3 Wood Finish Application Mistakes To Avoid

Thanks to a host of television shows, online videos and websites, this is the era of do-it-yourself. There is an endless list of DIY possibilities, but how well they look has everything to do with technique. This is particularly the case when you are finishing wood. A mistake in application can quickly turn a masterpiece into a complete failure. Make sure you know what mistakes to avoid.

Overlooking The Temperature

When applying a finish to your wood, it is important that you not forget the temperature in your work area. If it's extremely cold or hot, it's also likely that things won't go as you planned. In terms of extreme cold, the air temperature can cause the finish to dry and set too quickly.

Fast drying can make the application blotchy and uneven. With extreme heat, the finish will dry too slowly. Slow drying may cause a white layer to form, which will offset the original color of the finish. If working outside, choose a moderate temperature day and on the inside, choose a climate controlled space.

Keeping Finish Too Long

Several years ago, you finished your floors and had a small amount of finish left. When you decided to finish a small end table, you went straight to the old can of finish since there was no need to buy more. If you experienced a similar scenario, you probably didn't have good results.

Once the finish is exposed to oxygen, this activates the drying agents inside it. The result is partially dried finish that is hard to apply, resulting in a poor application. If you open the jar and you have to peel away chunks of dry finish, it's too old to use.   

Mistaking Cured And Dried

A common mistake is interchanging the words cured and dried. Understand that dry is only a step on the path to cured and only when the finish has cured is it completely set. Once cured, the finish has completely hardened and is set to protect the wood.

When the finish is just dry, any stress can damage the application and even the wood. Exactly how long the finish needs to cure depends on the application you're using, so you will need to refer to the instructions. However long it is, keep usage minimal over the finish until the curing process is complete.

Take your time to avoid these mistakes and ensure a better looking and longer lasting finish application. To learn more, contact someone like Absolute Painting.