This was one of the most helpful videos ever. I’ve saved it for future reference.
@weberwoodshop
5 жыл бұрын
I totally agree... I’ve been using General Finishes for years and love it. The wood blackening is something I’ve been trying to figure out lately so that was great. Awesome breakdown.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Blake! That wood black is so nice. You’ll love it!!
@BruceAUlrich
5 жыл бұрын
I've never used anything by General Finishes (pretty pricey), but this and what you are saying is convincing me to give it a try.
@CasualBuilds
5 жыл бұрын
Hahaha, that shot of you sunbathing your your two pals, Purple Heart and Cherry!
@janetlukehart5048
Жыл бұрын
After watching multiple staining and finishing videos, your information is concise and easy to understand. I feel more confident about why to chose and use a particular product. Thank you!
@chrisosh9574
5 жыл бұрын
Brilliant! You covered just about everything in 17 minutes, re the wooden sink, make sure the epoxy is a marine quality epoxy like WEST, epoxies are formulated for different jobs, some, like a lot of casting epoxies don't perform as well in a wet environment.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yeah, thanks for clarifying on that
@09959467
4 жыл бұрын
Wow! I’m so glad you made a comment about wood that would be outside and NOT using polyurethane on it!!! Thank you!!! I’m making/donating an outdoor sign for a Scout Camp and am an artist but a true novice with wood! So glad your advice really helped!!
@sarahscussel8565
3 жыл бұрын
This was the most helpful resource for finishes I've found in the 3+ months I've been researching finishes. Thank you!
@bigdogmn73
4 жыл бұрын
For staining, you should try General Finishes Gel Stain. It's my go-to for pine as you don't need the pre-stain. I also use a foam brush to apply it and a staining pad (from Rockler) to wipe off...comes out perfect!
@MichaelAlm
4 жыл бұрын
Good to know!!
@homtherobot
Ай бұрын
Amazing video, thanks for sharing so much heard-earned wisdom. I will be coming back to reference this regularly. One thing I think should be noted, at 14:20 you mention concern that the salad bowl finish is a petroleum product, but technically mineral oil is too. So everything on that table in this section can be considered a petroleum product, except the shellac 😅I know mineral oil is considered food safe, but knowing it comes from petroleum freaks me out just a little too much, so I prefer fractionated coconut oil (which doesn't go rancid). Walrus Oil sells big jugs of it!
@heathertempleton9974
3 жыл бұрын
Seriously, the BEST VIDEO I've found explaining these products for the weekend DIY'er. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
@BruceAUlrich
5 жыл бұрын
Lots of great info, Michael! Isn't it funny how many finishes we try out before we find the ones that we really go back to often?
@tonyditty3158
2 жыл бұрын
Really good job on this video. I have watched hundreds of videos and never felt compelled to comment but your presentation was great, speed of material covered and the spectrum of material covered was terrific. I particularly liked the section on protecting your lungs. Its so important and seldom mentioned (some guys/gals demonstrate without wearing anything). Keep up the good work.
@stevejensen3471
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Mike - great vid! Right on about the GF HP and ARS. One thing you might mention is that the ARS will amber out over time and the HP doesn't as you did mention!
@scottclifford4370
4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic presentation! You did in one video what I just finished watching 10 videos to accomplish. 2 thumbs up!!
@nickbailey202
3 жыл бұрын
I was going to write exactly this. He succinctly summed up the major categories.
@thetruthno1
Жыл бұрын
I am a do it yourselfer, not a pro, but I have had really good results using shellac as an under coat, to bring out he depth and grain, and then topping with arm r seal for durability. I also use shellac under paint as a primer to prevent yellowing of light paints.
@40redfox40
2 жыл бұрын
That was awesome! Seriously, I would have had to watch a dozen or more videos to hear all this information on all the different products. Extremely informative, thank you.
@ghknutson
11 ай бұрын
Kudos for your fine production values. The only minor nit is in one segment where the audio level changed, but compared to even the best other woodworking sites, this is at the top. (And the content on this was also first-rate!) 😊
@JTWoodworks
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for putting this together. It's very educational and a great resource to reference. Also, glad to see my question made it in. I'll be trowing away my spray lacquer later lol
@BYOTools
3 жыл бұрын
Very helpful and loved the video. GF has been my go to and fav for years.
@Lau.j.whitney
5 жыл бұрын
This. Is. So. Useful. Thank you! It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by all the options when you’re a diy pleb like me.
@robhales5521
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video dude. I've watched like 10 of these and yours makes the most sense to me.
@cesarantoniocancinorueda1036
2 жыл бұрын
man, your video is great, you are a very helpful, easy to the ear professional wood expert! didn't got bored at all and i listen the entire video, twice! keep the passion on your work, i just subscribed to your channel!! wojou!
@EthanCarterDesigns
5 жыл бұрын
So much amazing information in this one, Michael! Definitely saving this for future reference!
@serendipityventures9458
2 жыл бұрын
Extremely informative, thanks, I am just learning about finishes, it's not possible to get these brands in our country but the way you explained I can get alternatives from the market.
@clobbyhardy
5 жыл бұрын
Once I started using General Finishes I never looked back. I always thought the price was too much, and it couldn't be worth it, but I was dead wrong. Finishing is my least favorite part, but this stuff wipes on so easy, and looks great.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
@drewt3210
5 жыл бұрын
I'm with you there. I was a Waterlox guy, but Matt Cremona convinced me to try Arm R Seal. He was right. I like it a lot! Best, @HoneyOnWales
@LAWPerry
5 жыл бұрын
Finishing is my *favorite* part! The completion of a project always brings me great joy, and seeing that I’ve put everything together really well, have chosen the right wood, grain, and joining, and it turns out as I envisioned it (or better) makes me smile!
@mikeswan1970
2 жыл бұрын
General Finishes SHOULD sponsor you. I went to them because of our videos.
@dwighthapeman6590
5 жыл бұрын
Michael. Thank you for a concise, thorough and helpful video. You have taught me a lot.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it!!
@seanparrish7293
4 жыл бұрын
Great video! India ink on oak looks like a great option. thanks!
@joevannucci1392
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the nice comparison summary. I wanted to comment a bit about my favorite finish - Nitrocellulose lacquer. Though I use much of the same variety that you do, lacquer is my go-to finish for fine wood frames. I think it looks a bit better on close grain woods like cherry and maple, but it can look good on walnut, mahogany, and white ash, too. The key is to use a semi-gloss, and to wet-sand VERY lightly twice. Once after the first two coats (five mins apart), and once after the final two coats. Pay attention to distance and speed with the aerosol and it lays nicely without running or feeling 'sandy'. In my opinion, nothing pops grain and polishes so nicely as lacquer. Not super blonde shellac, not Arm-r-Seal.
@honzan_dot_ca
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing trip through (most of) all types of wood finish. Thank you for your video, man.
@RadicalRootsProject
5 жыл бұрын
After using every imaginable finish on the market, I now use General Finishes EnduroVar almost exclusively (unless I'm wanting a water white finish).
@parapente725
4 жыл бұрын
De-waxed Shellac: I have found this to be my go to for base finish, it smooths out pours and grain, seals and is a universal base coat accepting many top coats. There are some excellent videos on you tube if you have any questions. Thanks for this video, well done.
@titeo8074
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Your presentation covers everything that beginners would love to know. I like the food safe part mostly. Thank for all.
@tat2mune
4 жыл бұрын
Super helpful! Thanks for pulling it all out and talking about it! I'm restoring a Teak table that was left outside.
@roberthoovan4130
2 ай бұрын
At work, we had a couple of sheets of automotive sandpaper that went up to like 1600. I use that on a piece of cedar one time that was fun.
@TomsLife9
4 жыл бұрын
shellac will also melt when exposed to heat (I learned the hard way when I used it to finish a pair of chopsticks) which furthers that it isn't great for utensils or hard-used kitchen items
@g1mpster
5 жыл бұрын
Great video, definitely saving this one. When talking about outdoor finishes I was surprised you didn’t mention Spar Varnish at all, but I guess maybe that’s just because you prefer paint for outdoor projects, and perhaps it was lumped under the general “varnish” category. That said, I think Spar Varnish has some unique qualities like giving a very yellow hue to the wood almost immediately. The other outdoor finish I’ve used on recent projects is Total Boat Halcyon. I used this on a custom set of cornhole boards and I was really happy with the application and results. Comes in clear or amber. I chose amber for this because I wanted a somewhat antique look to the finished project and thought the warm tone would complement the family crest that I put on it, along with the white oak that I tinted with medium walnut Danish Oil. It ended up very smooth and seems to be very durable so far. The other thing I liked about the Halcyon is that it goes on very quick. I did 4-5 coats in one day and gave it 2-3 days to fully cure.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Interesing! I have only used spar varnish on a few things, and I mostly build furniture, so it’s good to get that info. Thanks!
@woodworkforgoodwork6393
5 жыл бұрын
Great video! It was informative and easy to remember the details. Very well done! I had a weird thought at the end of your vid, that I really wanted to see a close-up of the pull-out storage boxes in the stacked shelves behind you. I know it sounds odd, but I use those, too, and am planning to do a quick build of an organizer like that one.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yeah that organizer shelf is great! I just have a few sheets of 1/4” ply dividers. Might’ve taken me an hour to knock out.
@chriscalon8913
3 жыл бұрын
Super useful. I was wondering about spoons, and you answered it perfectly. Thanks! This was awesome.
@TomsLife9
4 жыл бұрын
great video. i've already watched it 4 or 5 times and I always pick up a new tidbit each time.
@ELCADAROSA
3 жыл бұрын
Michael, this is perhaps the most complete review of finishes I've seen. Thank you. What are your thoughts on sealing & protecting Mahogany or Sapele that'll have a lot of direct sun exposure all year long? ... Your father likes Briwax on everything. Does that include BLTs?
@stanleyshostak2737
5 жыл бұрын
Great video. Mineral oil is also a petroleum based product. My guess is the salad bowl finish contains mineral oil. I have looked at that stuff before and I gave it a second thought.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Good to know
@donbrunodelamancha1927
2 жыл бұрын
I know this an older video, but I was looking for finish tips and I’m very impressed by your channel. So here’s a head scratcher. I’ve built a wood workbench in my garage. I do just about every type of project you can think of on there. What type of Sealant, Hard coat would you suggest for something like a fairly vigorously used work bench Thanks in advance. Amazing channel‼️‼️♥️
@CraigularjJoeWoodworks
Жыл бұрын
I think the finish is the most important part. Selecting an appropriate finish is the key to pieces that last for generations
@MindfullyBased
3 жыл бұрын
In regard to the Salad Bowl finish being a petroleum based product, Vaseline is petroleum jelly and its food safe along with being something that is meant to be rubbed on open wounds. So that finish is most likely completely fine when it comes to food safe.
@TimGallant
3 жыл бұрын
Have you ever checked out water-based aniline dyes? That's what I'm about to dip into. Because it breaks down much finer than other stains, it has the reputation of much better cross-species coloration consistency.
@patriciaschlie6913
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome explanation and exposition of the products, very fun to learn, thanks!
@Oxblood1987
2 жыл бұрын
FYI Mineral Oil is also a petroleum product. It is a byproduct from crude oil distillation.
@diggler306
5 жыл бұрын
This was very thorough and I appreciate that! Going to pick up from General Finishes soon!
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Sure thing! 👍
@telosfd
2 жыл бұрын
I like that RYOBI base drill!
@momof3blessingsfaithhopelo869
4 жыл бұрын
This is great! I'm currently researching how to redo my dining room table and hutch. My kids have really marked my table up. I'm wanting to stain it the "farmhouse" look. I just am not sure it's solid wood even though I spent a lot on it from Ashley furniture. However I never think it had a good protection bc my kids could just band a fork to hard and scratch it and also their homework from the pencil. Could you please recommend what I should do, sand? Stain? A good heavy duty top coat? I'm just confused bc some say to strip, some sand, but if it's not solid wood the design on top I'm sure will sand away. I just need help lol. Very good video and I think you'd have great advice! Thank you!
@kyfore
4 жыл бұрын
Great info and love that you covered so many options. One thing you didn't cover and I didn't see in the comments was Spar Urethane. I know you said no poly on outdoor items but wondered what your opinion on spar was.
@snejsnej01
2 жыл бұрын
Good video, thanks. Also: I didn't know Adam's make a no stir version of their peanut butter. The regular one's a pain in the ass.
@jaimenahman3889
3 жыл бұрын
Michael, Great video and highly helpful. Thanks so much.
@BeautyandtheBolt
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for addressing safety too!!!!
@shirahassidim9681
3 жыл бұрын
Great video, extremely informative! Quick question: If I am making an island countertop out of birch plywood (there is no sink in the countertop) what is the best stain to use (if I decide to stain it) and what is the best top coat or sealer?
@lyudmilkisov4723
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the lesson 👍
@brendarigg6529
4 жыл бұрын
Very informative. Thanks for ALL the helpful tips
@rogershaw6269
4 жыл бұрын
Very informative video, I just started making small tables and stools out of black walnut slab wood, i have been using a water based poly for a finish, what would you use to make black walnut pop ?
@Darkotex
4 жыл бұрын
Great stuff, Michael! Just what I needed.
@MichaelAlm
4 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it!
@CraftsWithEllen
4 жыл бұрын
That was super helpful Michael! Thanks :D
@sensor-sweep
2 жыл бұрын
i legit love sanding
@LAWPerry
5 жыл бұрын
I absolutely loved this video! I do have a question, though: are there certain finishing products that should not be stored next to each other or in an enclosed space? I know some chemicals ought to be stored separately in the garage / workshop, but I’d love some advice about the products you’ve mentioned. I currently store all my products next to one another for convenience. Just a curious question. Thanks so much for your *terrific* videos! You break things down so beautifully - you keep giving me more and more confidence to stretch my skills!
@tomruth9487
5 жыл бұрын
Nice video, have to agree with much of what you say. I have had good luck with Rubio Monocoat for wood countertops. Purple heart is a bad joke.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!! I still need to try Rubio. It’s definitely on the list. Purple heart is a real pain
@Psilodjan
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, very useful video. What do you recommend for finishing baltic birch plywood to avoid blotchiness and to prevent it from turning orange-ish yellow? Thank you.
@MichaelAlm
3 жыл бұрын
Water based poly for sure
@FredMcIntyre
5 жыл бұрын
Very informative, thanks Michael! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Fred!! Glad to hear it 👊
@jimboh5131
5 жыл бұрын
Mr. Alm, I sincerely appreciate the time it took to help us all out with all the finishes... excellent work. Being a fan of ink ( India-black ), have you any good/bad experience with different finishes over ink? shellac, water based, spray lacquer, poly? Thanks again.
@MichaelAlm
5 жыл бұрын
Sure thing, thanks! I usually go with poly for a top coat, but any of those finishes should work fine. The ink might lift a bit with the water-based stuff.
@jimboh5131
5 жыл бұрын
@@MichaelAlm Thanks for the info.
@ApexWoodworks
4 жыл бұрын
Michael, just a reminder that blotch-prone woods also require preconditioning before staining.
@SeanPCowan
5 жыл бұрын
Nice overview. Thank you!
@Lauralaey5
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info,. I learned a lot about finishes.
@MarkPrimavera
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, SUPERB video! When I go into the wood finishes department I break out into a cold sweat 😱 and start to shake because of the number of finishes, I was so glad to find this video. I work with Pine a lot and what would you recommend as a exterior and interior finish that will prevent the Pine from darkening? ~Thank Michael!
@MichaelAlm
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Pine is tough. It does like to darken with UV light. Your best bet inside is with water based polyurethane. Outdoors will be a challenge if not impossible to keep a light look. They do make UV protectant outdoor finishes like Thompson’s Water Seal, but you need to apply that yearly to make sure the finish doesn’t break down
@charliemckay6402
3 жыл бұрын
The ultimate wooden sink finish is ballistic epoxy, made by Endura, EX-2C is used on the nose cones of ballistic missiles. The downside is it greys wood colour and when curing you will think you are having a skunk convention.
@Haunold
3 жыл бұрын
Congratulations for the interesting discussion of the surface treatment. As a hobby turner, I am always looking for the perfect surface, and that as an absolute high gloss. I've tried everything, but in the end I always come back to the spray lacquer. This is the only way to achieve the highest gloss. What I'm still missing: the optimal sanding sealer for raw wood, naturally finely sanded. Can you please recommend a sanding sealer that suits my project? Thanks from Austria! Gerhard.
@emostorm7
4 жыл бұрын
Mineral oil is a petroleum product as well
@jmherbst87
5 жыл бұрын
Great run through! 👍
@lynneftw
3 жыл бұрын
For a Birch butcher block desk that I want to bring out the beauty of the wood grain AND keep it blonde and not yellowed, do you still recommend the water-based satin top coat by itself? How do you apply it, how many coats for a durable finish (sand grit between coats?), and what's the realistic drying time between coats on a soft wood like Birch? Thank you!
@Aviator1182
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, Michael...super helpful! I'm building a cherry bookshelf for a friend and I'm still trying to decide on a finish. I really want the grain to pop and let the wood shine as much as possible. I was thinking of Arm-R-Seal, but I've also read that most varnishes block UV light to some degree, which might prevent the natural darkening I'm looking for...any ideas? Thanks!
@draggboy
5 жыл бұрын
What about no or low VOC finishes. I still use Arm R Seal and other General Finishes products as well as some oils and wax here and there, but ever since using Rubio Monocoat, that's pretty much the only thing I want to use if I just want wood to look as natural and as beautiful as possible. It's also just so quick and easy... durable. Except for the price, it's pretty much perfect.
@evelync.8753
4 жыл бұрын
Great information! Do you have a video on what’s the best paint stripper? Thanks for sharing
@gasousman
3 жыл бұрын
Should I put something down on a Walnut butcher block counter top before using Arm-R-Seal, or just use several coats of Arm-R-Seal only? I want as dark a color I can get with Arm-R-Seal.
@conceptpla
4 жыл бұрын
This is a very helpful video. Thanks Michael!
@MichaelAlm
4 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it!
@scotschlinger3975
Жыл бұрын
Great video. I am in the process of making a live edge window sill for the wife. What finish and process would you recommend?
@emmanaden203
4 жыл бұрын
Most helpful video on finishes I've found. Thanks! Why do you say the graphite gray acrylic paint is not great for furniture pieces? If I add a General Finishes poly over the top is it not the same as a stain? (I'm thinking of using it on the wooden part of an Ikea Poang chair.)
@almedinapetovic
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing. Thanks for so much info.
@BitterHSweetA
3 жыл бұрын
Great tutorial thanks for sharing with us
@mikeamboy7292
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting fact is that the number one user of shellac is the pharmaceutical industry. They use it to coat pills. That’s why aspirin is chalky and Tylenol isn’t, it’s coated in shellac. Also used in making candy. Chocolate covered peanuts don’t have it, but chocolate covered raisins do. Completely food safe.
@HB-kp6rl
3 жыл бұрын
Getting some of that arm r seal for a gun stock
@wyndgateproperties4731
3 жыл бұрын
What would be your choice of product for sealing white birch plywood walls in a small garage wood workshop that will see heat and cold extremes periodically?
@sophielalonde4060
3 жыл бұрын
I learned a lot from this video. I'm a newbie when it comes to wood finishes. I bought a bamboo countertop from Home Depot for our bathroom. I made the mistake of putting a few coats of Danish Oil on it before realizing that it wouldn't protect the wood enough in a bathroom. I've now bought the Arm-R-Seal oil based top coat. Can I just put it on top of the Danish Oil or do I need to sand it down first? Thanks
@larryj1048
3 жыл бұрын
I'm no expert, but I have a wood countertop with my bathroom sink inset into it. I wouldn't go with wood again myself because eventually, drops of water will ruin the finish and it will start to chip off (if you have the wrong finish). My question would be whether something like spar varnish or a marine varnish might be the best for water exposure? or something designed for bar tops? I'm not sure the poly will be waterproof enough. I would definitely look for something intended for water exposure. Good luck.
@JoseOrellana29
3 жыл бұрын
wow, great video. Thanks Mike
@motleypixel
2 ай бұрын
2:56 should we use "de-waxed" shellac?
@olgapashchenko620
2 ай бұрын
Could you clarify watering down the acrylic paint? Is there a ratio you could recommend or what consistency is best? Thanks!
@anthonymarker4984
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Michael Thanks, this tutorial was just what I needed. I love the color of that General Finishes Water Based Antique Cherry stain you demonstrated. That doesn't seem to come in a water based stain any more. I'm staining raw cherry and want to get an aged look more quickly. Any suggestions for something similar? Have you moved on to something else for that color when staining difficult to stain hardwoods?
@stevekozle7247
3 жыл бұрын
I’d like to hear your thoughts on Seal-A-Cell.
@tolgabasoglu8985
4 жыл бұрын
Hi, I learned a lot, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm also wondering about hard wax as a finish? Have you had any experience with hard wax? Do you suggest it over other finishes? According to what I read, hard wax is go to finish for indoors. As for brands, I think there're three common ones, fiddes, osmo and rubio. In my country I can only find rubio but some people complain about rubio having water stains? Should I go with Rubio or try another finish?
@th34lch3m1st
5 жыл бұрын
But isn't mineral oil also a petroleum derivative? PS: Thanks for sharing, great infos.
@winstonpeinado4983
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, great video !! i am installing a pine doors and i want to keep a natural look that doesn’t turn yellow and treat the doors just to protect from stains and regular use. What is my best choice?
@heathertempleton9974
3 жыл бұрын
Question - for outdoor wood pieces (under a covered patio but still exposed to heat and humidity) - what do you use to protect them but not make them shiny? Thanks! Heather
@robertboyce7919
2 жыл бұрын
I make bird houses and Fairy houses. I put the fairy houses around my town and the kids love them. My nick name is Grumpy LOL. I would like to build some of them with plywood but it falls apart after a year or so, is there a finish I can use to protect them from the rain? I use a water based paint on the bird houses and then finish them with a spray lacquer on the roof and outside. Is there anything better to protect them?
@lindaramirez3570
4 жыл бұрын
What finish is best for indoor stair handrail once stained with GF Java Gel?
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