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What brings out the grain in wood?

When using OIL BASED finishes: The best method for bringing out the natural characteristics of wood grain is to use a penetrating oil like Tung oil, Walnut oil or double boiled Linseed oil.

generalfinishes.com - Best Clear Finish for Wood: Enhancing Wood Grain & Color

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You will not need to apply for planning permission to add an access ramp to your house as long as: the combined length of all flights (sloped...

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Can I build my own shed?

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Oil and water based finishes do not mimic one another regarding highlighting the figure of the wood. Oil based products will generally achieve more color and definition. However, you can use certain products together to achieve your objective by using oils for color followed by water base finishes for clarity. When using OIL BASED finishes: The best method for bringing out the natural characteristics of wood grain is to use a penetrating oil like Tung oil, Walnut oil or double boiled Linseed oil. If you use Tung or Walnut oil to highlight the character of the wood you may use shellac as a barrier coat, followed by an application of High Performance Waterbased Topcoat over the top. If you use Linseed Oil you must let the oil dry for 7-10 days before applying any type of water base finish as the final coat. In addition to Tung, Walnut or Linseed oils, General Finishes has several products that would work extremely well. Seal-A-Cell Clear is a penetrating oil that will bring out the natural color. Then follow with several coats of Arm-R-Seal wipe on Urethane. Another choice is GF's Enduro-Var Waterbased finish which has been very popular among wood workers and furniture makers. Enduro-Var is a self crosslinking polyurethane that looks more like an oil varnish than a water coating. It ambers slightly with durability suitable for residential projects, and is both sprayable and brushable. Enduro-Var adheres well ONLY only over WATER STAINS, DYE STAINS, and RAW WOOD. It is self sealing but does NOT work well with shellac. As always, the best rule is to make samples to test the product and develop a finish schedule that works for your project. Note: Do not apply High Performance Topcoat over Boiled Linseed Oil or Raw Tung Oil and do not apply Enduro-Var over shellac.

Can you drill into Keter sheds?

We have not been brave enough with our new shed, but you can cut it, drill into it and paint it as we mentioned. Not bad for a plastic shed!

Last updated Sep 27, 2018

How do you keep copperheads away?

So, to help, here are six tips on keeping these slithery unwanted guests away from your gardening space. Don't Make Your Garden Their Ideal...

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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Why does wood turn black in water?

instructables.com - Removing Black Stains in Wood Furniture With Oxalic Acid

Iron oxide stains in wood are usually dark spots caused by prolonged exposure to water and / or metal. The iron oxide reacts with the tannins in the wood and stains it black. Wood can intentionally be stained black in the same way, and that's called Ebonizing. Along the edge of my desk I kept a rusty metal ruler, and sometimes I would over-water the plant on the desk and the water would pool up under the ruler. In a short time this lead to black stains all along the edge of the desk. I've seen some amazing results from furniture restorers using oxalic acid to remove such stains, but I couldn't find it locally and never got around to ordering it online. One day I came across a How-To by Thomas Penrose and realized that I already had oxalic acid in the form of Bar Keeper's Friend. A big thanks to him for the write up. I'm going to relay those basic steps and add some tips of my own.