Proper finishing can be a challenge for many projects. Paint vs stain. Satin vs glossy. Sand to 320 or stop at 180? When we get asked these questions the answer is always the same; “It depends on your project”. Our end goal was a red oak glue up with golden oak stain that could withstand repeated abuse and wear. How do we accomplish this?
– Sanding is key. For this piece we sanded to 320 grit to make sure the final product was smooth as glass.
– Pre-stain conditioner allows for the stain to be applied evenly and with less chance of spotting.
– Minwax penetrating stain in Golden Oak is one of our favorite products. Consistent color and ease of application make it a popular choice in the wood shop.
– General Finishes Arm-R-Seal (satin) is one of our top 3 clear coats. Applying Arm-R-Seal is incredibly easy and will last for years. I like to sand lightly between coats. After the final coat is applied (in this instance 4) I used 0000 steel wool and final coated with paste wax.
The best piece of advice I can give for finishing a wood project is that preparation is everything. Try not to get impatient and rush the process along or you will forever regret the final product.