Dip Wood

How to Begin Wood Finishing

1. Use a tack cloth or a cloth dampened with paint thinner to wipe the surface you are going to varnish. Tack cloth is a specially prepared cloth that removes dust and grease.
2. Dip the brush bristles about a third of the way into the finish. To remove excess finish, gently tap the brush against the inside of the can. Do not slap or drag the brush - this motion can cause air bubbles.
3. Begin with long even strokes across the grain. Let only the tip of the brush touch the surface, overlapping each brush stroke slightly. Do only enough brush strokes to completely cover the surface. (Too much pressure on the brush as you are applying the finish will not only cause air bubbles, but will make the finish uneven. To remove air bubbles, brush along the grain with more finish until they disappear.)
4. Using the same brush, but without dipping it in varnish again, brush along the grain of the wood. Begin at one edge and in one continuous movement, carry the brush to the opposite edge. Overlap the strokes slightly until the whole surface is done.
5. To finish intricate parts, use light coats to prevent running and a smaller brush or rag to apply the finish.
6. Sanding between coats of Waterlox Processed Tung Oil products is not necessary for adhesion purposes. For aesthetic reasons, you can lightly sand the completely dried coats of finish. If there is any dirt or lint in the coats, sanding will take them out. Steel wool is an alternative to sandpaper and is easier to use on rounded objects such as table legs and ornamentation.
7. Once you've applied the final coat, look for any dust or particles that may have settled on the finished surface. To remove them, while the finish is still wet, dip a small artist's brush into the container of finish you are using and wipe it off completely. With the brush's tip, touch the piece of dust. Do not push it into the finish. The dust should stick to the tip of the brush and lift away without leaving a mark.

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Dip Wood

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