The stage customers see.
WHY IT DETERMINES PERCEPTION
The finish is what is visible, and poor finishing ruins good construction.
WHAT PREPARATION REQUIRES
Progressive sanding through grades Removing all marks from the previous grade Removing dust completely Removing glue residue
WHY PROGRESSIVE SANDING
Skipping grades leaves marks the finer grades cannot remove.
WHAT FINISH TYPES EXIST
Oils and waxes Varnishes and lacquers Polyurethane Water-based coatings Sprayed finishes
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which suits the piece, its use and the environment.
WHY USE MATTERS
Surfaces subject to wear, heat or moisture require durable finishes.
WHAT SPRAYING REQUIRES
A clean, dust-controlled area Ventilation and extraction Respiratory protection Correct thinning and pressure
WHY DUST CONTROL
Dust settling in wet finish is the commonest finishing defect.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Separation of finishing from machining and sanding.
WHY
Dust from the workshop settles on wet finish.
WHAT AFFECTS FINISH QUALITY
Temperature and humidity Application technique Number of coats Sanding between coats Curing time
WHY CURING TIME MATTERS
Finishes that appear dry are not cured, and handling marks them.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Adequate curing before assembly, packing or delivery.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Wrap or stack finished pieces before curing.
WHY
The finish marks, sticks and is ruined.
WHAT TO PROVIDE THE CUSTOMER
Care instructions for the finish.
WHY
Incorrect cleaning damages finishes and it is blamed on the maker.
