Given that people know that they should wear a mask when sanding, we still come across the wood finishing safety question of do I have to wear a mask when I spray a water based finish? Yes, you do. When manufacturers of water-based wood finishes began to come onto the scene with their products, the […]
Advice on Using Masks and Respirators with Water Based Wood Finishes Read More »
We covered good ground in our last topic: “The best spray equipment to use for water based finishes.” Your responses were excellent! Today, let’s answer the next obvious question: Can a water based finish be brush applied? Yes, they can! It’s true: many water based formulas are engineered strictly for spray application. But others, like
Brushing a Water Based Finish Read More »
If you’re a regular reader, you know I dispense advice based on the frequency of the questions being asked. Notes from the Emtech Lab has covered a lot of ground over the past six months, but we have not touched on perhaps the most important topic yet – what type of spray equipment to use
The Best Spray Equipment for a Water Based Finish Read More »
During the past two years I have seen a tidal wave of epoxy tabletop projects flood the pages of woodworking social media sites. It is a creative and beautiful artisanal tend – using live edge or reclaimed wood slabs cut into a book-match length, with voids filled with colorful epoxy resin tinted with a rainbow
Trends in Use and Style: Epoxy Resin and Waterborne Clear Coats Read More »
You’ve heard me say the No. 1 rule of wood finishing is to “take your time.” It’s true — there are certain things you simply can’t rush. But being efficient is not the same as “rushing,” and there ARE ways you can get more done in less time. While visiting the shops of some of
What Top Wood Finishers Do that Can Save You Tons of Time Read More »
Here it is… The last step of my wood finishing troubleshooting “cheat sheet.” Next week we’ll move on to brand new tips and topics. For now, let’s conclude this series with Step 5: Water and Chemical Resistance of the Finished Piece. Yes, this is related to last week’s tips on “drying and curing,” and falls
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Water and Chemical Resistance Read More »
We’ve reached the final two steps of my Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet (totally new tips/topics will follow, I promise). Thanks to Rob C. and Anthony D. for your blog comments on last week’s subject: “Compatibility of Primers and Pigmented Topcoats”. Today, let’s talk about Step 4: Managing the Drying and Curing of Finished Parts. As finishers
Glad you are finding value in the wood finishing troubleshooting cheat sheet I’ve been sharing. Big thanks to Blair L., Dan L., Barry, and Russ for their blog comments last week about, “Step 2: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility,” including… “Keep the advice coming.” “This is timely.” And… “Seriously helped me.” I must admit, it feels
Last week we covered Step 1 (surface preparation) of my troubleshooting “cheat sheet” to help you quickly identify and avoid most finishing problems. (Thank you to Vern W., Lawrence M., Joe K., Michael A., and Bill K. for your blog comments and kind words.) Today, we’ll move on to Step 2: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility.
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility Read More »
A couple weeks ago, I shared tips on adjusting for seasonal weather changes to ensure your finishes come out the way you want. (A big thanks to Brian M., Mike L., Larry M., Chris D., Bob M., Jeff S., and Paul K., who shared their comments and kind words!) Of course, there are plenty other
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Surface Prep Read More »
