Spray Finishing and Other Techniques

Improved finishes and tools have put spray finishing within the reach of any woodworker. In this book, expert woodworkers and professional finishers share their advice on how to get a flawless spray finish, from how to choose and use equipment to preparing finishes for spraying. In addition there are articles on other non-traditional finishing methods such as rubbing out finishes with auto body compounds, spraying paint, and making the most of new water-borne finishes.

Whats inside:

• Building a spray booth
• Cleaning spray equipment
• Choosing water-borne finishes
• Thinning finishes
• Touching up with a spray gun
• Glazing with polyurethane
• Rubbing out with power tools

Introduction

Section 1: Choosing a Finish
Think Finish First
Jeff Jewitt

Using Waterborne Finishes
Andy Charron

New Water Based Finishes
Andy Charron

Section 2: Surface Preparation

Tips for Better Sanding
Lon Schleining

Section 3: Spray Equipment

Taking the Spray-Finish Plunge
Andy Charron

Which Spray System is Right for You
Chris A. Minick

Turbine HVLP Sprayers Keep Getting Better
Chris Minick

Vacuum Motor turns into a Spray Rig
Nick Yinger

Touch-up Spray Guns
Jeff Jewitt

TLC for Spray Guns
Andy Charron

A Low-Cost Spray Booth
Jeff Jewitt

Section 4: Spray Finishing Technique

Setting Up to Spray
Jeff Jewitt

Spraying Basics
Jeff Jewitt

Spray Finishing Done Right
Andy Charron

All About Thinning Finishes
Jeff Jewitt

Section 5: Aerosol Finishes

Aerosol Finishes
Chris Minick

Better Painted Furniture
Chris Minick

Section 6: Special techniques

Three Steps to a Flawless Painted Finish
Paul Snyder

Glazing with Polyurethane
M. David Becton

Using Wood Bleach
Jeff Jewitt

The Quick, Modern Way to a Polished Finish
Jeff Jewitt

My first experience with finishing furniture was typical of most woodworkers: I used a brush to lay on varnish and the results were less than spectacular. Eventually I discovered wipe-on finishes, which produced a more attractive result. Still, I found the process slow and the available finishes limited. So I decided early on to learn how to spray finish. Because I had some experience with painting cars, I was somewhat familiar with the process, and knew how good the results could be.

Numerous compressors and spray guns later, I can say that I am fairly competent at spraying finishes. Although the road to proficiency was paved with drips and runs, spray finishing wasnt any more difficult than a lot of other woodworking techniques Ive mastered. And unlike many woodworkers who still struggle with rags and brushes, I can honestly say that I enjoy finishing. The tools are fun to use and I love the results.

Many woodworkers shy away from spraying finishes, wary of the need for more equipment, ventilation, overspray, dust problems, learning curve, etc. But the truth is, you can get by with just a few basic toolsa midsized compressor, a gravity-feed HVLP gun and a cheap window fanas long as you stick with water-based finishes. Let me repeat that: As long as you stick with water-based finishes. Solvent-based finishes, because of their flammability, must be sprayed with proper explosion-proof light fixtures and exhaust fan motors. The only exception is if you work outdoors away from any source of ignition.

Anatole Burkin,

Editor of Fine Woodworking