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I'm only 2 years into my wood working adventure and it was youtubers that triggered this new found passion(and thousands of dollars that my wife isnt fully clear where I have spent). Some youtubers and their influence on me has come and gone rather quickly. I saw your videos early on, but they weren't the ones that hooked me or particularly interested me. Not flashy, not sensational, and most egregious, no promises of "make easy money with pallet wood". I wanted to make easy money and I wanted it to be easy. Well... However, as I progressed and got more serious about what I was doing I quickly realized where true value existed. Your videos by contrast were down to the point, well reasoned, and you explain not just what to do but WHY you would want to do it/not do it and what to look out for. Something I have grown to greatly appreciate. So many times as someone getting into this environment you literally don't know what you don't know. Out of all the youtubers out there you have consistently been the most informative. When I scour youtube for answers to a question I have and your video turns up in a result--it is the first one I click on now adays. While it may not be the highest praise; I consider you amongst the best out there.
The brown paper bag works great, use it all the time. When I sand, at least after the first coat, I find I can actually feel and hear a change in the sound when the finish has become smooth.
What a nice guy, so articulated. I dont even speak english and I understand every single thing the guy says. I would pay for your friendship Love your videos, you'r the man James
For my final rubdown, a piece of wool sweater provides the right amount of abrasion to the finish. Thanks for the paper bag suggestion too. After reading many of the readers comments, I am probably the only person on earth that that had never heard of the paper bag trick!
Outstanding video! Everything about your video was top notch. Excellent quality audio, lighting and background. No jokes or side comments. Got right to the point. Explained things in a clear, coherent manner with no vocal ticks (ahs, ums, so, etc...). Thank you and keep up the great work!
This guy is just amazing. So much clarity in his presentation. I am not a woodworking guy. Just needed to finish an unfinished butcher block for a desk set up.
Mr. Stumpy Nubs, your GOOD! I watch a lot of how to videos. Your good. Your very clear, concise, and give every thing you need to know to get a process done right. You don’t go too fast. You don’t bore with needless minutiae. Thanks all the great tips and great product and tool suggestions.
Such an informative video. I'm refinishing a wood floor in my house and couldn't figure out why on earth I'm supposed to sand between coats of finish. Every instructional video or article recommends sanding but doesn't give a reason why. Now I know! I appreciate the time you put into making this video so clear and informative.
As a result of the pandemic and no shopper-supplied bags at the supermarket, we have a supply of brown paper bags - probably sufficient for the next 5 years.
Great description of how the oil poly drying process effects the finish (ie shrinking) and should be applied in lighter coats for the final step. Also like the paper bag buffing tip. Keep those deep dives coming...
Thanks for this tutorial. I’ve struggled understanding the process of so many coats of finish. Now I know the why as well as how to apply the finish. Thanks!
Thank you so much for coaching me through my first height adjustable BIG wood desk and project. I love the no nonsense information style as opposed to trying terribly hard to be funny.
Now this is the video I needed. I stopped sanding between coats and moved to using a piece of cardboard to knock off the nibs, because even with 400 grit I was getting scratches. I also started covering my projects while they dry with a tub with a few holes drilled into the very bottom. I created a lazy susan style tray to help avoid touching the project too. One day I wan't to get an HVLP system, but for now it is mostly wiping on thinned down finishes. I've also started doing my finishing on a pop-up table inside the house, because the humidity and temps are all over the place in my shed, and it makes drying time so unpredictable. It was 91 with 86% humidity in my shed today. No amount of fans can help that become a reasonable place for finishing.
I tried a card scraper to remove the raised grain after a first coat of shellac, and it worked really well. The dust nibs came off well with a scotch-brite pad.
I wonder how much of the card scraper is skill. I have seen Paul Sellers do a lot of things that make me look like Peter Sellers (Pink Panther) when I attempt them.
Well that was a boat load of information! Have 3 pages of notes. Probably gonna watch this video at least 4-5 more times as I get ready for a finish. Great video as always, thank you Stumpy!
+1 for the brown paper bag. I use it every time with poly. On large projects I glue a piece of cardboard to an old piece of sand sandpaper on the orbital sander - just watch out over working/over heating an area. Glass smooth every time.
Good Expertise. I feel more inclined to trust someone who is in the field doing the work on the day to day. This guy has put in the time and dedication to know what he is talking about. I appreciate the good information. Keep up the great work.
I like to use 320 paper on a soft block after the first coat, 00 steel wool to grab the nibs, and 0000 for the final buffing. Good video. Your points about recoat times are excellent.
I remember my grandfather teaching me this after I put together a set of shelves and put on the first coat of polyurethane. He was inspecting it, turn to me and said "Looks nice. Looks really nice. Do you want to make it look better?" I responded with "Why yes I do!" and he proceeded to tell me about using steel wool to smooth it out, get rid of bubbles, and really shine. 25 years and several moves later they still look great.
The brown paper bag trick works fantastic!! I have a project that I just couldn't get quite smooth and was just living with it. Tried the brown paper bag and it's smooth as glass without having to recoat. Talk about a lifesaver!
Many thanks for this clear instructional guide. I have two laminated counter tops to poly and you have added a few extra steps to my process that I think will really make a difference to the final finish.
Good post. My only addition is lacquer dissolves into itself and dries quickly. This allows multiple thin coats to be laid down successively before needing to sand. I prefer a sealer coat of shellac that raises the grain, sand with 320, lay down 3 coats of spray lacquer, then sand with 600 or 800 grit, then a final thinned coat. From there you let the finish cure for a couple weeks and sand/ buff to whatever sheen you desire.
I've been doing most of what you demonstrated, but never had it explained so well. Now, with a better understanding, I can explain those times I had unsatisfactory results or a hiccup in my process. I may be a turner, but I find so much useful theory in your videos. Thank you for that. On your recent spindle roughing gouge video I was ready to scrutinize your video. Nothing to critique. Just good information. And, the next day, I put down my skew and grabbed the SRG just for fun.
Since I am not a pro turner, I am sure there are plenty of things you could add to my turning tutorials. However, I am also speaking to an audience of beginners, and it is important to keep things simple. :)
My first real project, a garage workbench/cabinet made of construction plywood and 2x4s, has a pine needle embedded in the poly... Lots of lessons learned on that cabinet.
Great video, very informative. I use oil based poly thinned 50% and apply it with bakers linen cloth. That cuts down on the lint dust that is always there. In between coats I sand with crocus cloth. The crocus cloth has no appreciable grit and does a good job of polishing away the roughness on the poly. I can use the crocus on the final coat with no scratches. Course I’m sanding very lightly. The only issue is it’s hard to find and expensive. But a sheet can be reused over and over. Keith
I love the amount of detail and explanation you put into these tutorials. I have learned a bunch from since I started "self teaching" myself woodworking a couple years ago. I mostly do "artsy" stuff and carvings. But MANY of your tips apply! I am also considering a Harvey table saw after your review. The only thing I don't like about them is where they are manufactured. I may have to get over that though, because, my garage shop gets very humid. The chances of condensation are much higher. That's terrible for cast iron. But the tin coating on a Harvey really helps minimize that issue!
Very glad to have found your channel. I like your presentation style and the really useful tips. I now know what I did wrong when treating our kitchen work tops and what I can do to improve them.
I appreciate your making this video. You have a way of explaining things so clearly that us new to woodworking Boomers can understand, so thank you very much. Please tem=ll me what you use to apply your finishes? It looks like some kind of cloth.
THANK YOU FOR THE BROWN PAPER BAG! I just turned a maple table into a Varathane espresso and I was disappointed at the expected smoothness. A brown paper bag made the difference especially with this being a strictly one coat plan even on the can.
Brown paper bag is a great tip. I have also found a brown coffee filter works amazing as well. We have one of those giant warehouse membership stores that sell them at a great price.
What a great video as a stone Mason I can tell ya I'm thankful for the little tricks you added. There's plenty of them in masonry too and I know it took me a lot of years to lesrn some. Those guys are greedy with info sometimes. I feel like a pro after watching this thank u!
I never got a smooth finish (without spraying) until I started doing two things. Sanding with 400+ grit VERY lightly (just enough to smooth out the bumps) between coats, and then using VERY thin coats for the topcoats.It should be just enough to wet the surface, and no more. If it's thin enough, it will dry EXTREMELY fast. Bubbles can't form in a layer that thin and because it dries so quickly ,dust isn't too much of a problem. Thinning the poly for the topcoats helps too.
Daniel used your brown paper bag sanding method on the coffee bar countertop he made for us. I thought that was pretty clever. I know he must have learned it from you. Anyhow it turned out beautiful. Thanks for teaching him Jim. I know he appreciates what he learned from you.
While more applicable to finishing on a lathe, a handful of shavings from the lathe (or plane) does a great job. Never heard of the paper bag trick... worth a shot!
One critical addition to sanding between coats I believe you should mention is using a Tac rag to remove dust and debris particles. Tac rags are a sticky cheese cloth which when lightly rubbed over the wood's surface remove any contaminating particles. Most hardware or stores like Lowe's or Home Depot carry them. They are cheap and very effective.
Great job! Thanks for sharing. I have just finished all the preping and staining our kitchen cabinets. Now ready for the final coats of polyurethane. So i did s SEARCH and found your video. Again great job! Thank you!
You had me at "boogers". And, also, thanks for all the tips. I'm delving in to different finishes and need ALL the help I can get. I will definitely use these methods you've described!
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I'm only 2 years into my wood working adventure and it was youtubers that triggered this new found passion(and thousands of dollars that my wife isnt fully clear where I have spent). Some youtubers and their influence on me has come and gone rather quickly. I saw your videos early on, but they weren't the ones that hooked me or particularly interested me. Not flashy, not sensational, and most egregious, no promises of "make easy money with pallet wood". I wanted to make easy money and I wanted it to be easy. Well...
However, as I progressed and got more serious about what I was doing I quickly realized where true value existed. Your videos by contrast were down to the point, well reasoned, and you explain not just what to do but WHY you would want to do it/not do it and what to look out for. Something I have grown to greatly appreciate. So many times as someone getting into this environment you literally don't know what you don't know.
Out of all the youtubers out there you have consistently been the most informative. When I scour youtube for answers to a question I have and your video turns up in a result--it is the first one I click on now adays. While it may not be the highest praise; I consider you amongst the best out there.
I'm never calling myself a perfectionist again
Something a perfectionist would say
Right???
We’re screwed …
I really appreciate how articulate your presentations are...no filler, just useful info...a real delight...the best!
You just spoke centuries of wood wisdom. In less than 7 minutes. It is official. I am old. Because I loved every second of it.
Thank you.
lol he is the wood wisdom shaman!
You're the guy we all want next door to help us on a whim, but glad we all have youtube and you're here.
The brown paper bag works great, use it all the time. When I sand, at least after the first coat, I find I can actually feel and hear a change in the sound when the finish has become smooth.
I think I learn more here than anywhere else. Clear, concise, well researched. Nice work.
100% agree, this guy should do TEDtalks! he is thee most perfect speaker i have seen!
What a nice guy, so articulated. I dont even speak english and I understand every single thing the guy says.
I would pay for your friendship
Love your videos, you'r the man James
For my final rubdown, a piece of wool sweater provides the right amount of abrasion to the finish. Thanks for the paper bag suggestion too. After reading many of the readers comments, I am probably the only person on earth that that had never heard of the paper bag trick!
Outstanding video! Everything about your video was top notch. Excellent quality audio, lighting and background. No jokes or side comments. Got right to the point. Explained things in a clear, coherent manner with no vocal ticks (ahs, ums, so, etc...). Thank you and keep up the great work!
Man I wish every teacher I ever had taught the way you did in this video. I love the way you present the information here, never change!
You are the goat of woodworking information on UA-cam
This guy is just amazing. So much clarity in his presentation. I am not a woodworking guy. Just needed to finish an unfinished butcher block for a desk set up.
I learn so much from these. What I appreciate is the logical and sensible reasons given behind every tip.
Excellent video. Perfect pace. No annoying background music. Excellent speaker. Thank you. It is very helpful.
This was an incredibly informative and efficient video. Not a word wasted!
Mr. Stumpy Nubs, your GOOD! I watch a lot of how to videos. Your good. Your very clear, concise, and give every thing you need to know to get a process done right. You don’t go too fast. You don’t bore with needless minutiae. Thanks all the great tips and great product and tool suggestions.
Such an informative video. I'm refinishing a wood floor in my house and couldn't figure out why on earth I'm supposed to sand between coats of finish. Every instructional video or article recommends sanding but doesn't give a reason why. Now I know! I appreciate the time you put into making this video so clear and informative.
I've been professionally staining for years and learned a ton from this video, thanks sir!
Great tip on the brown paper bag! We use that method often in the cabinetry shop I work at!
As a result of the pandemic and no shopper-supplied bags at the supermarket, we have a supply of brown paper bags - probably sufficient for the next 5 years.
Finally I get the info I’ve been looking for. I keep hearing that fast drying is good to go to the next coat in 2-3 hours, now it all makes sense.
Compliments on such a clear, logical presentation. And I endorse all the wonderful comments too - doesn't leave much to say!
Carboard instead of 1500 worked really good for my ikea pine dresser finish. Smooth and nice
Great description of how the oil poly drying process effects the finish (ie shrinking) and should be applied in lighter coats for the final step. Also like the paper bag buffing tip. Keep those deep dives coming...
Thanks for this tutorial. I’ve struggled understanding the process of so many coats of finish. Now I know the why as well as how to apply the finish. Thanks!
These videos are educational and address issues that may spare you a future headache
Thank you so much for coaching me through my first height adjustable BIG wood desk and project. I love the no nonsense information style as opposed to trying terribly hard to be funny.
Brother I can’t thank you enough. I never did hardwood floors and your tips was a life saver. Next I’m gonna tackle an epoxy floor woot woot 🎉
I love watching your videos! Please know how important your information is especially to a "newbie" like me. THANK YOU!
Now this is the video I needed. I stopped sanding between coats and moved to using a piece of cardboard to knock off the nibs, because even with 400 grit I was getting scratches. I also started covering my projects while they dry with a tub with a few holes drilled into the very bottom. I created a lazy susan style tray to help avoid touching the project too. One day I wan't to get an HVLP system, but for now it is mostly wiping on thinned down finishes. I've also started doing my finishing on a pop-up table inside the house, because the humidity and temps are all over the place in my shed, and it makes drying time so unpredictable. It was 91 with 86% humidity in my shed today. No amount of fans can help that become a reasonable place for finishing.
Thank you, your advice is helping me out a lot! I'm having a tough time learning about sanding finishes just by doing it.
I saw Paul Sellers use a card scraper real light to remove dust nibs. I tried it on my last project and it worked real well.
I tried a card scraper to remove the raised grain after a first coat of shellac, and it worked really well. The dust nibs came off well with a scotch-brite pad.
I wonder how much of the card scraper is skill. I have seen Paul Sellers do a lot of things that make me look like Peter Sellers (Pink Panther) when I attempt them.
I have messed up polyurethane so many times. This info fixes most of my poly problems but i will mostly use shellac in the future for the simplicity.
Well that was a boat load of information! Have 3 pages of notes. Probably gonna watch this video at least 4-5 more times as I get ready for a finish. Great video as always, thank you Stumpy!
Some videos just get right to the answers you need. This is a great one
Well I just learned why my finish work isn't the best thanks. I been sanding wrong. Keep spreading the knowledge really appreciate it.
+1 for the brown paper bag. I use it every time with poly. On large projects I glue a piece of cardboard to an old piece of sand sandpaper on the orbital sander - just watch out over working/over heating an area. Glass smooth every time.
Good Expertise. I feel more inclined to trust someone who is in the field doing the work on the day to day. This guy has put in the time and dedication to know what he is talking about. I appreciate the good information. Keep up the great work.
My dad used similar procedures. Once again you show why in glad I listened to him (and why watch your channel)
I like to use 320 paper on a soft block after the first coat, 00 steel wool to grab the nibs, and 0000 for the final buffing. Good video. Your points about recoat times are excellent.
I remember my grandfather teaching me this after I put together a set of shelves and put on the first coat of polyurethane. He was inspecting it, turn to me and said "Looks nice. Looks really nice. Do you want to make it look better?" I responded with "Why yes I do!" and he proceeded to tell me about using steel wool to smooth it out, get rid of bubbles, and really shine. 25 years and several moves later they still look great.
Very interesting. In 40yrs of woodworking, I had never heard about finish shrinkage. Good to know!
Greetings from Denmark. Love your channel. Factual and knowledgeable.
Glad I watch your videos or blogs at least you learn something new each time I appreciate that for what it's worth. Billy from Scotland.uk.
Great video! Very helpful and well spoken.
Once again proving that I didn't know what I was doing. Or not fully. Thanks for the info
You explained this SO well!! Thank you!
The brown paper bag trick works fantastic!! I have a project that I just couldn't get quite smooth and was just living with it. Tried the brown paper bag and it's smooth as glass without having to recoat. Talk about a lifesaver!
Many thanks for this clear instructional guide. I have two laminated counter tops to poly and you have added a few extra steps to my process that I think will really make a difference to the final finish.
Very helpful, thanks. I love woodworking but am terrible at finishing. This really helped me out on a large mirror frame I just finished.
Good post. My only addition is lacquer dissolves into itself and dries quickly. This allows multiple thin coats to be laid down successively before needing to sand. I prefer a sealer coat of shellac that raises the grain, sand with 320, lay down 3 coats of spray lacquer, then sand with 600 or 800 grit, then a final thinned coat. From there you let the finish cure for a couple weeks and sand/ buff to whatever sheen you desire.
First time diy staining/ polyurethane(ing?) project table & this advise saved my project, thank you👍🏼
New Subscriber here🙋🏼♀️ You are my Gordon Ramsay of woodworking! So thankful for your content and expertise!!! You’re my number one go-to guy! 😃
I've been doing most of what you demonstrated, but never had it explained so well. Now, with a better understanding, I can explain those times I had unsatisfactory results or a hiccup in my process. I may be a turner, but I find so much useful theory in your videos. Thank you for that.
On your recent spindle roughing gouge video I was ready to scrutinize your video. Nothing to critique. Just good information. And, the next day, I put down my skew and grabbed the SRG just for fun.
Since I am not a pro turner, I am sure there are plenty of things you could add to my turning tutorials. However, I am also speaking to an audience of beginners, and it is important to keep things simple. :)
My first real project, a garage workbench/cabinet made of construction plywood and 2x4s, has a pine needle embedded in the poly... Lots of lessons learned on that cabinet.
Thank you so very much for sharing your hard learned skills. I greatly appreciate it. Kind Regards, Tom Pollock
That paper bag tip! Thank you for all you’ve provided!!
Thank you for the insights! I will use the tricks you mentioned and hopefully next project looks better.
As usual.... a great, simple, helpful video on a critical part of any woodworking project..... Thanks for the help.....
Thank you! I suck at finish, but these kinds of tips help me, so much!
Gratifying to know I'm doing something right!
Great video, very informative. I use oil based poly thinned 50% and apply it with bakers linen cloth. That cuts down on the lint dust that is always there. In between coats I sand with crocus cloth. The crocus cloth has no appreciable grit and does a good job of polishing away the roughness on the poly. I can use the crocus on the final coat with no scratches. Course I’m sanding very lightly. The only issue is it’s hard to find and expensive. But a sheet can be reused over and over. Keith
I love the amount of detail and explanation you put into these tutorials. I have learned a bunch from since I started "self teaching" myself woodworking a couple years ago. I mostly do "artsy" stuff and carvings. But MANY of your tips apply!
I am also considering a Harvey table saw after your review. The only thing I don't like about them is where they are manufactured. I may have to get over that though, because, my garage shop gets very humid. The chances of condensation are much higher. That's terrible for cast iron. But the tin coating on a Harvey really helps minimize that issue!
Very glad to have found your channel. I like your presentation style and the really useful tips. I now know what I did wrong when treating our kitchen work tops and what I can do to improve them.
I appreciate your making this video. You have a way of explaining things so clearly that us new to woodworking Boomers can understand, so thank you very much. Please tem=ll me what you use to apply your finishes? It looks like some kind of cloth.
THANK YOU FOR THE BROWN PAPER BAG! I just turned a maple table into a Varathane espresso and I was disappointed at the expected smoothness. A brown paper bag made the difference especially with this being a strictly one coat plan even on the can.
I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.
Great advice and the perfect process for poly.
love the brown paper bag trick! Have used it for years. Works great!
Great tips, I've a hard wood table which I will apply water based polyurethane varnish, will try you method. Thanks a lot.
Brown paper bag is a great tip. I have also found a brown coffee filter works amazing as well. We have one of those giant warehouse membership stores that sell them at a great price.
Your videos just keep getting better and better! Keep them coming
Very clear, very concise, and very helpful...thank you. My next guitar body/neck will benefit enormously!
Exactly what i was looking for after so many not so specific videos!
James you are a master. Great information as always. I will be using the paper bag trick for sure. Thank you again
What a great video as a stone Mason I can tell ya I'm thankful for the little tricks you added. There's plenty of them in masonry too and I know it took me a lot of years to lesrn some. Those guys are greedy with info sometimes. I feel like a pro after watching this thank u!
Love the video and the way you teach, I wish it was more informative like an hour long on sanding
Always learn something new and necessary with your videos!
EXACTLY the information I’ve been searching for. Thank you!
I never comment, but your videos are excellent.
This will help improve my projects. Thank You for the professional advice, as usual!
I never got a smooth finish (without spraying) until I started doing two things. Sanding with 400+ grit VERY lightly (just enough to smooth out the bumps) between coats, and then using VERY thin coats for the topcoats.It should be just enough to wet the surface, and no more. If it's thin enough, it will dry EXTREMELY fast. Bubbles can't form in a layer that thin and because it dries so quickly ,dust isn't too much of a problem. Thinning the poly for the topcoats helps too.
Daniel used your brown paper bag sanding method on the coffee bar countertop he made for us. I thought that was pretty clever. I know he must have learned it from you. Anyhow it turned out beautiful. Thanks for teaching him Jim. I know he appreciates what he learned from you.
Hope he's getting along well!
While more applicable to finishing on a lathe, a handful of shavings from the lathe (or plane) does a great job. Never heard of the paper bag trick... worth a shot!
it was good to hear you bring up the paper bag treatment and I like to finish up using polish. very cool thanks for sharing your video
Outstanding presentation and information man!!!!!💪
Love your videos and I’m a mechanic , not a wood worker!
Excellent. All the facts with specific suggestions that can be used by just about anyone. Thanks for the video!
Thank you James! Such valuable tips I have learned!
One critical addition to sanding between coats I believe you should mention is using a Tac rag to remove dust and debris particles.
Tac rags are a sticky cheese cloth which when lightly rubbed over the wood's surface remove any contaminating particles. Most hardware or stores like Lowe's or Home Depot carry them. They are cheap and very effective.
No doubt he would use a tack cloth. Even masters overlook a detail now and then.
What an informative video. Thank you for your time explaining to us newbies.
Great Video. Appreciate all the tips n tricks. Keep the info coming our way.
Excellent video! I'd also be interested in learning more about the different kinds of wood finishes and how to decide which to choose.
Great job!
Thanks for sharing.
I have just finished all the preping and staining our kitchen cabinets.
Now ready for the final coats of polyurethane.
So i did s SEARCH and found your video. Again great job!
Thank you!
Someone showed me that "buffing" with brown cardboard, has saved my bacon more than I can remember. Excellent way to finish up!
This covered everything I needed. Thank you! You rock!
Great finishing tips, James. You're cranking them out !! Thanks!
You had me at "boogers".
And, also, thanks for all the tips. I'm delving in to different finishes and need ALL the help I can get. I will definitely use these methods you've described!
What I do, is wet the surface a sand again with fine sandoaper and repeat 2-3 times…after that you dont need to sand the coat..
Thanks for this video! I really wanted to, needed to, learn this!
Extremely helpful video. Quick question - I see you applying the finish with a rag vs a brush. Is that just for the final coat? Please & thank you!