Re: DFW Stock Finishing?
U2AV8R,
Finishing a laminate stock is not that tough and very rewarding when your done. If you have any skill at all you can finish it your self.
The toughest part is the patients in the oil finish. that is whay I use a combination product Water Lox.
Here is is what I do with great results..
Start with 200 grit sand paper. and get yourself a rubber sanding block. With laminite you will want to use the sanding block on the flat surfaces, if you just use your hand you will get waves.
Then move to 400 and then to 600 grit. I will wipe it down with denatured alchol to look for sanding scratches.
At this point, I apply a sandabale sealer. (your local wood working store is a great rescource) I cut it 50/50 with the denatured alchol and apply one coat. Cutting it helps it soak in better.
Resand with sanding block 400grit to 600. the sealer leaves a shinny finish that will show you low spots. Sand it completly off. Then apply a full strenght coat (probably unnessary) but gives me a secound chance to see low spots. These two sanding are quick if you have done a good job before applying.
Now your ready to apply a finish..I would suggest Waterlox gloss. The gloss has more particles and builds a stronger finish faster. Once you have multiple coats (7 or 8) you should have a nice finish. It will be glossy..but here is the cool thing, you can take rotten stone or a rubbing compound and cut the shiny off to your desire. It will look like a oil finish.
I always go to a high gloss and cut back. you can always cut a finish back to matte, but taking a matte to a gloss can be difficult.
It sounds like alot, but it is not that bad...and you will save about $200.00. You get out what you put in with wood and it can be very rewarding..
pm me if you have any questions..
