How To Finish A Live Edge Slab | Tips & Tricks

My first edition of how I finish live edge slabs! We use Rubio Monocoat and apply a beautiful and easy finish.
Check out our updated version! - How To Finish A Live Edge Slab 2.0
• How To Finish Live Edg...
- Rubio monocoat - bit.ly/JM_Rubio2021
- Rubio Cleaner - bit.ly/JM_Rubio2021
- Brush Sander - geni.us/JM_BrushSander
- Soft Wire Wheel - geni.us/JM_SoftWireWheel
- Festool Rotex - geni.us/JM_Rotex150
- Tack Cloth - geni.us/JM_TackCloth
#Woodworking #LiveEdgeSlab #RubioMonocoat

[@MontanaBallistics]

I live in Montana, I find the right tree, cut it down and mill out the slabs myself. Then I dry them in my kiln. Once dry (to about 7% moisture content) I build either tables or entryway benches with them. I alone from felled tree to finished product am the only one to handle the pieces. Maybe I should start a KZbin channel...

[@markp.9707]

Michael Skaggs i agree you should! I plan to do the same thing with the property I bought in the Bradshaw Mountains of AZ with a bunch of oak and Ponderosa pines over 100’

[@ryanlawrence9010]

Maybe you should re plant trees?

[@frankkreyssig7626]

Love the West system been using in boat building for over 30 years. I prefer using their black graphite as opposed to black pigment. Great looking table!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Love that tip about filling from the underside first. Hadn't seen that before but makes sense to save some material. Nice vid, bro

[@John_Malecki]

Thanks dude, glad you dig it

[@jimrossler6644]

@@John_Malecki Hey, Nice tip, how deep do you recommand to fill with a 2.5" table, maybe half that?, Thanks...

[@strob6946]

But how do you turn a huge slab up^side down when you are alone? ;)

[@justinespinosa7878]

Rookie here: couldn’t you just tape the bottom side and fill from the top?

[@JackmanWorks]

Looking great man! Agreed the black tint is spot on

[@John_Malecki]

Yea I’m a fan ! Thanks bud

[@wenzrzou124]

@@John_Malecki amazing slabs of Saman woods.

[@mohdfirdaus3055]

That raintree?

[@robertearley2450]

Thank you for helping me achieve a beautiful live edge walnut slab dining table.

[@vincepresto759]

Black is a good choice for sure, LOVIT ! Thx’s for sharing and for watching your others too come !

[@John_Malecki]

awesome! thanks Vince!

[@greezyxl9862]

John I love your videos! I started my own carpentry company last week after finding a passion for wood working. Your videos have been a god sent for tips and tricks! Keep it up my man.

[@mrdanielhendricks]

hows the company going?

[@ryanlawrence9010]

​@@mrdanielhendricksafter a week?

[@TheAverageCraftsman]

Good video, John. I've got some slabs that are drying so this is very relevant content for me! Looking forward to the next one.

[@John_Malecki]

Glad you enojy. Crush those next projects!

[@dottyjyoung]

Same. We have a back yard full of red oak, & a shed full of sycamore & walnut. I can't wait to sink my teeth into these.

[@jackvai2681]

beautiful...i could spend every day of my life doing this ...and never get bored... watching wood come to life.

[@John_Malecki]

yea slab work is a ton of fun !

[@DonsWoodies]

Love Rubio. That stuff leaves an amazing look to hardwood. Don't go to dinner and forget to wipe it off. Ask me how I know. :-( Beautiful tabletop, John. Thanks for showing the process.

[@MrBAchompBAchomp]

Dude that's an amazing table! Super jealous. I like to use a medium Danish oil for color and a hand rubbed gel poly on my slabs. Thia video has inspired me to try out the finish you recommend

[@ZacJones]

Informative video man, love it! I'm digging that finish too, about time I build me a live edge desk!

[@John_Malecki]

Boom! get on it!

[@sylviaknutcecily]

Very nice! Great vid, no extra fluff, and all the commercial stuff is at the end. Great job!

[@mr.dragon3513]

I watched your video and liked it alot. I'm going to try out that coating process you are using. So far I've been using a low voc flooring urethane and applying it with a lambs wool pad to get even coverage. Usually up to three coats while buffing between coats with steel wool pads. I learned this process in trade school and it really makes the grain pop out. But is time consuming as well.

[@haydenschrag7994]

John, The slab turned out wonderful! I follow you on many social media platforms and see that you use rubio monocoat frequently. I'm wanting to build a dining table myself and was wondering how well the finish protects from water and other spills. Would you recommend using a different product? Thanks!

[@leighalverson2320]

Great looking table top and thanks for sharing this video and tips . GOD SPEED !!!

[@annaeigenmann4325]

that table looks amazing!!

[@jasonrobinson9524]

About to do my first pour. Thanks for the tips!

[@craftedworkshop]

Good stuff man! Been wanting to use Rubio, I've had a little bottle that I've been meaning to try.

[@John_Malecki]

It’s great dude. You’ll dig it

[@rosskstar]

@@John_Malecki What's it's advantage over tung oil?

[@samglaviano6489]

Check out the live edge slabs on my channel.

[@rhysmeyrick615]

Just bought a slab and was thinking how to approach when I saw this…..couldn’t be better timed,thanks man.

[@richrice2267]

Just finished up a kitchen in Shadyside & the customer had a table that looked identical. Gonna have to keep your name in mind for our customers. Nice work.

[@John_Malecki]

Sounds good rich !

[@benvankampen9259]

I used General Finishes Seal-A-Cell and Arm-R-seal semi gloss on my live edge walnut table. Applied 6 coats, sanding with 600 grit between coats and it turned out pretty well.

[@paulwiley616]

Jn

[@edwardxlee1990]

BEAUTIFUL live edge!!

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you Edward!

[@charleshetrick3152]

A product to consider to help with “out gassing” from the wood and for keeping grain from raising is Benite.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nicely done John! 👍👊

[@John_Malecki]

Thanks Fred !

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

We're definitely going to use these tips in our slab builds coming soon!

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

Nice

[@BruceAUlrich]

Love the finish you get on there, John!

[@John_Malecki]

Thanks Bruce. Its awesome

[@johnhughes3963]

Looks awesome! Will try the Rubio monocoat. I often use Odies.

[@tomglasco7126]

Excellent Tips! I appreciate you sharing.

[@John_Malecki]

Glad you enjoyed it Tom!

[@JTWoodworks]

Great tips John!! Thanks for sharing

[@John_Malecki]

You're welcome. Hope you can use some of it !

[@MontanaBallistics]

Excellent job, great work! The table is beautiful! Pro tip - 50 pack 8mil latex gloves. They'll last an extremely long time by washing them and putting them aside for reuse later on. Wiping that live edge bare handed with that rag, made me feel sticky lol.

[@bobsmith3605]

Thanks John very helpful and to the point. It's exactly how I was thinking to approach a redwood slab that just arrived. I wanted to fill with expoy and finish with oil - really don't like the look of expoy coated slabs. You vid gave the steps I needed to get a smooth top I was hoping for, thanks again for the tips. Great job

[@andrewmurray9825]

Great vid. Simple explanation. I haven't done anything "live edge" yet but when I do I'll reference back to this.

[@John_Malecki]

Looking forward to it Andrew!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Wow! Great look

[@John_Malecki]

Appreciate it 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@markarmstrong2592]

Looks great thanks for the tips John

[@melvina6673]

Awsome im currently about to purchase a slab of live edge wood and make our dining room table out of it this would make it look great. 🤙 awsome work!

[@Hubbmade]

Very nice job! Now I want to try that monocoat finish!

[@John_Malecki]

You'll dig it!

[@3Adventures]

Hi John. Great video. Would you advise treating a pine slab with wood conditioner before adding this product, as you would with a regular stain?

[@ginacrusco234]

This gal has her live edge slab and is ready to roll. Thanks for the advice!

[@miket2240]

Great video ! Ordered all of the products in your video. Will this protect a live edge table from water marks? Or do you add an additional sealant? Thanks !!

[@rakashaagain]

Holy grail of table man. Wow.

[@actinius3]

Currently working on a walnut live edge side table. I have got to try some Rubio.

[@John_Malecki]

yea you do!

[@guinryan1966]

Enjoyed your video, about finishing off the table..

[@ohwhatelse]

super beautiful piece. fun just to watch.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

[@NCHydroseeding]

Thanks for the excellent video on finishing live edge planks. The links to the finishes are very helpful. An item you mentioned in a couple of comments was the use of a Festool 150 or 90 sander. I'm a user of a number of tool manufacturers too include Dewalt, Delta, Fein, PorterCable, & Milwaukee. Festool hasn't made my "cut list" regarding increased cost over capability. Could you provide your experience with Festool Sanders in comparison to other manufacturers in a future video? Not to leave this in a negative scenario, thanks for the great instruction on how to get results with large planks. Looking for the why Festool over other sanders.

[@paulkruger9905]

Great vid man, looking forward to trying Rubio. I usually machine sand to 220 and hand sand between coats up to 400. I saw you only sanded to 120 and then applied the Rubio. Does it still come out smooth to the touch? If you sand up higher will it be smoother or does it not make a difference with that stuff?

[@TaylorMadeCreations]

Great how-to video! Keep it up!

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you ! Glad you like it

[@jonathankeller3976]

Has anyone else gotten the Barn furniture mart ad before their video here? The dude is something else … absolute unit

[@Remodelaholic]

Love the tips. Thanks so much for the video!

[@DGXZ1]

Hey John. Great Video.Inspired me to try the Rubio on a few projects i'm working on. Curious what color Rubio Monocoat you used for that slab.Or did you use the "clear" I have a 6'-4" slab of walnut I was thinking of using to make a computer desk. I have some Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C (Charcoal color ) on its way for another project but wonder if that might not be too dark for the walnut. My 1st time working with walnut. Also have some Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Exterior Wood Protector, wine red color on its way. Any color suggestions would be appreciated.

[@brucerouffian2630]

That's a gorgeous piece of wood. Thanks for the pointers. My slab's a bit too red, but otherwise very similar to yours, so let's see how it goes with a little dark tint in the finish.

[@John_Malecki]

GOod luck bruce !

[@HarnealMedia]

Beautiful Table

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you !!!

[@TheNyhm1]

I use the same finish but apply with a synthetic steel wool pad in a circular motion which is how monocoat suggests to do it. Really gets the oil in the grain. Nice work by the way

[@John_Malecki]

Yea i had the rep in my shop and he uses the squeege and/ or a scotch brite. But both work very well!

[@dantaylor7416]

Rubio FTW! John, did you hear/see they are coming out with and LED cure oil? For woodworking production, their product just can’t be beat

[@John_Malecki]

I did not. That’s amazing I’ll have to check it out

[@rhondafreeman2166]

John, do you use a different color tint for Cedar? We are mostly filling in minor holes on the surface, no deeper then 1/8" Thank you for posting, my husband and son started sanding a couple days ago, looks amazing already, love your tip for final sand with pencil to help know where you have and haven't sanded, great advice....

[@jaimejrodriguez9131]

I have 2 slabs. No idea where to start lol. This vid was excellent! Thank You!

[@jordanbowers3850]

Great information! Thank you. I’m in the process of planning out my live edge table build. I have two slabs of hard maple, which colour of Rubio monocoat, in your opinion, would look best? The pure?

[@robertwieda7474]

Hi, I really love your talent on these tables, i am working on a project and hope it looks half as good as yours or maybe with your suggestions they could look as good. My slab is 6' by 3' and 2 and a half inchs thick, my question is, is that to thick?

[@ragtie6177]

Excellent video.

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy

[@KomarProject]

John can you wax it after it cures ? To get a bit of a sheen on it ?

[@kestutisk9397]

Great video 👌 Looks amazing 👍

[@robertgmailcom1233]

Thanks, I've got a live edge to work on tonight. Love your channel

[@thefinancialnetwork]

How does it look now?

[@DocGoose1980]

Great info thanks! I have done a bar and shelves out of cedar with clear epoxy, filled from the front side once I had the top sanded down to smooth using 100, 150, 200, 300 on the cedar and up to 2000 on the epoxy I coated the whole thing with polyurethane applied with sponge brush did 4 layers. Turned out smooth as glass and looked amazing but WOW what a headache with the epoxy sanding, I will try the back fill technique on my two benches and breakfast table that I am currently building for my new house.

[@samglaviano6489]

Check out the live edge slabs on my channel.

[@MrMarkryle]

John. This video was so helpful. I applied the monocoat but would like more sheen. Any suggestions? Can i apply a polyurethane on top of rubio? or another idea?

[@ask_jeebs]

I use a smoothing plane on the face instead of sanding. Sanding actually minimizes the grain character. Then I use about 4 coats of Danish oil and then buff it with beeswax.

[@John_Malecki]

Thats a great classic technique JB. Rubio actually needs the grain to open up in order to penetrate. Hence the 120 grit final finish. Feels great to the touch. You're using an amazing classic style, which i LOVE for figured woods. Great post! Thank you

[@ask_jeebs]

John Malecki ahhh that definitely makes sense. The wax probably needs open pores for it to seep in. Kinda makes me wonder how it would do on a dense tropical hardwood like wenge.

[@John_Malecki]

Ah i dunno. I avoid WENGE at all costs. I despise that species haha

[@natirabinowitz3108]

danish oil, wipe on poly. danish oil helps bring out the natural color, wipe on poly seals without adding a visible layer.

[@samglaviano6489]

Check out the live edge slabs on my channel

[@johncalladine5460]

Hi John, great video, extremely helpful, and a beautiful piece of timber; I only wish that we could get hold of the kind of timbers you have in that part of the world, there doesn't appear to be anyone in the UK who imports live edge slabs with such beautiful contrast, in wide boards.

[@John_Malecki]

Snag one up online!

[@tommylee85]

apply finish with a hand in the pocket....that's cool craftmanship :)

[@John_Malecki]

Haha it’s like dancing

[@scottthompson6705]

Where to sell a live edge slab table

[@joeblack5116]

Love your work... I have a question please ! Can you stain the live edge wood before applying epoxy ? Thanks

[@joshuawilson3495]

What do you use for quick setting epoxy? Also was curious what you were using as an applicator when applying the Rubio monocoat

[@sumitkohli1504]

well done! For an outdoor table, any advice on the finishing?

[@marksexton1340]

Beautiful piece right there.... I have a question, for an exterior table, fairly small, that will be used with some food prep, I've heard that a lot of finishes, resins, dont do exterior... so I am thinking of an oil finish, just not sure that a food grade mineral oil will do much for sealing the slab.... thoughts appreciated.

[@donesry2902]

It looks great. Does that Rubio prevent fading? Or do you do anything else to prevent the color of the wood from fading over time?

[@quinnantony5465]

Hi John, amazing video. Quick question: did you do aby slotted holes in the table frame to allow for the live edge slab to expand? Thank you.

[@John_Malecki]

On this table no, the base had a massive sub sctructure to hold it flat. But i did in my latest video on live edge!

[@sbrenaissance9]

Amazin job. Thanks for sharing

[@John_Malecki]

Glad you dig it my friend

[@lukiterate]

Nice tip to fill from the bottom if holes go all the way through the slab. What about filling large gaps without tint? I read that Westsystems clouds up and traps bubbles if you fill too thick at one time. Is there a noticeable line when you put one coat of epoxy on top of another? Sorry last question, do you use one or two coats of the Rubio monocoat?

[@strob6946]

Hi Thanks for the video! I'm about to finish my huge Parota countertop. The slab is dry (dried in kiln 2 times ( 1 time in Costa Rica and also here in Quebec) and cut more than 2 years ago). Most cracks are filled with epoxy already. I still have some more cracks on the edge and I'm wondering if the epoxy alone is enough or should I think about adding bow ties? How do I know if epoxy is enough or bow ties are required to avoid the cracks to propagate?

[@tonyfrescas6060]

Awesome stuff. Love the channel makes my days unproductive at work, but learning so much. Ok. Rookie here so be patient.. questions-do you do bottom finish first let cure the do top? 2nd is that all you do? Nothing else is the Rubio final process is it durable for say a behind couch bar top table? Any help would be great appreciate.. keep up videos. Thank you.

[@kristinekoenig9618]

Love the technique. Thanks for presenting! Is this type oif finish good for a kitchen table and is it mat or satin? Want to avoid the glossy finish. Thanks for any help you can give.

[@John_Malecki]

i always use matte or satin when i can

[@sabrenafisher155]

I am new to wood working and I love all the videos, thanks. I'm still confused as to when do I fill the voids with epoxy? Do I sand my project first then add it and re sand or do I add epoxy before any sanding?

[@John_Malecki]

I sand first then add before final sanding

[@FranksDIY]

Looks amazing

[@John_Malecki]

Appreciate that Franks!

[@randioesch7189]

Good evening John.....how well will this product hold you to use as a breakfast bar countertop. Will it protect the wood from water stains?

[@marymarmande8446]

❤ wow!! Gorgeous!!

[@jakeace2944]

Great video. I'm making a live edge bath countertop. Should I finish it with epoxy to make if water resistant?

[@leoheppler4094]

Great Vid. I’ll def try that monocoat. Have you ever cut a drawer into a slab? I have a 4.5” live edge walnut slab. It’s a monster. I would like to notch out a drawer on the underside but I haven’t seen any one doing this.

[@OLIVERJMIXON]

Do you ever use boiled linseed oil for finishes? If not, why? Thx and awesome job

[@mfuribondo]

Hi John, thanks for posting this, excellent video! Quick question, i have a large piece of claro walnut and am going to use rubio, however i am not sure if i should go with one of the tinted versions or if i should just go with the clear. What was the exact rubio product you used in this video? did it have any tint in it? Thanks!

[@mercadesbenz8401]

Hello. What was the answer to your question? I have a slab a little smaller, and I'm interested in using Rubio. How much do I get?

[@MrColinsHouse]

John, what do you use for your quick setting epoxy? Thanks for the video!

[@ducle3234]

Hi John, what kind of product would you recommend for finishing a live edge for outdoor? Thanks.

[@DandelionWinds]

GORGEOUS!

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you!

[@iffy4915]

Nice job! I have some "biscuits" I cut from a double walnut stump. They are about 30" x 42" and are end grain with a live edge. What do you recommend for a finish? Thx

[@mvcain]

Hi John, sure you already mentioned it, but what exact Rubio monocoat would you recommend for a walnut table? Thanks!

[@dougcochrane3925]

Hi John, great tutorial & love the finished slab! A quick question: I’ve used West epoxy on a burr elm slab I’m working on but I find it “bleeds” into the wood around the voids. How can I fix this? I’ve tried sanding but the marks are still there - is planing my only option? And how can I prevent this next time? I’ve tried masking but it creeps under the tape. Thanks in advance!

[@nicholaslujan6449]

If I’m reading this correctly. Do you think brushing on a few clear coats of epoxy over the wood around the voids, before filling the hole; would seal them and prevent the issue?

[@familytsai5149]

Dude:Check for silicone mould making - remove bubble method. Pour your expoxy mix high above will help a lot. Or vacumm it before pouring will help too. Nice work.

[@John_Malecki]

Ill check it out

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

What a beautiful piece ofwood

[@danic8361]

Hey John, did you use Osmo oils for finishing, what do you feel about them comparing to Rubio?

[@joshtaton8986]

great video, very easy to follow and thorough. I have been heavily considering using Odies Oil on my next project for a customer, it's a Walnut table top for their Airstream, but its hard to switch to a new product especially when its for a customer, but i've seen and heard great things. Do you have any experience with this? or what have you heard? Appreciate any insite (or from other viewers reading my comment)

[@haunalynn6670]

Beautiful table! Is there any way you could do a video on quoting custom table jobs? Things to include ie. c channel costs, finish and other things. A checklist of things to include I guess... Tried to search something like that and it doesn't look like many people have done it. I need to quote a couple tables and want to make sure I'm not kicking myself later

[@davidburns3471]

beautiful stuff

[@stumptownwoodworks]

Great vid, clear and to the point. Have heard a lot about monocoat and it has me interested. Been using arm r seal, tho on big surfaces it can get finicky to not get streaks from uneven rag pressure, foam brush helps a ton. Do u think the rubio is as durable as 3 or 4 arm r seal layers? I tend to sand thru all the grits! sometimes, 80, 100, 120, 150, then 180 or 200. Everything after 150 goes pretty quick as I'm just mskijng sure to get the swirls minimized...pesky little pig tails left by some ROS units if you skip too far between grits, got bit by that once. Festool probably reduces this issue I'd think, rocking a makita in my shop and it does well for a $80 sander.

[@John_Malecki]

So, first thank you for the comment. Im not an expert on Rubio. But i do know it was made for flooring so it is made to be very very durable. I cant express enough how much time and effort the rotex has saved me over the last 3 years. From flattening to limiting swirl marks, has been a great investment. well worth every penny

[@stumptownwoodworks]

John Malecki of course! Your videos have come a long way and I enjoy seeing the progress. The combo of you and Brad are what made it an easy choice to join the MFP tribe!

[@John_Malecki]

Hell ya! Glad you’re on board

[@jimhouston9811]

John Malecki , which setting do you use on your Festool ros. I have one I purchased to help resotore the outside of my house and use it "locked" with a softer pad. Can you give details on settings and which pad used for the live edge as I need to start mind ASAP.

[@KeysmashGirl]

The music was really tense I loved it