Woodworking

6042 readers

31 users here now

A handmade home for woodworkers and admirers of woodworkers. Our community icon is a planter box made by @Captain Aggravated, the winner of our summer '24 woodworking contest. Congratulations!

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

NataliePortland@lemmy.ca

Recommend finishing products to me that aren't Minwax (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 11 months ago by captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works to c/woodworking@lemmy.ca

23 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Minwax has ruined enough of my projects. I'm looking for recommendations for wood finishing products, particularly stains and wiping varnishes, that actually work, are readily available on the East coast of the United States, and are not manufactured by Sherwin-Williams.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] devilkitty@lemmy.world 15 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Coatings chemist here.

If you’re willing to go waterborne, try General Finishes. Their stains and clears have always performed well for me.

[–] captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I've not really used water-based finishes before. How do they compare to oil-based urethane in terms of feel and durability?

[–] CharadeYouAreNot@lemm.ee 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I have used flat and semi gloss water based poly on several dressers over 5 years ago. They have help up very well, no yellowing. I primarily use water based stains and everything turns out great. There is a slightly different technique then with oil based. Like “popping” the grain with a spritz of water and a light sanding to get rid of the “fuzz”. I believe the WoodWisperer has some really good videos on using water based finishes if memory serves correctly.

[–] captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 1 points 11 months ago

I'm in the habit of raising the grain and sanding before applying an oil finish anyway.