In this article, I compared and contrast two film-forming wood finishes. Learn the biggest difference between pre-catalyzed lacquer and polyurethane, which is better, and when to use each one. What Is Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer? Pre-catalyzed lacquer, also called ‘pre-cat’, is a synthetic finish made from resin dissolved into various polymers and solvents. Pre-Cat Lacquer Characteristics It …
Two substances created during petroleum processing are mineral spirits and mineral oil. Find out more about each of these products and the similarities and differences between them. After revealing the major differentiating factor, I’ll explain which is better. I’ll also give you the rundown on when to use mineral spirits, and when mineral oil is …
What are lacquer and stain, how are they the same, and how are they different? When should I use lacquer, and when is stain a better choice? What’s the major differentiating factor between the two — which is better? What Is Lacquer? The technical definition of lacquer is: a non-curing finish formulated with a resin …
In this article, learn what Danish oil and polyurethane are and how they compare to each other. Find out when to use each one, and which is better. What Is Danish Oil? Danish oil is used to darken, protect, and waterproof wood. It dries to a satin finish that is fairly durable, although it can …
In this article, I’ll explore the respective dry times of various wood sealers, including how long before they are dry to the touch, when you can apply another coat, and the length of time until the finish is fully hardened. Dry Times for Wood Sealer The length of time it takes wood sealer to dry …
In this article, learn everything you need to know about mineral spirits and denatured alcohol. After giving you the rundown on these two solvents, I’ll delve into their similarities, differences, and applications. Keep reading to find out which is better. What Are Mineral Spirits? Mineral spirits are a petroleum-based solvent. Solvents are substances that have …
In this article, I compared and contrast two popular solvents; acetone, and denatured alcohol. After revealing their properties, I’ll explain when to use acetone, and when denatured alcohol is a better choice. Along with revealing the major differentiating factor, I’ll tell you which is better and why. What Is Acetone? Acetone is a colorless, liquid …
A miter saw can be used to cut both inside and outside corners for your base trim, making two pieces of baseboard meet perfectly. Learn how in this article. I’ll also cover what a miter saw is and how to prepare to cut the baseboard. For a quick reference guide on baseboard orientation and miter …
No matter how careful you are, cracks in wood happen. I reviewed four methods for dealing with cracked wood. Stopping Cracks in Wood From Spreading During the drying process, wood shrinkage leads to cracking, checking, and splitting. Wood that has been properly kiln-dried is less likely to split or crack than green wood. Since preventing …
Shellac and lacquer are common wood finishes that can be applied by any DIYer with the right technique. But how do you decide between them? In this article, I’ll explain the properties, history, and applications of each finish. Then, I’ll review the similarities and differences before revealing the major differentiating factor. Finally, you’ll learn when …
In this article, learn more about varnish and polyurethane, including their similarities and differences. I’ll also share the major differentiating factor between varnish and polyurethane, when to use each kind of finish, and which is best overall. What Is Varnish? From a purely technical standpoint, a varnish is any finish that contains a resin and …
One of the qualities used to describe a finish is reflectivity – how much light the finish reflects and how much it absorbs. Finishes that do not reflect light are called flat or matte. At the other end of the scale are highly reflective finishes that do not absorb much light at all, often called …
