'Questions about wood working' Tips: Refinishing

Questions about wood working

In the last year or so I have begun my apprenticeship on this beautiful hobby and have finally been able to at least finish a couple of projects, such as a dinner table and a bookcase.

I bought my wood, a precious Honduras mahogany, that I have worked on just as I saw in my woodworking manual.

But now, at the last steps, I have my doubts about the finishing aspect.

I will also add some questions about refinishing, since I have a few old pieces of furniture that need to be given a new tint and lacquer.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Cheers!

Your choice of lumber, very nice too.

In general, Mahogany is probably one of the most difficult woods to finish because its got what we call "open pore". Left without some kind of wood filler , the pore can take many layers of clear finish to get that full look.

I would test the stain and your choice of finish coat on a piece of leftover scrap, if you're lucky, your stock may have good density with a tight pore , therefore you won't need to use a grain filler.

The basic steps, as you may already know, would be as follows:

1)sand, 2)fill the pore, 3)stain, 4)clear coat.

Finishing wood is a skill acquired over many years of hands on experience, but it doesn't mean you can't achieve results that are just as good or better than those produced at most refinishing shops.

Most common mistakes made by anyone on his or her first try are often easily corrected if you look for help and some advise from your local refinisher. A little reading on the subject doesn't hurt either.

Expert Page: Harry C. Johnson & Son Inc. Cabinetmakers Since 1906

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