Choosing a finish for your woodwork can not only be stressful, but choosing the wrong one can undermine the entire piece. A shop made blend of oil and varnish is a versatile finish suitable for many projects. Mix equal parts varnish, boiled linseed oil and thinner, then apply in thin coats. Allback Linseed Oil Wax is a finish suited for smaller projects that won’t get much wear and tear. Shellac has been used since the 16th century, and is best thinned with alcohol. Milk paint provides a flat finish, with enough transparency to still see the grain. Using fire to char a piece will render it fireproof. Soap is a traditional Scandinavian finish and applies nicely on chairs.
Key Takeaways:
- 1 part varnish, 1 part boiled linseed oil, and 1 part thinner makes an all around versatile woodworking finish.
- For smaller projects to be handled less often, consider using Linseed Oil Wax.
- Non-chemical finishes, like using fire for a charred look or a Scandinavian soap finish, are also great options.
“choose the wrong finish for a project, and you can undermine all your hard work on building the thing.”
Read more: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2020/08/24/time-tested-finishes-that-just-work
