Materials you'll need:

• Sander and sanding discs
• Wood filler
• Timber grain filler
• Open weave cloth and clean cloth pads
• Clear finish
• Sandpaper and wet and dry paper
• Rubbing compound
• Finishing spirit
• Wood oil
• Steel wool
• Undercoat and primer
• Paint or antique finishing kit

Finishes are applied to timber to protect the surface and add to the appearance. There are many different finishes available, depending on the use you plan for the item, and factors such as the condition of the wood, etc. Tabletops for family use, for example, may be better covered with a laminated surface that resists most stains and spills. New timber such as grained pine may be enhanced with a clear finish, while some timbers look beautiful if the surface is oiled.

Surface preparation.

A surface that is smooth sanded and in sound condition is a must for most finishes, especially for those, which allow the grain to show through. The surface should be smooth sanded and all nail and screw holes and cracks should be stopped with suitable filler. If the surface is to be stained, the stain is applied direct onto the grain. For a completely smooth finish, some open grained timbers such as maple may need filling with grain filler. This is done after staining, as follows:

1. Choose grain filler slightly darker than the colour of the timber or stain.

2. If required, dilute the filler with mineral turps as directed on the product.

3. Make a pad from a square of open weave cloth such as Hessian, about 350mm square. Dip this into the filler solution and apply to the surface with a circular motion, leaving excess on the surface.

4. Leave the excess on for 5 to 10 minutes until the wet surface starts to dull off. Do not allow becoming too dry or it will be almost impossible to remove the excess.

5. Wipe off the excess across the grain with a clean pad. When thoroughly removed, wipe lightly along the grain and allow to dry at least 24 hours before finishing. Do not sandpaper after filling the grain, this will destroy sealing action of the filler, and could leave patchy appearance.

Clear finishes.

Clear finishes can be applied to protect a number of surfaces. The finishes vary from a very tough gloss suitable for floors, to a completely matt finish. Before applying fill all nail holes and cracks with suitable filler and sandpaper the surface smooth. Apply 3 full coats of clear finish at intervals of about 6 hours, sanding and dusting down between coats. Apply with a brush or from a spray can.

Mirror finish.

To obtain a really brilliant gloss finish, prepare the surface and stain if desired. Fill grain if necessary and apply 3 coats of gloss finish at intervals of 6 hours, sanding between coats with No, 0 glass paper. Allow 24 hours after the final coat then wet surface with mineral turps and sand along the grain with No. 320 “wet and dry" paper. Wipe clean with a soft cloth and apply two more coats of gloss finish as before, then repeat the wet sanding process. Wipe clean and remove any sanding scratches with a rubbing compound then polish with finishing spirit.

Oiled finish.

An oil finish is an attractive, natural looking treatment for timber. The surface is prepared as for a clear finish but do not use any grain filler. The surface can, however, be stained if desired before coating with 2 coats of clear matt finish at 12 hour intervals. Leave the finish to dry for 48 hours then lightly sand along the grain and dust clean. Wet the whole surface with the oil finish and rub vigorously along the grain with household steel wool until it is uniformly smooth. Remove any surplus oil by rubbing well with a soft, clean cloth and leave to dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Painted finishes.

New wood to be painted should be sanded smooth and any cracks or holes filled with suitable filler. Apply a coat of undercoat and a primer if needed, and then finish with the topcoat of paint. For an antique appearance, paint on a coat of antique finish in wood grain or a coloured tint, and finish with clear coat. Antique finishes usually come as kits with instructions, which should be followed when applying.