Thank you for posting this video! I had to refinish a drum set because of unrepairable sun damage to the wrap. I followed your instructions, and they turned out looking awesome!
Thank you!!!! I have call Minwax a couple of times for help but they could never help like you did. I'm refinishing an antique baby grand piano and was about to take all the lacquer off again and start over using polyurethane since I couldn't get the smooth finish I'm after. You showed me how your wood was before the rubbing and it looks like mine. Now I'm ready to continue and get these thing finished! Thank you, again!!!
I learned a few things. Thanks, Steve. Lacquer has been a bit of a mystery to me. Paste wax is also great for metal surfaces like table saw, jointer bed, way tubes, and such.
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice, and to let you that I most appreciate your clarity, and the length of the videos. I think that's what really makes them!
@stevinmarin They've got several different types of Micro-Mesh. I like the package that comes with sheets that are 3" X 6" with a 3" X 3" rubber sanding block. There's also smaller sheet sets, I think they're 3 X 4, then I use the 2 X 2 double sided foam pads for polishing acrylic pens. For rubbing out lacquer the 3 X 6 sheets and foam block would be best. I think the set goes for between $35 and $40. I use an old toothbrush and dish soap to clean the sheets from time to time. Larry
Thanks for this video steve! Fantastic as usual! I just completed a refinishing and repair project of an old Lane cedar hope chest that im also recording for my chanel. While brushing up on my laquer know how i stumbled across this video!
Wow, great video. I needed to come watch your videos a few months ago before starting my first woodworking project. I now have you bookmarked. Thanks for all your hardword
Polyurethane doesn't rub out as well since each layer cures on its own. Each coat of lacquer "melts into" the previous layer, making one thick layer in the end.
I'm pretty impatient too, hard to wait days for something to cure. I found for me, that as soon as I cannot smell the lacquer, it's good to go. The ol sniff test. Keeping air moving on it helps dry it very fast. I have heard to wait as long as two weeks to buff out the lacquer. No way I could do that.
I have in the past cheated, with good results. Finish wood to a good surface - say to 600 grit. Apply paste wax, and wait for the worst of the volatiles to have evaporated - 20 minutes or so. Run a blowtorch set on full at speed over the surface. For a typical handheld propane blowtorch with integral cylinder, this would be about 1 inch distance perhaps, at perhaps 20 inches per second. This flash-evaporates the rest of the volatiles - but because of the time spent at temperature, does not boil or discolour the finish in any way.
I dont want to be "that guy", but I've just got a couple of things that need to be said. First, when rubbing out for a satin finish, it is important to rub everything with the grain. From wet sanding, wax application and the rub out. All with the grain. If going for gloss, have at it just how was instructed in the video. The final buffing will make those scratches shine. Which brings me to the next point... Again, for a true satin finish, dont let the wax dry. It needs to be rubbed out fairly quickly (with the grain). If you let it dry, then you are buffing. What does buffing do? Buffing is going to apply a more radiant sheen (gloss). If you rub the wax out before it dries, you are going to have an authentic hand rubbed satin finish. One more pro tip for a great satin finish: Use a gloss laquer for your first two or three coats. Then switch switch to the satin laquer for your last two coats (you can do this with poly too). Doing this really makes the grain pop while still dulling the sheen, as opposed to the cloudy look when applying all coats with satin. And always let it cure for at least a week before rubbing out! Wait even longer if you can.
I used a brushing lacquer and a cheap Harbor Freight spray gun 40 psi and Lacquer thinner 1 part to 3 parts Lacquer with outstanding results on several projects I then wet sanded the finish was great I tried to find out why they say brush only due to photochemically reactive and do not thin after looking up the word photochemically which made no sense to me I went ahead with the projects again great results If I did not thin brushing Lacquer it would be way to thick I did spray this on my outside workshop so there was no ventilation problem.
Used 600,1200 grit wet followed by minwax paste. Use the same brush techniques and brush prep from battling oil poly. My wife caught me rubbing out my wood in the sink using sandpaper.
I had a speaker box built. I stained it damn near same color as this project u have. I need to get it smooth. I out 3 light coats kinda rougher texture. I want it like glass
Looks good, Steve. Have you ever rubbed out a lacquer finish using Micro-Mesh? That's when you want a glossy finish, but it does take a bit more work going up to 12000 grit, or grade actually, since it's not the same as regular sandpaper grit. You could also use the 3M wet/dry papers that go up to 2000 grit and get a pretty glossy finish also, but the Micro Mesh lasts longer. I'm looking forward to seeing the Cajon video. Larry
How would you like to get the same looking finish in 2-3 hours start to finish. Watch the English polisher on youtube. When the man refer to polish it is actually shellac. Euro speak.
I get warped plywood if I keep them in my garage with no finish. Can I seal plywood with lacquer and thinner 50 50 to end my warping plywood nightmare 😅
I am currently working on a project, and I'm going to apply the lacquer tomorrow. Do I have to apply the wax stuff in order to get it to shine, or can I forego that part with a similar result?
Can I get a semi gloss sheen with the paste wax? I applied some to a large desk but now it's almost glassy. What would you recommend? I am trying to get to a nice arts and crafts style finish.
Great vid as always Steve. Do you think the 0000 steel wool fibers could be an issue in the wax finish? I use my wife's old hose for waxing and buffing since they are non ferrous and have similar abrasion to the 0000 steel wool.
Hi, great video! Is that a water based lacquer and how many coats did you put on? Would you have to rub out each coat or just the last one? I'm planing on using lacquer to finish an american white ash coffee table I made. Would the lacquer cause any yellowing of the ash over time?
Some videos show using a quad 0 steel wool for buffing off the wax.. Do you not recommend that? Would spray lacquer give the same end effect? Would you said the first coat and apply a second spray? And then do what you suggested with the soapy water and sandpaper? Then wax lol.
Oh my freaking god, thank you so much! Your video helped me get a gorgeous finish to a small antique table that i thought id never be able to finish!
Thank you for posting this video! I had to refinish a drum set because of unrepairable sun damage to the wrap. I followed your instructions, and they turned out looking awesome!
Thank you!!!! I have call Minwax a couple of times for help but they could never help like you did. I'm refinishing an antique baby grand piano and was about to take all the lacquer off again and start over using polyurethane since I couldn't get the smooth finish I'm after. You showed me how your wood was before the rubbing and it looks like mine. Now I'm ready to continue and get these thing finished! Thank you, again!!!
Lol I like the shared knowledge and you kept making me laugh with rubbing it out in nice long strokes...
We are always told what to finish with, trust you to tell us how. Detailed, complete and genuinely helpful
Thank you for all your hard work, making the videos and sharing your experience with us, you teach very well!
You're videos are just as helpful as any I have seen on T.V. I think your work is great!
I learned a few things. Thanks, Steve. Lacquer has been a bit of a mystery to me. Paste wax is also great for metal surfaces like table saw, jointer bed, way tubes, and such.
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice, and to let you that I most appreciate your clarity, and the length of the videos. I think that's what really makes them!
I have never seen anyone do a better instructional video. If there is some way to make this better, I can't think of it.
@stevinmarin They've got several different types of Micro-Mesh. I like the package that comes with sheets that are 3" X 6" with a 3" X 3" rubber sanding block. There's also smaller sheet sets, I think they're 3 X 4, then I use the 2 X 2 double sided foam pads for polishing acrylic pens. For rubbing out lacquer the 3 X 6 sheets and foam block would be best. I think the set goes for between $35 and $40. I use an old toothbrush and dish soap to clean the sheets from time to time.
Larry
Thanks for this video steve! Fantastic as usual! I just completed a refinishing and repair project of an old Lane cedar hope chest that im also recording for my chanel. While brushing up on my laquer know how i stumbled across this video!
Wow, great video. I needed to come watch your videos a few months ago before starting my first woodworking project.
I now have you bookmarked. Thanks for all your hardword
Thanks Steve, always enjoy learning new things from your videos.
Great to see some techniques in these short videos. Thanks Steve.
Polyurethane doesn't rub out as well since each layer cures on its own. Each coat of lacquer "melts into" the previous layer, making one thick layer in the end.
I'm pretty impatient too, hard to wait days for something to cure. I found for me, that as soon as I cannot smell the lacquer, it's good to go. The ol sniff test. Keeping air moving on it helps dry it very fast. I have heard to wait as long as two weeks to buff out the lacquer. No way I could do that.
Great.. The best video I have seen in wood finished. Home made.
I have in the past cheated, with good results.
Finish wood to a good surface - say to 600 grit.
Apply paste wax, and wait for the worst of the volatiles to have evaporated - 20 minutes or so.
Run a blowtorch set on full at speed over the surface.
For a typical handheld propane blowtorch with integral cylinder, this would be about 1 inch distance perhaps, at perhaps 20 inches per second.
This flash-evaporates the rest of the volatiles - but because of the time spent at temperature, does not boil or discolour the finish in any way.
I dont want to be "that guy", but I've just got a couple of things that need to be said. First, when rubbing out for a satin finish, it is important to rub everything with the grain. From wet sanding, wax application and the rub out. All with the grain. If going for gloss, have at it just how was instructed in the video. The final buffing will make those scratches shine. Which brings me to the next point... Again, for a true satin finish, dont let the wax dry. It needs to be rubbed out fairly quickly (with the grain). If you let it dry, then you are buffing. What does buffing do? Buffing is going to apply a more radiant sheen (gloss). If you rub the wax out before it dries, you are going to have an authentic hand rubbed satin finish. One more pro tip for a great satin finish: Use a gloss laquer for your first two or three coats. Then switch switch to the satin laquer for your last two coats (you can do this with poly too). Doing this really makes the grain pop while still dulling the sheen, as opposed to the cloudy look when applying all coats with satin. And always let it cure for at least a week before rubbing out! Wait even longer if you can.
I used a brushing lacquer and a cheap Harbor Freight spray gun 40 psi and Lacquer thinner 1 part to 3 parts Lacquer with outstanding results on several projects I then wet sanded the finish was great I tried to find out why they say brush only due to photochemically reactive and do not thin after looking up the word photochemically which made no sense to me I went ahead with the projects again great results If I did not thin brushing Lacquer it would be way to thick I did spray this on my outside workshop so there was no ventilation problem.
I think inhaling lacquer fumes can cause long-term side effects of run-on sentences
WOW! I LOVE HOW THE GRAIN STANDS OUT!!
great work , look amazing, i learnt a lot
@Larenzoid I'll have to give that a try. I've used rubbing compounds before with pretty good success at high-gloss.
Used 600,1200 grit wet followed by minwax paste. Use the same brush techniques and brush prep from battling oil poly. My wife caught me rubbing out my wood in the sink using sandpaper.
I had a speaker box built. I stained it damn near same color as this project u have. I need to get it smooth. I out 3 light coats kinda rougher texture. I want it like glass
How long does the Minwax finishing compound last??? Months, years? Does the finish compound yellow?
Thanks Steve! I have never tried lacquer but now I think I'll give it a try, good stuff as always :)
That’s beautiful man, the key here is Deft. I believe, and seen many comparisons of different brands, and Deft wins out every time.
Looks good, Steve. Have you ever rubbed out a lacquer finish using Micro-Mesh? That's when you want a glossy finish, but it does take a bit more work going up to 12000 grit, or grade actually, since it's not the same as regular sandpaper grit. You could also use the 3M wet/dry papers that go up to 2000 grit and get a pretty glossy finish also, but the Micro Mesh lasts longer.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Cajon video.
Larry
How would you like to get the same looking finish in 2-3 hours start to finish. Watch the English polisher on youtube. When the man refer to polish it is actually shellac. Euro speak.
Does the lacquer make it heat proof and water proof ?
I get warped plywood if I keep them in my garage with no finish. Can I seal plywood with lacquer and thinner 50 50 to end my warping plywood nightmare 😅
How many coats of lacquer was that? I don't think you ever said. I liked the video a lot though. Simple and to the point!!
If you rub out a lacquer finish with a finishing paste wax, does it have protection against an alcohol spill ?
Would you use paste wax on a butcher block counter?
Can you apply rubbing laquer on top of paint? I’m looking at painting vinyl veneered speakers, and I’d like to give them a gloss shine afterward.
I am currently working on a project, and I'm going to apply the lacquer tomorrow. Do I have to apply the wax stuff in order to get it to shine, or can I forego that part with a similar result?
Could you use automotive rubbing compound to rub to a semi gloss finish?
hi Steve! amazing project!
Great video!
I want to do what you did to my musical instrument I built.
When finnished did you find the wood sticky or greesy at all?
Thanks!
Can I get a semi gloss sheen with the paste wax? I applied some to a large desk but now it's almost glassy. What would you recommend? I am trying to get to a nice arts and crafts style finish.
Great vid as always Steve. Do you think the 0000 steel wool fibers could be an issue in the wax finish? I use my wife's old hose for waxing and buffing since they are non ferrous and have similar abrasion to the 0000 steel wool.
Yay! This was so helpful & easy. I feel like a pro now. 😃
Hi, great video! Is that a water based lacquer and how many coats did you put on? Would you have to rub out each coat or just the last one? I'm planing on using lacquer to finish an american white ash coffee table I made. Would the lacquer cause any yellowing of the ash over time?
Hi, i wanted to know what kind of wax are you using to rub out your finish? I realy need to know.
How does lacquer do in say a bathroom?
hey steve when I was in high school i used wet dry sandpapper I don't think you need to use soapy water I never did when I used it
Used brushing laquer. Dont see any point. Poly Urethand is much more reliable
How do you know if you gone too far with the sanding and how many coats will it take for the lacquer to turn black? Anyone know?
I have to say that there are many ways to achieve a beautiful finish on wood, but this method shown here is one of the longest processes I have seen
can you add another layer of varnish (or whatever) after you wet sand it?
This is great stuff Steve. Thanks. :-)
my god that looks good, hope the whole proces will work for me.(i'm still in the proces of making the cajon.)
Love this!!!
Some videos show using a quad 0 steel wool for buffing off the wax.. Do you not recommend that?
Would spray lacquer give the same end effect? Would you said the first coat and apply a second spray? And then do what you suggested with the soapy water and sandpaper? Then wax lol.
Spray lacquer is just really expensive for a piece this size
Is that a speaker cabinet that you made?
Would you follow the same process if you were using spray Helmsman polyurethane?
i rub out my finish ever day :3
Im so lonely :c
Dōmo arigatō, Misutā Miyagi! Wax on, wax off! xD
Great tips Steve! Keep up the great work!
Good video bro.
Paste finishing wax.
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!! This has saved me a lot of frustration.
Same process for polyurethane?
That's neat. What happened to lacquer sand lacquer sand lacquer?
Not required.
have you used wipe on poly?
very nice video! Can you apply this same process to a project using paperbacked veneer?
Nothing like rubbing out a big job.
Two days minimum for lacquer to cure, but I'm doing it after one day, because I'm a freaking moron.
Ya really spent a long time rubbing that one out didn't ya.
Yes
That's a lot of innuendo in one video. Perhaps that says more about me that I caught them all? ;)
UNFORTUNATE PHRASES