How to professionally finish any piece of wood in your home

(NC)-Refinishing your wood floors, furniture and other woodwork is much easier than most people imagine – you just have to go about it one step at a time.

According to Eric Chaimberg of Swing Paints, Canada's leading manufacturer of wood finishing products, professional finishing results can be achieved if you follow several important steps.

Based on years of experience and know how, Chaimberg says the secret to a great finish is a good start. And the best way to ensure a good finish is by taking the time to prepare your surface properly.

Here is a host of items Chaimberg says you will need prior to beginning any project:
• Bristle or foam brushes
• Rags or cheese cloth
• Steel wool or synthetic Pads
• Gloves
• Drop cloth

Surface Preparation
For previously finished floors, Chaimberg recommends you use a cleaner, such as, Circa 1850 Furniture Cleaner to remove all dirt, grime, wax and polish from the wood. Any repairs that need to be done such as filling nail holes or dents should be completed after stripping but before sanding and staining. Remove dirt and grime with a vacuum cleaner and finally wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to eliminate all traces of dust.

Sanding
The next step is to lightly sand the wood to provide a smooth uniform surface. "Sand enough to obtain the desired finish smoothness yet not enough to gouge the wood or sand through the veneer," Chaimberg says. Stripping closes the grain of the wood to the penetration of stain and finish. Sanding reopens the grain, evens out any discoloration that may have been left by a previous stain, and erases any scratches or blemishes in the surface.

Finishing
To add a protective finish to your surface, Chaimberg recommends using Circa 1850 Fast Dry Bowling Alley Polyurethane. "Apply this clear finish to those tired old floors or that newly stripped flea market find and you'll appreciate how fast it dries," he added. "It dries so fast you can re-coat in as little as two hours. Imagine being able to apply three coats in just one day."
On unfinished wood, thin first coat with 10% mineral spirits. Stir contents thoroughly prior to and during application. Never shake the contents. Wipe or brush on a thin coat of Circa 1850 Bowling Alley Polyurethane using a lint-free cloth, a pure bristle brush or a lambskin applicator. Apply evenly with long strokes in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry for at least two hours and sand lightly using very fine sandpaper (220) or steel wool (0000). Remove all dust and apply a second coat as above. If a third coat is desired, re-sand and apply as above.

"Because of its non-yellowing clear formula, all you'll see is the beauty of the wood shining through," Chaimberg added. "And your wood surface will be protected with the same hard, durable finish used on bowling alleys." For more information or tips on finishing visit www.circa1850.com.

- News Canada