Advice on end table

Re: Advice on end table

Pat Schupbach

>I normally finish to 220 grit. As for finishing, all your pieces should be done, sides, back etc.

Advice

bill tindal, E.TN

>1) How fine of a grit sandpaper should I use before applying the stain? I sand oak to 180 grit. Typical sequence for me is 100, 120, 180. Sand with 100 till all the dull places and all the shiny places are uniform. 80+% of your sanding effort should be with the 100 grit.

2) Should I apply a poly finish or some other to the drawer sides, bottom, etc. as well? I like to apply a thin coating of shellac to drawer parts. Keeps them fresh looking. A thinned coat of varnish would be ok, but it takes a long time to dry compared to shellac.

Odor problem

Ed Mulligan, Cape Cod

>If you apply an oil-base finish to an enclosed space such as the interior of your table it will develop a foul odor that will last for months or years.

It's ok to use water base finish or lacquer or shellac on interior surfaces although it is not necessary.

Ed

Re: Advice on end table

Joe in a Cleveland suburb

>On woods like oak, ash, and walnut, I don't bother going beyond 180. Usually.

Joe

Re: Advice on end table

Lee Schierer, McKean, PA

>I normally sand to 220 grit and finish all surfaces inside and out with the same finish. My normal finish is Deft Clear wood finish and yes it does have a lingering odor that goes away after it fully cures. The order will linger longer inside the drawers, but isn't overly objectionable. An odor free finish would be shellac or a water based product. Unfinished drawers tend to get discolored by the contents or snag of any fabric items that are put in them. If you use wood slides, I think they will last longer with a few coats of finish on them, although you have to allow for the finsih build up in your fit.

Lee