How To Choose A Wood Finish, and How To Apply

In this video I talk about my thought process for choosing a wood finish, the order of which wood finishes should be applied, compatibility of wood finishes and my favourite finishes, and what durability they give. And also how to apply them
STAINS & DYES:
Oak stain (Amazon): 250ml geni.us/4kGJbt 500ML geni.us/fBVB (US): 1 Quart geni.us/58dEv
Walnut Stain (Amazon): 500ml geni.us/wwfhf (US): geni.us/Hj5RK
SANDING SEALER:
Liberon 500ml (Amazon): geni.us/WGSon
Zinnser Sealcoat (Amazon): geni.us/nJEAH
OILS:
Boiled Linseed Oil (Amazon): 500ml geni.us/99I3 2L geni.us/urTB 5l geni.us/o57vI (US): 1 Quart geni.us/E1POA 1 Gallon geni.us/S3ocGD 5 Gallon geni.us/PRWV
Teak Oil (Amazon): 500ml geni.us/gS1siB 2L geni.us/mFnPw3 5l geni.us/RZ4o (US): 1 Quart geni.us/CWF9vl4 1 Gallon geni.us/O6nn 5 Gallon
Danish Oil (Amazon): 500ml geni.us/t9Gn 1l geni.us/DJexsQ 5l geni.us/6nBjVA0 (US): 1 Quart geni.us/yzTy 1 Gallon geni.us/lpT9BPC 5 Gallon
Mineral Oil (Amazon): 500ML geni.us/m4VFv 1l geni.us/KtT3vm 5l geni.us/jUk4gU (US): 16oz geni.us/iEeeK 1 Gallon geni.us/iwsF
SPRAY VARNISH:
Motip Spray Varnish (the one I always use) (Amazon): 500ml geni.us/thqiW 6x500ml geni.us/PHsplIw (Amazon) 11oz geni.us/t5WsC10
SPRAY LACQUER:
Plasti-kote (Amazon): 400ML geni.us/7iA8Sz
POLYURETHANE & VARNISH:
Everbuild Varnish 750ml (Amazon): geni.us/B03TkG
Blackfriar Polyurethane 250ml (Amazon): geni.us/Xedv
Minwax Polyurethane Semi Gloss 1 Quart (Amazon): geni.us/oqAAv
Minwax Polyurethane Gloss 1/2 pint (Amazon): geni.us/mu7M
HARD WAX OIL:
Osmo Polyx 0.75l (Amazon): geni.us/3E3hikF (US): geni.us/BmyUM
MY HAND-MADE OIL WAX:
KB Oil-Wax Original: etsy.me/2ot0W2I
KB Oil-Wax Food Safe: etsy.me/2wxNJJB
How I make my oil wax video: bit.ly/2ooQs4h
WAX:
Briwax Clear (Amazon): geni.us/v5ILR (US): geni.us/4FSW7
Briwax Rustic Pine (Amazon): geni.us/lMm0 (US): geni.us/jRVyQ6m
Briwax Walnut (Amazon): geni.us/MgVdkx3 (US): geni.us/wIICe7
SHELLAC:
Liberon Flakes (Amazon): geni.us/IVn0BK1 (US): geni.us/ZNtT8
Liberon Liquid (Amazon): geni.us/R7mL (US): geni.us/Nxci
ABRASIVE PAPER:
400 grit pack of 10
How to safely dispose of oil rags: www.thesilverlining.com/westb...
Thanks for watching! Please subscribe!
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
Support with KZbin channel membership: / @ragnbonebrown
Support with Patreon: / ragnbonebrown
Support with PayPal paypal.me/ragnbonebrown
MY TOOLS:
For links to the tools I use, plus some of my favourite consumables, finishes and more see links below. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.
UK affiliate store: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/ragnbon...
US affiliate store: www.amazon.com/shop/ragnboneb...
SHOP:
Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KeithBrow...
teespring.com/stores/rag-n-bo...
LINKS:
Website: www.ragnbonebrown.com
Facebook: / ragnbonebrown
Instagram: @ragnbonebrown
Twitter: / ragnbonebrown
Email: [e-mail]
Second KZbin Channel (non woodwork videos): / keefykeef

[@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

[@kamilt5410]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@thewoodworkguy1189]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@keithdavidson4723]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@paulf7094]

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

[@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

[@scarto3887]

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

[@saidalkiyumi3499]

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

[@PetiteBluebirdgirl]

Ace video! Been scratching my head about this topic for some time. Well done; excellently explained, just subscribed. ♥️♥️ Thanks a🌷🌷🌷😎😀

[@misterinostroza]

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

[@tirumalraon9982]

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

[@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.

[@sylwienzik]

Amazingly informative and super helpful!

[@veronveritas3880]

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

[@BigTubz]

Great video Keith. Keep doing what your doing.

[@patboudotlamot]

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

[@savasbolulu4551]

Underrated video about woodfinishing.

[@bibinoojen]

Very informational video! Thanks!

[@stevengpeacock1]

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

[@chrismurphy3538]

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.

[@wilsonchen4978]

Thank you so much for the detailed info!

[@belqeesmas7482]

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

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Thanks for such a educational video. Great idea.

[@abdulkkhan5095]

Very beautiful explanation.

[@danalaniz7314]

Excellent! So informative. Thanks so much.

[@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 :-)

[@niknoks7638]

Awesome tutorial.....much appreciated 👏

[@MattBerryCustom]

Very useful and informative video! Nice one Sir!

[@ksp1278]

Excellent video. Very useful info!

[@jeanbaynham8593]

brilliant very useful and no waffling !!!!

[@sabicsepregi6521]

Excellent information mate, thanks a lot!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@michaelnguyen8121]

Thanks mate. Very helpful and useful video.

[@olesyasoi]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@MissLilyStargazer]

so helpful and informative!

[@adamdearing918]

Thanks for the info Kieth! 👍👏👏

[@edwoodcon9039]

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

[@yellerbellyworkshop]

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

[@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 😊

[@PRACTICALLY_BLIND]

Really interesting and helpful.

[@randomicosahedron]

Very informative thank you

[@MahmoudMouradSidky]

Thank you for this great video

[@porshenn]

Wow, thank you for this wonderful tutorial, I appreciate that! I found many answers to my questions! Chees!

[@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!).

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Very thorough video👍👍👍

[@woodcraftsoflimerick3193]

Great video, Subscribed 👍

[@philwebb8049]

Good stuff Keith...lots of information here!

[@phunkissartisticcreations2316]

Some much great information, thanks!

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@memyselfandiperiod]

Hello Sir, thank you for this very informative video! If my pine wood countertop has a lacquered finish, does it need regular oiling? Thank you!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@jeffm5682]

Thanks good info!

[@royster3345]

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

[@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

[@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 👍

[@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

[@AndrewMcQuillen]

Good video full of information.thanks

[@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?

[@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

[@dromeiro]

Thank you.

[@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 !!!!

[@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?

[@Badgerworkshop]

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

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Matt

[@BryanSp]

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

[@barbaralonadier7773]

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

[@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.

[@yonda6281]

As always, 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

[@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!

[@ewout2211]

Well done tnx!

[@murilomatosmendonca9065]

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

[@stuartwass6672]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@atteljas]

Nice video!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@tudioslocal]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@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...