Latest Articles

Wiping varnish is one of the most popular finishes available to the small shop woodworker, and for good reason. It’s easy to use, attractive, and versatile, allowing you to create any sort of build that you like. For example, you can wipe on a series of light coats, buffing off the excess between each one to create a thin “in the wood” look, which is fine for decorative items that won’t suffer abuse. On the other hand, you can build it up pretty much as thick as you like for tough, durable protection on tables, chairs, and other furniture that sees a lot of use.

If milk paint were invented today, it would be touted as a “no-VOC miracle finish,” but the real miracle is that it’s been used since the age of pharaohs. Despite a simple list of ingredients–casein, lime, clay, and pigment–milk paint still ranks as one of the most user-friendly and forgiving finishes sitting on the shelf. Sold in powdered form, the water-based paint applies easily, dries quickly, and wears like iron. Unlike latexes or alkyds, milk paint will not chip or peel.

Weather will eventually win, but here’s how to play good defense.

Discover a multi -layered approach for a feel-good surface.

Whether in a garage (shown here), basement, or dedicated outbuilding, concrete floors for home shops are the norm, far exceeding the number of wood floors. And while concrete provides a flat surface on which to roll mobilized tools, it can absorb drips and spills from motor oil, woodworking stains, and other liquids. Another problem: Smoothly troweled or sealed concrete can prove slippery when coated with fine sawdust. Beyond that, its look is not all that great. To remedy these issues, consider laying down an attractive two-part epoxy paint and sealer on your concrete that lets you easily wipe up spills, sweep up dust, and provide a sure grip underfoot. Plus, when you do the installation yourself, big savings are in store.

Add years to the life of your lawn and patio furniture.

Recovery tips for when things go awry

There is no one finish suitable for all of your woodturning projects. So where do you start when selecting the right one?