. Any help would be appreciated.

[@Lalapril_66]

Great video! I really like the Boiled linseed oil finish. and what finish would you suggest for Windows?Or should I go for Danish oil?

[@hansdegroot8549]

Great video. Very informative. Lots of information at once. I'll watch some parts with the written information again. How can you see if linseed oil is boiled or not? I have som linseed oil but there's no info about that on the can. In the past I used that linseed oil a lot. After that I applied some oil based lacquer which gave the pine wood a "golden" color. Unfortunately, I forgot which lacquer that was. Is there any way to find that out?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’m not sure how to tell 🤔

[@stuartwass6672]

Hello, Any tips on applying a bloody finish to really absorbent woods like spalted beech etc ? They just suck it up. Stu

[@andymarriott8150]

Brilliant and informative video Keith, I have recently completed a small project that I wish I had taken the time to record on my phone as I'm looking forwards to creating You tube content. The project was made from recycled wood and i discovered upon adding boiled linseed oil that the wood although sourced from the same derelict Jack and Jill seat was infact two very different types of wood one of I think for this content is beech and the other i'm unsure of the result being that when I added the boiled Linseed oil the wood I now suspect is Beech took on the same sheen and wood grain as the beech in your video whilst the other was totally different and held no bright sheen at all obviously had I know it was two very different types of wood i would if like the manufacturer of it as Jack and Jill chair would of given it a painted coat of wood colouring and varnish

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’ve seen similar things before, ie two different types of wood and one of them stained to resemble the other

[@darrenpaulgreen]

Great video Keith, loads of info there 😃. I've had good success with hard wax oil on hardwoods such as doors and also on burnt wood (I picked some up from a salvage yard that's come up beautifully and forms the window ledge and central million in my bathroom. Not used the Osmosis yet, but keen to give it a go on a project soon. They are expensive in comparison to other finishes, but what I would say is they do go along way (same 750ml pot did 2 coats on a door and my window ledge project).

[@sarawilkins9802]

Hi, my husband is cladding our pub shed in western red cedar and all the picture we see of this the wood is always rich in colour and very glossy . What are they using to get this finish?. Thanks

[@richardsalvage1237]

Hi. I want to apply a wood dye to Pine. Is the Liberon Sanding Sealer OK? It says it is only for Wax? Thanks (PS ... Like the T shirts!)

[@morseamarni7431]

Do Denish oil gives enought protection like lacquer even its applied for several layeres... thanks❣

[@charlesarnold4963]

A very nice explanation of the various types of finishes. Well done. I have made a drawer from melamine faced chipboard. The bottom is MDF. What finish would you recommend for MDF that will seal the surface and provide a smooth surface and be durable?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Polyurethane or varnish if you want to seal it

[@charlesarnold4963]

Rag 'n' Bone Brown many thanks.

[@JoeandRagsSmith]

i am interested in getting some of the clear wood finish, but I can't see on here how to order it.

[@yellerbellyworkshop]

Very informative. Thank you. Keep up the good work.👍

[@mariah4451]

That was so so interesting and useful. Thanks for taking the time to prepare and share your knowledge. I'll be saving this video to my favourites so I can quickly refer back to it when needed :-)

[@lanceflanagan]

May i ask a bit of a lengthy question... I'm new to wood turning and i've been experiencing with woods and finishes. I've recently found a nice piece of what i think is dead standing cherry which i've turned into a mug shape. The wood is bordering on punky but its got lovely spalted effect running through it. I've stained it with a strong coffee mix and when it dries i'd like to apply some sort of finish that will protect it but not ruin the natural pitted feel. Any suggestions on what i should use? thanks

[@accessfm]

Excellent video - have bookmarked/saved to a playlist as it was a great explanation of what to use. I would love to see you build an arcade machine (full size or bartop) from scratch. you could even collaborate with a tech youtuber to put a raspberry pi and run retropie on it for the games. Excellent work mate.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’m actually working on a coin pusher at the moment funnily enough. I’ve also made an arcade machine but it wasn’t filmed unfortunately

[@Sundardevsaha-e3k]

Thanks so much for doing this. It's been really helpful to me as I make shoe racks for my wife and I. I'm going with an oil based lacquer.

[@Badgerworkshop]

Very interesting. There is a lot to learn about finishing.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Matt

[@AntonyCrawley]

Hi Rag 'n' bone.....loved this video, some great great tips and ideas. I have a little question. I am planning on cladding a wall with pallet wood, I love the rusticness, and I was planning on using paint to create different effects. Should I still use oil or can I go straight for the paint? It will be an internal wall in a coldish porch, which i will be putting insulation behind. Great channel and great vids, giving me some great ideas and also a nice time to while away those long evening during the summer. Thank you.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’d go straight for paint. If you look up my green rustic coat rack with shelf build I show a technique for the paint if it helps

[@tudioslocal]

I'm trying to treat the handle of my machete, I'm gonna try these. Good idea? Any suggestion?

[@tirumalraon9982]

Excellent Video. A lot efforts in making this mate, very useful. thank you.

[@dddmmm21]

Great video!! Really needed this... Very basic question please, how do you clean the sanding dust in between coats (of anything)? Simple wet rag or something more complex like mineral spirits? Thanks

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I brush it off if dry sanding, wipe it off of wet sanding

[@mofared]

i have painted my door with a wood stain but it is an alkyd base not a water or oil based. Does brushing lacquer go well with it?

[@jayburton221]

Hi, very informative video, thank you. I have sanded my hall floorboards and they now a very light pine colour. I like the sound of an oil finish in your video. Would boiled linseed deepen the colour? Also it will be getting a lot of footfall. Did you try any of the hard wax oils? There are so many choices to choose from. I would like the end result to be hard wearing, with a matt or satin finish, warm and golden. Sorry for all the questions. I'm decorating my hall next week, so need to decide on a product asap. Thank you and have a lovely day :)

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Yes any oil will darken and amber the colour. Hard wax oil is a good choice for flooring

[@nimuehhhh]

I plan on using a paint wash on my piece can i still use these finishes?

[@paulf7094]

Another great video, just what I've been looking for.

[@BigTubz]

Great video Keith. Keep doing what your doing.

[@michaelnguyen8121]

Thanks mate. Very helpful and useful video.

[@coombiesash]

Great video. What does "pop the grain" mean?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Bring it out, nourish it and make it look good 👍

[@pauldargon1218]

Hello Keith, I am currently making a rustic workbench for my garage. I am using reclaimed timber for the base and reclaimed scaffold boards for the top. I want the finish to be natural/honest but hard wearing, what would you recommend? Thank you for all the good tips by the way, your channel is much appreciated.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Water based varnish or polyurethane would do the job nicely

[@dazturner2390]

Hi Keith. Struggling to find any water based polyurethane in the UK. Any advice would be appreciated. Great, informative video by the way. Cheers

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I tend to just use waterbased varnish, it does a great job and is hardwearing

[@dazturner2390]

Rag 'n' Bone Brown thanks mate. Appreciate you taking time out to reply.

[@adamdearing918]

Thanks for the info Kieth! 👍👏👏

[@scottmclean6301]

Hy Keith, iv acquired some gorgeous mini logs, iv sanded by hand and I can see the grain will look outstanding once iv applied a finish. I don't want to darken the wood just make the grain pop. I'm possibly making candle holders. Any suggestions? Iv seen some finish which stay fairly light but the different shades an natural defects came out. Teak seems to be good but does seem to darken the wood a lot.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Any oil will darken and change the colour of the wood, there’s not much difference between how different oils look in my experience. If you want to retain the natural look I would go with clear wax like Briwax or water based varnish or polyurethane

[@scottmclean6301]

@@RagnBoneBrown thank you

[@RichardMartin]

Very informative. I like using Briwax for most of my builds but I’m experimenting with oils. Your video was very helpful, thanks Keith.

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Thanks for such a educational video. Great idea.

[@olesyasoi]

Thank you, that was very clear and concise and will help me with my projects. Subscribed to your channel :)

[@kaylamcdiarmid974]

Loved this video! I’m planning on staining some bits of pine with dark oak to make a farmhouse style coffee table however I have no idea what brand is good or not? Would you recommend Everbuild stain? Thanks 😁

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I’ve had good results with a lot of everbuild stuff. I wouldn’t worry too much about brands personally 👍

[@djcr9166]

The everbuild varnish that you use is the same stuff I have. But is it actually a varnish or a polyurethane? It's water based so isn't technically a varnish? I only ask as I often get confused with finishing terms, and was drawn to this video after buying a water based 'lacquer' for use to seal chalk paint! (Which in my mind is a poly???!) Anyway, love your videos and in particular your use of recycled/repurposed materials. Keep up the great work!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I don’t know but to be honest I don’t think it matters, they’re both really hardwearing! I don’t think polyurethane is easy to come by in the UK for some reason but maybe you’re right and they just call it varnish

[@Saladzingers]

Very helpful, thanks! Do you have any experience combining dye and wax in terms of colour? Nearly finished a reclaimed pine bench but want it to fit my living room so needs to be a medium/dark oak tone. Don’t know whether to try and do half the colour “work” with dye and half with Briwax, or to try and get it dyed just right and use a lighter/neutral wax, or if it’ll need dark versions of both!

[@saz123ful]

Thank you for your video!! What oil would you recommend for a speaker made with birch plywood? I want to darken the color a bit.

[@smietniknautube]

Hi. I can't find dark walnut quality internal doors so I came up with idea to buy oak veneer doors and change color to dark. Is it good idea? Possible? I wish to have dark chocolate colour of doors and I don't know what to use. What would you recommend? Can you help?

[@patboudotlamot]

aaah enfin des informations claires que j'espérais depuis longtemps ! un grand merci

[@pettyx008]

What are the steps to a matt finish wood ?