December 10th, 2009 
TBDKeith What is your favorite type of finish for your woodworking projects and how did you arrive at that choice? This is not a question about which finish is the best or harder, (unless you only build the same thing over and over) it’s about what is your favorite and why.
The first thing that I thought about was the item in question. I build different types of cabinets and furniture where the finish is critical to it’s function. For example a dining table obviously would need a very durable finish compared to a mantel clock. So the function of the item that I am building plays a part in what type of finish I choose.
In general, I like using pre-catalyzed lacquer. I worked in a cabinet shop for many years and we used Nitrocellulose lacquer every day. Over time, I became very proficient at spraying it and the amber color added a nice warmth to the piece. When I started looking for a more durable product that had the same application characteristics as Nitrocellulose lacquer, pre-cat lacquer was an easy choice. I found it easy to apply and durable enough for tough jobs like dining tables and chairs.
My second choice is Watco Danish Oil. It’s easy to apply and it lets the texture of the wood come through.
Keith
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I have come to love Bona’s Waterborne Hardwood Floor Finish (Satin) for almost all my work. It’s benefits are:
Almost no odor
Greenguard certified
very hard/durable
very water resistant
flows and levels very well
Designed to be brushed on (I have no spray booth)
http://store.mybonahome.com/resources/Documents/ItemID_365-RFP_-_Hardwood_Floor_Finish.pdf
Hi Keith,
My “Hobby” is Wood turning. I like an oil undercoat to bring out the depth of the wood grain. I then follow up with more oil, an oil/varnish mix, with a final buffing of carnuba wax.
Hi Keith, my thing is lathe work mostly, I do make boxes and I’ve made a couple chairs, a stand, chest and an outdoor bench. The lathe calls me back.. I guess I like the instant gratification you can get from getting an end product in a short amount of time. To answer your question, I guess I’ve had a chance to try many finishes, and I’ve finally settled on a 1/3 combination of mineral spirits, BLO, and Polyurethene or varnish. Followed with wax. Waterlox and wax are my favorite though. Its just too darned expensive.
The following message was forwarded from e-mail.
HI Keith,
My favorite finish is polyurethane, I use Minwax Clear Gloss spray because I usually have small projects so I don’t feel like I should set up a spray booth and all the trimmings. I tried Minwax wipe on for a while but will not use it any more because of my experience with it. ie: I was using the wipe on version for almost every project but the other day I went to use the can I had started and it had solidified while there was about a third of the can left. I don’t know if I went past it’s shelf life or what, but I will stick to the spray can from now on until I find a finish I like better for my situation.
Lyle
Keith,
I like the Watco finishes. It is an easy finish with the oil and gives a nice satin look. If I am looking to shine something up then I jump to the Watco Brushing Lacquer. Works great but boy does it smell, you need to do it outside or with lots of windows open. On my pens that I turn there is nothing that turns out better then a good CA finish. A bit expensive but it will stand the test of time.
Dennis
I have come to love Bona’s Waterborne Hardwood Floor Finish (Satin) for almost all my work. It’s benefits are:
Almost no odor
Greenguard certified
very hard/durable
very water resistant
flows and levels very well
Designed to be brushed on (I have no spray booth)
http://store.mybonahome.com/resources/Documents/ItemID_365-RFP_-_Hardwood_Floor_Finish.pdf