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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Top coating a beautiful desk

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Expert: - 9/22/2011


Question
QUESTION: I have just finished stripping, sanding and staining a beautiful desk.  I am no sure what to use as a top coat to obtain a good looking and durable finish. I have researched Tung Oil, Lacquer and Polyurethane and still can not make a decision. The desk is beautiful and I do not want to blow the final phase. I would appreciate your recommendation.

ANSWER: Hey Dale, some of that will depend on your skill level. A wipe on urethane is one of the easiest and most durable choices, and dries faster than an oil finish. I like Generals Gel urethane wipe on Topcoat, as it dries predictably, looks like a lacquer yet more durable, ("straw" like light amber color), and is almost 'goof' proof.....Post back- regards- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005555/16555/Clear-Satin-Topcoat-Gel-Stain-12-

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Greg,
One of my concerns is the ability to repair scratches and other damage. I have considered using a tung oil or similar product as it is apparently easier to do repair work.  I assume that with the wipe on urethane one would have to strip the entire desk to do any restoration work?  Is urethane a better product than a Polyurethane if I should decide to go that route?

Answer
Hey Dale, no...the wipe on Gel urethane is recoatable...you'd just need to clean it, perhaps scuff sand it lightly (400-600), and then apply another coat or two. Because you wipe it off when applying it, it leaves quite a thin coat per application...but recoats well. An oil finish would also give that ability, but an oil finish takes weeks to cure fully, every time you reapply it as well, and until you apply 5 or more coats, will not seal the grain against spills and staining as well as the urethane....the gel is really a "poly"...a catchall phrase that encompasses most Alkyd modified resinous finishes these days.....

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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