Generally in woodworking and of cource in the wood finishing area , there are “secrets” that comes from the ancient times and their mission is to help all of us .
As you can imagine , the human kind learned stuff through time , by trying and experiment in all the fields , in all the science area and not only .
The same applies for the woodworking and the techniques the old times woodworkers tried and learned , is wise to use them and have in mind .
All these “secrets” are working 100% and there are 100% efficient , because the knowledge was extracted by actions , not only theory .
So let’s make a helpful list with some of these “secrets” to use anytime , anyplace .
1) Adapt your wood type choices , to the specific woodworking project you have .
Try to make your wood type choices , according to the wood plan you have , because not all wood types are for all jobs . There are wood types that have special features , you should be aware .
See in HERE the two types of wood that aren’t best for wet conditions , even if there are very good wood types .
2) You may do all the right stuff , but you may fail eventually .
These words have been told to me by one of the best Greek University teachers , for the wood science . When you’re dealing with green materials as wood , the factor of luck is a major factor .
You may do all the best you can do and use the best equipment you can possible can , but eventually your wood and project may fail , totally .
Luck is present to all the human activites .
3) When you act woodworking try to have nice mood .
Wood is “alive” and it can feel your nerves , temper , et.c and all this may cause problems .
See in HERE what can happen if you try to sharpen your woodworking tools with bad nerves .
4) If you boil yourself the 100% Pure Linseed oil , you tranform it into a top natural varnish .
If you buy 100% pure linseed oil and you boil it yourself , the boiling heat will transform the linseed oil into a top natural varnish , polymerizing its linseed acids .
The result will be a very nice – thick as honey and flexible natural varnish you can use to any wood type .
5) Use Vinegar for antifungal purposes .
The acid environment of the vinegar isn’t the best for the bugs and fungi of the wood . Use vinegar and make combinations and mixtures in order to protect your wood .
6) Never put anything above the wax finishing .
The waxing of your wood as a finish , should be the last coating , and you should never try to put anything above wax .
You won’t get result , you’ll mess things in general and there is no meaning to put another layer , above wax . Wax creates a protecting film above wood and nothing can penetrate inside the wood mass .
7) There is no “immortal” finishing .
No matter what elegant element you use for your wood finishing , polyurethane , epoxy , several varnishes , linseed oil and whatever else , your finishing will wear during time .
There is material on earth that is immortal in time and has zero wear .
8) The crust type of finishing aren’t the best of the best .
Many believe that the wood finishing materials that are creating a film a crust above the wood and they seal it perfectly , are the best of the best wood finishing elements .
No matter how good and strong is the crust above the wood , it’ll protect it fully for a little time and a specific time periods .
After a while the weather conditions and especially the “aggresive” temperature fluctuations , will create tiny – small cracks in its surface , allowing the moisture and stuff to penetrate .
If you observe your floor finishing which is probably a crust type of finishing , you’ll see black lines between the wood pieces connections and joinery . Usually from there it starts the tiny cracking .
These black lines are moisture , which has managed to penetrate into the wood’s mass . If you leave it with no care , you’ll have issues in the future .
I’ll always update this article with new – “fresh” finishing information i’ll discover and let you know .
Keep woodworking and the happiness will company you , for ever .