Club Night Report
Reflections on Club Demonstration by Terry Smart of Chestnut Finishes on Wednesday 9th May 2012
Terry gave a very comprehensive demonstration of the procedures in obtaining the perfect finish, with detailed explanations.
He started with putting Cellulose Sanding Sealer on a spindle explaining that this was suitable for all finishes but required de-nibbing, as it appears to have raised the grain. However, this was due to the construction of the substance which includes sand particles. De-nibbing is usually thought of as sanding with very fine sandpaper, but Terry used Burnishing Cream, which has an abrasive content, and this gave a very smooth and slightly polished surface. Other sanding sealers were also mentioned, such as Acrylic and Shellac, of which the former is particularly suitable as a base for woodwax and wax sticks, whilst the Shellac sealer is more suitable for use with Friction and French polishes.
Following on from sanding sealers, Terry talked about Woodwax, which was then applied over the burnishing cream, and after hand buffing gave a polished-looking finish. Woodwax is a blend of Carnuba wax and Beeswax, which is applied with a cloth and buffed to a fine gloss finish.
Lacquers were the next subject, of which Melamine lacquer was the centre of the discussion, during which it was explained that it was hard wearing and quick drying, and has improved heat and water resistance. This lacquer was applied to another sealed spindle which produced a good gloss finish. Other lacquers were Acrylic and Ebonising, both being quick drying, and could be applied to bare wood. Ebonising lacquer mimics the look of ebony by spraying several thin coats, to avoid ‘paint runs’. Once dry, waxes may be applied. In the case of ebonising lacquer, gilt cream may be used on wide grained timber which, after being lightly hand buffed, will highlight the grain. Again waxes can be applied to give a gloss finish.
Terry then briefly discussed the use of oils, which form a seal on wood giving a water resistant finish.
Finally a demonstration and discussion ensued on the use of the buffing system, which fits into a chuck on the lathe, and produces a polished finish to a project.
All who attended found the evening very interesting as several questions were asked throughout the demonstration.
Roger Blake
10th May 2012