My 4 Favorite Finishes and How to Apply Them

How to Apply Starts at 8:50
Get the K-M Magnetic Dovetail Jig and K-M Stop Block here: lddy.no/stih
This week's woodworking skill builder is a lesson about finishes and how to apply them. I talk about the pros and cons of my favorite finishes and why/how I use them. Let me know what you'd like to see next. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
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Tool links and things I talk about in this video:
Get the K-M Magnetic Dovetail Jig, Shirts and K-M Stop Block here: lddy.no/stih
Shellac Flakes (Blonde): amzn.to/33981YA
Bee's Wax:https: //amzn.to/30K70EE
Mineral Oil: amzn.to/2OpDGAA
HVLP Set (only $89): amzn.to/33hGHHJ
Total Boat Epoxy: bit.ly/2I3Q8m4 20% (That's HUGE) Discount code KATZMOSES
HVLP Video: • How to Spray HVLP for ...
Mike Pekovich's shellac video: • Can the Can(ned) Shellac
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Buy the Katz-Moses Magnetic Dovetail Jig: lddy.no/stiz
The Katz-Moses Woodworking Apron: lddy.no/stir
I have Walnut Slabs for sale: lddy.no/stj0
Buy the Katz-Moses Stop Block: lddy.no/stiz
BitsBits is the BEST place to buy router bits: bit.ly/BitsBits USE CODE JKATZMOSES15 for 15% off
Total Boat Epoxy: bit.ly/2I3Q8m4 10% Discount code JKATZMO
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/ katzmoseswoodworkingshop
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Tools I love:
The Katz-Moses Woodworking Apron: lddy.no/stir
My Favorite Dozuki Saw: lddy.no/stit
My Favorite Ryoba Saw: lddy.no/stiv
Marking Gauge: amzn.to/2nlXLuQ
Marking Knife: amzn.to/2nm39Ok
NEW Suizan Flush Trim Saw: lddy.no/stix
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/2mVMTkF
Knew Concepts Fret Saw: amzn.to/2FUDbYZ
Dewalt Planer Package: amzn.to/2thEf6O
Forrest 10" Combo Blade: amzn.to/2Fdaee3
Festool Tape Measure: amzn.to/2oS3cjD
Starrett 6" Combination Square: amzn.to/2oP3dVw
Woodstock 3 in 1 Shoulder Plane: amzn.to/2FgAS1A
Stanley Low Angle Jack Plane: amzn.to/2oV4I4O
Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: amzn.to/2FeqqYh
Abalone Inlay :amzn.to/2rjMTxe
Abalone Inlay Alternate: goo.gl/DHonFy
5 Minute Epoxy: amzn.to/2FijsSa
Triton 3 ¼ hp Router (with built in lift and edge guide incl): amzn.to/2LBw3Go
Kreg Router Plate: amzn.to/2A7oVNC
Triton Bushing Set: amzn.to/2A7pSpa
Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Set With Fixed and Plunge Base: amzn.to/2mHP1wY
Bosch Edge Guide: amzn.to/2uRRKs2
Bosch Bushings Set: amzn.to/2JUNRYb
Centering Cone: amzn.to/2OjgOAf
MY CNC MACHINES (I highly recommend both)
Bescutter Laser's Website: bit.ly/bescutter
Avid CNCs of all shapes and sizes: bit.ly/3cdKdqA
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Lumix GH5-s and main lens: amzn.to/2J49F7m
30mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/2GJXtTT
15mm Lens: amzn.to/2NafUox
50mm Lens I use for product shots: amzn.to/2mehs5y
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Lav Microphone: amzn.to/2Nb8SzY
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50MM f/1.8 for those tight shots: amzn.to/2tpAoVm
10-18mm Lens for the wide shots: amzn.to/2FZrhNM

[@katzmosestools]

Tool links and things I talk about in this video: Shellac Flakes (Blonde): amzn.to/33981YA Bee’s Wax:https: //amzn.to/30K70EE Mineral Oil: amzn.to/2OpDGAA HVLP Set (only $89): amzn.to/33hGHHJ Total Boat Epoxy: bit.ly/2I3Q8m4 20% (That’s HUGE) Discount code KATZMOSES HVLP Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npOUhXSHYtCrqJo Mike Pekovich’s shellac video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWXCpHyoesuXga8

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

Why would you put shellac under another finish? Or on top, for that matter? Also, what grit do you sand to before each finish?

[@danieldurkton2942]

Jonathan Katz-Moses Good morning Jonathan, I really enjoy all your videos great work very informative. You had mentioned that you have a class on the cutting board Do you have a KZbin video on the class or do I buy a video on it?

[@katzmosestools]

It will be out soon

[@katzmosestools]

For sealing quickly and top coating with a stronger finish. When you need to refinish something and you don't know what finish is on the piece already

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

@@katzmosestools thanks

[@WoodfulProjects]

For those wondering the ratios of wax to mineral oil, I think JKM meant 4 parts of oil and 1 part of beeswax to get a sort of pomade. Not 4 parts of wax… otherwise, you’ll just get a chunk of wax that you cannot apply. You’re welcome.

[@stefanogiustoph]

Yep, the ratios got inverted. I was getting confused 'cause in his dedicated video Katz Says 4 pts Oil to 1 pt Bees Wax

[@dan00017]

Had to watch this twice, because the first time I was too busy staring at that gorgeous cutting board to absorb any information lol! Great video, man!

[@heyimamaker]

It's photoshopped ;) I would love to see how one is made.

[@ethanwong9950]

Too bad you can see it splitting...

[@heyimamaker]

@@ethanwong9950 I didn't notice any cracks?

[@dan00017]

The only thing splitting is my brain trying to make sense of how it's done lol

[@claire04300]

I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan kzbin.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!

[@espnmk]

thanks for the tips JKM , beautiful looking cutting board and with the finish on it, it just POPS...

[@JKarle]

Excellent video and very informative, thank you. I also love the simple sanding block with a spline in it to hold the paper....so simple and so useful!

[@barryalcott4882]

Great video. Beeswax and mineral oil also make a great, kid safe finish for wooden toys.

[@seanmyers227]

Thanks so much for doing these videos! I'm a metalworker who's been wanting to get into woodworking for a while now, and having things like finishes and joining laid out simply is invaluable. It really makes creativity accessible. Thanks for everything you do here on KZbin! You're the best!

[@TeamProsperity]

Finishing is one area I need to up my game! So this should help a lot, thanks

[@artijl]

Fabulous video. Love how you sum up a lot of good options, uses, creating mixtures and how to apply all in one viewing 😊

[@rhihodag9873]

VERY informative vid, Jonathan! Thanks for sharing your "wisdom". I see more woodworkers reverting back to shellac as the the base coat of finish on projects. Great video! Thanks!

[@bobmckenna5511]

Thank you, I love that definition of shellac. I’m generally confused about the difference from varnish to lacquer to shellac, etc.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Super video Jonathan. This one is practical and helpful. For the past 40 years or so my go to finish has been lacquer. I’ve started getting into shellac and have found it to be a great choice for some things. Your method of mixing a batch and storing the rags in the jar is super. I never thought of that and will start doing that when I mix my next batch. That part of the video was very helpful. Yesterday my wife suggested that I make cutting boards for Christmas gifts next year. Your finish looks perfect and the idea of giving a little jar of the finish along with the cutting boards is excellent. The main reason I’ve hesitated on making cutting boards for gifts in the past was that they need to be refinished occasionally. Your idea solves that problem. Thanks.

[@ettumama]

As a long time woodworker I was shocked by how much I agree with everything you said in this video. That never happens. Thanks.

[@dolphinberserk]

This is the best summary and explanation I have seen so far.

[@rjmills126]

Best video about finishes I found. No one else really went over the poly v lacquer debate.

[@billqqq]

This is a great reference video. Short enough to review as a refresher, but detailed enough to provide all you need to know. I also like sikkens (maybe they were bought out recently?) Low VOC and beautiful finish.

[@willemvanmaanen9655]

Once again thanks for the clear and educational video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@akesq01]

Great helpful video. Thank you!

[@jeremymoskaluk5444]

Great info. Thank you! Time to try some shellac!

[@missyrabbit5250]

that cutting board is BEAUTIFUL

[@tylersmith293]

Exactly the information I was looking for. Very helpful.

[@hupka3145]

Great vid, and some seriously nice production value. Props for the effort put into that.

[@cavasinon9182]

My Grand-grand-father (who was a "wood-worker" / carpenter here in France) used Shellac in 1900-ish :)

[@harrydavis6903]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for all of the information. Well done, friend.

[@jonivanart]

I make my Shellac with Everclear on my instruments. It seems to flash off a little bit faster which allows me to work through the process quicker. Also using dyes with it makes some great colors!

[@antiocoluca]

Beautiful KZbin channel. I've subscribed straight away, thanks for all the links in the description.

[@rbsa1980]

thanks for this helpful video, got my answer about a decorative piece finish

[@DrTibbsy]

This was soooo helpful. I am terrible at deciding on a finish and I always want something that is safe for my kids and not going to burn my house down.

[@swamp_cabbage]

I have a "BoosBlock" butcher block that I bought years ago that came with what they called Boosbutter that was exactly like your beeswax mixture and was absolutely amazing. That sort or coating really does go a long way on those wood blocks.

[@1320crusier]

I refinished some rifle furniture with glossy water based poly but I also added wood dye to it because of the color I wanted. After the layering, buffing, sanding, and final coat of spray on oil based poly.. it doesnt look plasticy but sure does look deep.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Great video as always Jonathan!

[@shaynesabala]

Thank you for the video. I don’t know anything about finishing other than painting. I will save this video to reference later.

[@jameskass4415]

Thanks for sharing this, JKM, I use shellac on all my stuff now. Also bought one of your stop blocks and use it with the sled Tamar designed. Kudos for all the work you put into your videos! Someday I'll work up the patience to try my hand at dovetails...

[@kindredspiritzz66]

i always just grabbed a can of gloss and slapped that on, never really gave it a thought that there was more to finishes. Im 54, its amazing the things you learn or realize later in life you never knew, specially on shellac, never even tried it before but i will now

[@user-qg6fy4yp8t]

You are crazy Sharp!! Always like your videos!

[@joebaker5421]

Thanks for the video. I think I need to try shellac. For me favorite is Waterlox. Love that stuff because how exotic woods look with it. Really brings out color and depth and is durable enough for me. I don’t use it anymore because importing from the US to Europe is so high. Now I use a danish oil but it doesn’t seem as good though they are very similar.

[@bobkrause0103]

This video is amazing. Thank you for the best info

[@daviddejulio863]

Another fantastic video. I know it's a bit old by now but soaking up all of your content. I've been on the fence about making up my own shellac but I think this puts me over and I'm going to give it a shot.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Usually not too fond of gloss finishes, but I did a nitrocellulose lacquer gloss on a mahogany guitar body. Yeah, it took almost a week of coating and recoating, a couple weeks of curing and then hours of sanding and polishing, but the results were excellent. Not plastic looking at all.

[@JPU89]

I prefer Shellac too. Quick and easy to use.

[@itshomelife]

Fantastic info! As always...thanks for sharing!

[@fishingthebreakline7065]

Videos are super helpful and useful!

[@shawnjones4000]

This was very useful! I have been using only lacquer and epoxy, with rare poly finish. I am going to try shellac.

[@bryanproskiw5554]

Excellent Video

[@MissionSRX]

Good info all around. Per Flexner's book and personal experience, be careful with the lacquer in humid climates. I switched exclusively to quick-dry poly after moving to FL and having lacquer pull in a ton of moisture and turn my finishes white.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Great video. Ive got one coming out tomorrow about my super secret paste wax finish 👍

[@davidshaw9395]

You need to try the Knapp Joint for your next joint of the week. “Pask Makes” put out a video on them and they look pretty awesome.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@andybrooks4070]

Im a novice woodworker and I just use a boiled linseed oil, I got it for an axe I was hanging and It looks very nice and helps keep the wood saturated especially in the head so it wont come loose, or so ive heard Im not really sure if any of this is true but this is what the kids on the block say

[@stadenart]

Thank you so much for an awesome video. As with all your videos your explanations are very informative and easy to follow, but you really out did yourself with this one. Finishes have always been a mystery for me and my projects tend not to look the way I want. I will definitely try a couple of these finishes and your techniques. I just ordered your shop apron to throw some support your way. I eagerly await its arrival.

[@MrFreddyboy246]

Would love to see you make a Knapp Joint👍👍

[@BP-dc6ps]

"We call it the Katz-Moses goo" "Stop it!" 🤣🤣🤣 dying! Absolutely LOVE your videos Jon and your dovetail jigs! I learned how to do quite a few things woodworking thanks to you.

[@jettkeyser9909]

Nice...About to get an HVLP

[@0ddSavant]

Good stuff. I really like your content. I usually watch them a few times to glean everything from them. I was working with a beeswax finish when I first saw this video, then I rewatched when considering finishes for a different project. Keep up the good work.

[@katzmosestools]

Thank you my friend!

[@Mr_Rick]

Jonathan.... Gloss and Semi Gloss do have their places. To see subtle grain details that can really pop out and beautify the piece you need to increase light amplification. Like birds eye grain not normally seen. Increasing light amplification is done by increasing the gloss. Subtle details will pop unbelievably!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Katz

[@libertybutcherblocks]

Great tips. Thanks!

[@guymross]

Very helpful thank you

[@KastnerFurniture]

Really surprised to not see hardwax oil in this list. So easy to use, and the finish is beautiful!

[@konstantinrudloff9465]

Great Video!

[@michaelduval159]

Great video

[@lcbcreative2379]

I have watched this video multiple times over time to see how to make and apply the finishes. Love the make your own finishes. They work amazing.

[@Ryan-td3td]

great video, thanks. Would you have any tips on which finish and what method to use on a project that has difficult to reach areas, such as slats on an indoor entryway coat rack, bench, and shoe rack?

[@shineriseliu7104]

I've never thought that a woodworking video can look so similar to a master chef show.

[@imowfaces412]

Dude I love it when I bought my house there was a old work bench in my garage I was going to clean it up and do this. However I like the husky base and your point in the solid wood of the husky bench. I bought some scrap hardwood from the box store and it was so much money. I'm nervous about how much the wood is going to cost haha

[@davisburnside9609]

Thanks!

[@alext9067]

Just to add to the uses of shellac, it's a great stain blocker and it's used to prevent blotching when a penetrating stain is used on softwoods like pine.

[@seanhenry744]

So shellac first and then stain?

[@ImALefty08]

@@seanhenry744 yes. Just make sure to not to put it thick. Just one thin application and that's it. So much cheaper than minwax pre-stain conditioner.

[@atreynolds]

If I close my eyes and listen to your video, it sounds like Patton Oswalt is telling me how to do woodworking. Outside of that, another great video. Thanks for the fantastic tips!

[@Meyerwoodworks]

Arm-R-Seal Satin, has to be one of the best finishes. Looks fantastic, it's impossible to mess up, and you put it on with just a shop towel!

[@juanjacobo36]

I've messed up the finish using Arm-r-seal

[@Meyerwoodworks]

@@juanjacobo36 How!? You just wipe it on and wipe off the excess.

[@juanjacobo36]

@@Meyerwoodworks trust me... I've messed it up. For one even the lint free rags aren't always lint free. On top of that if I apply the finish on a hot day it tends to tack up real quick when overlapping strokes on a large surface. I'm just saying it is possible to mess up Arm-r-seal depending on a few situations.

[@arm1687]

@Jonathan Katz-Moses thanks for this video, it's great. I've been loving shellac and the goo! Question - any tips for applying finish to assembled projects? For example the inside of a box - what's the best way to hold the piece, reach the corners, etc. Thanks, I love your videos!

[@robertm691]

Awesome video and super helpful! Question for you. Do you stain your projects? If so, any tips or tricks for staining? Struggling a bit with staining. Thanks!

[@osamarin]

Really excellent video! Many Thanks! What type of finish would you use for a new woodworking workbench?

[@bluebirdwoodshop]

You're videos are so great! could you do a kerf cutting plywood project?

[@Gomez78Familia]

Just found your channel. You got a new sub. Thanks.👍

[@katzmosestools]

Welcome my friend

[@goniomdq]

Thanks for this video. There's a lot of really good info... Just thought I'd mention a couple of things: Your wax goo is paste wax.. pretty much the same as the stuff you buy (breewax for example). Also, for chopping boards, have you considered an alternative to mineral oil (non petroleum-based)? I've recently discovered hydrogenated coconut oil and, though it's not as resistant as mineral oil, it's safer and it doesn't go rancid like other vegetable oils... I need to try making some paste wax with it. It should work the same. Thanks again!

[@shednut2666]

Wondering did you show how you made that cutting boards Thanks for sharing

[@cybertree]

For some reason im in love with that "dripping with glass" high gloss polyurethane/lacquer look. Which worries me because 90% of all experienced woodworkers want it looking matte!

[@rebeccalankford8573]

Quick is not always best but I understand the draw backs and benifits of the waiting time.

[@TomsLife9]

what would you recommend for food safe finishes on items that will be exposed to heat, such as spoons or chopsticks? I've been using pure tung oil on my chopsticks and it's a bit expensive and difficult to use but wow, a solid and durable finish. how does that Total Boat tabletop epoxy stand up to heat? what about something like a salad bowl finish?

[@DavidFloegelDrums]

Great video!! I like your point about not raising the grain. Makes total sense. Does that apply to your maple end grain cutting board finishes though since you just applied the bees wax from what I can tell?

[@ZaMPATESTE]

Gorgeous! How about linseed oil? I personally love how enhances the wood grains

[@katzmosestools]

I think every finish does about the sme thing. Linseed oil is great but offers no scratch protection

[@turcocarpinteria2847]

Hi Jonathan, great video like always, I have a question can I put Danish oil for stand out the streaks and then put lacquer for protection? Thank you

[@jdpick9986]

1:37 He said doo doo 😂. Great video, very informative.

[@bigpapadaddyo6937]

Great video! Thank you for simplifying this topic. I love the shellac idea. I'm looking for finish suggestions on two projects. The first are two pine vanity tops in the bathroom. What would you suggest for that? Also, I am being gifted 10/4 elm slabs for a dining table and benches. I plan on using Total Boat to fill cracks, etc but am unsure on which finish to use. I'd like something subdued in satin or matte but needing to hold up to heavy use by teenagers. I have used oil based poly and Waterlox in the past but it always has that plastic look. Your thoughts?

[@brockmartens9382]

I'm guessing you've already built the table, but for others reading this comment, check out Rubio Monocoat. And for finishing instructions on a slab, watch some of the videos from blacktail studios.

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

Preach it man. I only spray poly finishes also. It yields way better results than brushing it on. I'll give your "Goo" a shot man. I starting making cutting boards and quickly realized that wax is getting pricey to reapply.

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

G S nah man. It’s smooth as silk. Depending on the project I’ll use two coats sometimes three with light sanding in between each coat. That triple thick is terrible. I had poor results with that as well. I just use varathane water based poly or oil based depending on the application.

[@Food-Fire-and-Featherboards]

Awesome info. Love shellac and then coated with poly. Question: what would you use for a walnut edge-grain kitchen Island top? Major cutting and chopping will be done on a cutting board, but occasionally I'd be rolling out pasta or pastry dough on the island top that would need to be trimmed or cut, lightly, with a cutting wheel. Any thoughts? Cheers!

[@GP-MB-Baden-WurttembergDeutsch]

Shellac it is good stuff and you right. I got my info. from Colin Knecht the last is your video and keep up the great work. Stay safe :)

[@guillermopalmisano8957]

Great video. Love the channel. What do you recommend since you can’t buy denatured alcohol in California anymore

[@mitchellgeisler4577]

Another great video! I really like how detailed you explain everything, has made it so much easier to avoid some simple mistakes so i have time to find all the other ones hahaha. Thanks again! 👍

[@johnclavis]

I used 2 oz beeswax and 6 oz fractionated coconut oil to make wood butter, and it's been working great on my cutting boards, wooden utensils and even a plant ladder I made for my fiancée! Plus it moisturizes your hands XD

[@katzmosestools]

Awesome!

[@johnclavis]

@@katzmosestools oh, and I'm going to try out shellac based on your recommendation. Thanks!

[@GeeDeeBird]

Replace the mineral oil with coconut oil in your beeswax blend for a wonderful non petroleum finish.

[@tooljunkie555]

Super interesting and informative as always Johnathan! I personally like semo gloss for most furniture build but I do use satin and have combo semi amd satin b4 that looked cool..but yea Didnt know that much about shellac now ik alot and ordered a bag of blonde chips! Thanks for sharing bro!

[@alpacino187]

Thank u so much

[@caseyjones466]

We just bought live edge magnolia slab pieces for open shelving in our kitchen remodel. They will be more for decorative display than functional use with dishes sliding on and off of them. There is no sink or dishwasher underneath them, so what finish would you recommend to keep the absolutely beautiful grain showing while keeping them protected?

[@mess04]

Great video! I'm planning on using shellac on a project that I need to finish soon. If you hand sand, do you do anything to remove sawdust from the piece between grits or before finishing? Vacuum? Dry wipe? Etc.

[@rustywelder010]

I vaccum with a brush attachment, then take a very lightly damp terry cloth to wipe the entire surface before coats, works great for me. I use polycrylic for the most part.

[@charliehilbrant]

Jonathan, you are so great on camera

[@Bshwag]

I brush on that varithain water based poly and it smooths out as it dries like no other poly I have ever used.

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

Thanks for this very informative video. Always a good source of information and inspiration.... What do you think of Danish Oil? I found it nice, fast to apply...and quite durable.

[@katzmosestools]

Not a big fan of it's long term look

[@sniperp999]

What would you suggest for river tables? The one I’m building will be a decorative piece to hold a large heavy plaque roughly 4’ long.