Finishing Advice - There are many different ways that timber can be finished, here are some of the most popular:-

Paint - Use a "knotting" solution on live knots and resinous areas. This prevents resin bleeding through onto the finished surface. New bare timber should have a coat of primer, followed by one or two coats of undercoat. Finish with a topcoat of gloss. There are many specialist paint techniques now is common useage - check our links section for further advice.

Varnish - Available in clear matt, satin or gloss finish plus tinted varieties. Varnish gives a tough hardwearing surface which requires minimal maintenace. Colured varnishes can be applied over previously finished surfaces. Varnish does not penetrate the timber like true woodstain and clear varnish should be applied over coloured which will prevent colour loss through wear and tear. In order to achieve a good finish with a clear varnish use the following technique:-

1. Sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper. Traces of dust and grease can be removed using a cloth dampened with white spirit.
   
   
2. First coat - mix together one part white spirit, three parts polyurethane clear varnish and if a colour is required one part spirit based wood stain/dye.
   
   
3. Allow at least eight hours to dry. Lightly rub down using a fine grade wire wool and apply a coat of clear varnish only.
   
   
4. Allow at least eight hours to dry and apply two further coats of clear varnish

Oil - Oils can be used to seal timber. They are normally only used on hardwoods as softwoods discolour and become dirty very quickly. Oils are applied using rag or brush and the principal types are:-

1. Teak oil -quick drying
2. Danish oil - can accept varnish for extra protection
3. Linseed oil - slow drying and soft

Wood Stains/Dyes - These permeate the timber, enhancing the colour and to some extent reducing the natural variations that occur between different pieces. Quick drying and usually applied with a cloth along the grain. Before drying, excessive stain is wiped off with a lint-free cloth. Wood stains/dyes do not seal the timber and require a varnish or polish to complete.

Protective woodstains - All in one finish enhances colour and is normally brush applied. Unlike wood stains it also seals the timber and is quick drying, with further coats applied after just 2 hours.

French Polish - A good way of getting a high gloss finish. Applied by building up layers made from shellac and alcohol, and with a degree of skill required to achieve a good finish. Does not provide any real protection and is usually applied to surfaces that receive little wear and tear. A modern alternative is "plastic coating"a two part treatment which does provide resistance to heat, scratches etc.

Liming - Best applied to coarse grained timbers such as oak. A traditional method is achieved by mixing unslaked lime with water. Once applied and semi-dry, surplus should be wiped off. When dry this is rubbed down wiht glasspaper and a coat of French Polish applied, with a final coat of white polich to finish. Alternatively, an easier method is to mix a white matt emulsion with water to the same consistency as milk and brush into the grain, wiping off before setting. To finish and seal two coats of satin varnish are applied, giving an eggshell shine. Liming wax is also available, which is quick and easy to apply.

All photographs reproduced by kind permission of Richard Burbidge Limited. This site is sponsored by Richard Burbidge Limited