Plywood is one of the most versatile and cost-effective building materials, and as a result, it is also one of the most popular. So many home DIY projects involve the use of this type of wood, and in order to give it a finished look, most turn to stain. I have put together a comprehensive…
This article clearly describes the formula for calculating how much stain you need to complete a given project. After describing different factors that might alter the amount of stain you need, it gives examples of common projects and the average amount of stain needed for each. Factors That Affect How Much Stain You NeedThere are several…
Staining wood has both aesthetic and finishing benefits for your woodworking project. For starters, staining helps preserve the wood so that it lasts longer. And, stain allows you to add color, texture, and even grain, improving the look and feel of the wood finish.However, some wood stains are thick and difficult to apply. Others are…
The popularity of epoxy resin in DIY projects has skyrocketed in recent years. Epoxy can be used to create custom countertops, unique insulated tumblers, to fill imperfections in wood, and more. There are numerous challenges to working with epoxy. Follow the steps below to address your epoxy mistakes.Types of EpoxyThere are three common types of…
In most cases, wood stain cannot be applied over polyurethane. Applying polyurethane to wet stain leads to discoloration and streaking. However, by following the steps below you can mix polyurethane with stain.There are dozens of brands and several formulations of polyurethane and stain available at most home stores. Understanding how to differentiate among your options…
Polyurethane protects wood surfaces incredibly well if applied correctly. The process of applying polyurethane requires many meticulous steps. If mistakes are made at any point in that process you can end with a host of problems. If you have mistakes you wish to correct in your polyurethane finish, I have methods to help.Bubbles in Polyurethane…
Many DIY projects around the home involve woodwork. These include putting up new fences, sheds and decks in the garden, and repairing old benches and porches.When you’re spending your time and money completing these projects, you want them to last. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to preserving wood. You can use this to…
Among wood finishes, polyurethane and lacquer are two of the most popular ones. In fact, amature and season woodworkers tend to recommend them a lot for wood finishing.Both lacquer and polyurethane come with pros and cons. Amateurs tend to prefer polyurethane, as this substance is less temperamental than lacquer.However, the latter is often employed by…
Sanding sealer and polyurethane have some basic characteristics in common, but there are many differences as well. Find out when to use sanding sealer, when to use polyurethane, and which is better. I’ll compare and contrast these two products so you can choose the one that’s right for you.What Is Sanding Sealer?Sanding sealer is used…
This article defines polyurethane and shares some of its common uses. It tells you how to interpret manufacturer’s coverage estimates and how to plan for multiple coats of polyurethane. By the end, you’ll feel confident in estimating how much polyurethane you need for your next wood finishing project. What Is Polyurethane?Polyurethane, called ‘poly’ for short, is…
Learn about mineral oil, tung oil, how they are similar, and what the important differences are between the two. Then, find out the major differentiating factor, when to use each type of oil, and which is better. What Is Mineral Oil?Mineral oil is any oil that originates from a non-vegetable source, usually as a byproduct of…
In this article, find out what wipe-on poly is, how it compares to traditional polyurethane, and how many coats to apply for your next project. I’ll also cover some tips and tricks for working with wipe-on poly and how to make your own. What Is Wipe-On Poly? Poly is short for polyurethane, a clear, tintable wood finish…
In this article, learn about lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol. After defining each substance I’ll share the similarities, differences and major differentiating factor. Then, I’ll tell you when to use them and which is better. What Is Lacquer Thinner?Lacquer thinner is an imprecise term applied to any amalgamation of strong solvents used to dissolve lacquer. It…