I've recently finished building a mission style desk out of
quartersawn white oak and am ready to stain/finish it. After the 100s
of hours it took to complete, the last thing I want is to screw up
this step, and I've never been particularly good at this last step, so
I'm seeking advice.

I'd like to have a deep brown color with a fairly durable finish that
is somewhat resistant to abuse, as my kids will likely work at the
desk from time to time as well. What I'm hoping that people can
provide is specific recommendations for color/brand of finishes that
have worked for them, as well as any tips on application technique
that I should (or shouldn't) use. I know there's information on these
things elsewhere, and I've read a good bit on it, but there are also
many contradictions so I'm hoping to learn from someone who has had
firsthand success. Of course, I'll be testing whatever people
recommend on scrap pieces before the final attempt.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

On 24 Aug 2003 07:46:18 -0700, (Bob)
pixelated:

I've recently finished building a mission style desk out of
quartersawn white oak and am ready to stain/finish it. After the 100s
of hours it took to complete, the last thing I want is to screw up
this step, and I've never been particularly good at this last step, so
I'm seeking advice.

That's because of the fallacy brought on by the likes of
Minwhacked, et al, that wood must be stained and polyed.
Repeat after me "I will finish wood. I do not need to stain
it. I do not need to wrap it in Saran."

You haven't assembled it yet, right? Fume it with ammonia and
wax it. The fuming goes deep and the wax is easily redone, even
by the kids. Use a wax for dark woods. Briwax makes one. If you
like a shinier finish, try Waterlox, a mix of tung oil and oil-
based varnish. Links follow.

http://www.taunton.com/fw/features/t...s/fuming/1.htm
Aw****, they lost this one or put it in the pay files. Sigh...
below is the link they list:

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_bas...ak_finish.html


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- Clinton never - * Wondrous Website Design
- EXhaled.- * http://www.diversify.com
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Bob wrote:
I've recently finished building a mission style desk out of
quartersawn white oak and am ready to stain/finish it. After the 100s
of hours it took to complete, the last thing I want is to screw up
this step, and I've never been particularly good at this last step, so
I'm seeking advice.

Get Flexner's book - "Understanding Wood Finishing" - it will
answer most, if not all, of your questions.

I like Larry's recommendation for fuming - it's a great look
with mission styles. However, wax provides absolutely no
protection against daily wear and tear. Shellac, laquer or
varnish will protect the piece for years to come.

C

--
************************************
Chris Merrill

(remove the ZZZ to contact me)
************************************

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 01:16:49 GMT, Chris Merrill
pixelated:

I like Larry's recommendation for fuming - it's a great look
with mission styles. However, wax provides absolutely no
protection against daily wear and tear. Shellac, laquer or
varnish will protect the piece for years to come.

Sir, please show me a horribly worn piece of furniture
made of oak. C'mon, oak doesn't "wear". Crikey!


-------------------------------------------------
- Clinton never - * Wondrous Website Design
- EXhaled.- * http://www.diversify.com
-------------------------------------------------

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 12:55:53 GMT, Chris Merrill
pixelated:

Larry Jaques wrote:
Sir, please show me a horribly worn piece of furniture
made of oak. C'mon, oak doesn't "wear". Crikey!

good point!

However, I do have several old oak chairs that have worn through
the finish and the stain, though...and it looks horrible.

Search the Wreck archives for tests the guys here have done.
Fuming works WAY deeper than stain. And it prevents the
worn-thru look stain has a month after it's done. Feh!


-------------------------------------------------
- Clinton never - * Wondrous Website Design
- EXhaled.- * http://www.diversify.com
-------------------------------------------------