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Like Kleenex, which is just one brand in the tissue category, some finishing products are known just by their brand name, not by what they are. This leaves room for misunderstanding. Watco, [...]

Sometime early in your woodworking career you probably learned that you were supposed to sand sharp edges to soften them. What you’re really trying to avoid is “fat edges” when the finish is applied.

Can sanding with very fine-grit sandpaper closes the pores of wood? Bob Flexner investigates this long-standing claim.

Bob Flexner reveals the ingredients behind this popular, non-so-secret finishing formula.

Milk paint has a long history and it continues to be used and enjoyed by woodworkers to this day. However, what you see is not always what you get.

Though it’s more work, the advantage of dissolving flakes is to ensure the shellac you use is fresh. The fresher the dissolved shellac, the quicker it hardens and the more water-resistant the [...]

An acquaintance of mine was making a small project out of maple and he wanted it to be black. He asked if dye would do it, or should he use a different wood?

If you've never put brush to bare wood (or you'd like a refresher), learn how to greatly improve your chances of success.

The danger of linseed oil rags spontaneously combusting is not new in the woodworking world. But because so many woodworkers use wipe-on stains and finishes that contain linseed oil, the warning [...]

If you follow this blog, you may be aware that I’m fascinated by smart coatings and coatings that perform tasks you would never expect.

A newly-installed oak floor finished with oil-based polyurethane wouldn't dry. Bob Flexner explains why, and how to avoid this finishing conundrum.

Bob Flexner (assisted by his grandson) repair an upholstered chair the quick and dirty way.