AboutGreg 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,usage,etc.
Experience Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. 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, and offered instruction on use and care as well.I even have some Trade show Demo experience.
Organizations none at this time.
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"), local newspapers as well
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 by Major tool manufacturers, Delta, Powermatic, Performax, Porter Cable, Skil/Bosch to name a few.
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.) 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.), local Museums and Historical Societies.
Question i recently bought a small piece of unfinished furniture made of parawood. i have heard of the horrors of finishing/staining this wood. Does it age with out finishing? if not, what should i apply to it to seal/enhance grain?? thank you
Answer Hi Heather, I wouldn't suggest not finishing any piece of furniture that will be used. It will get dirty and stained fairly quickly. The easiest way to seal it is either a wipe on Polyurethane, or a waterborne Acrylic Urethane. Staining is the biggest hassle with this stuff, as it is notorious for being blotchy and irregular. A clear coat should be straight forward to apply however, and it will protect it and enhance the grain qualities. Minwax makes both types of these finishes, but I prefer a little more professional product like General's Wipe on Satin Urethane, or Absolute Coating's Last 'n Last Satin Acrylic Urethane. The Acrylic's are waterbased, the other polyurethanes are typically oil based - Hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg
