Whittier Finishing Hints
P.O. Box 2827
Eugene, OR 97402 USA
Toll Free: 800-653-3336
Ph: 541-687-0213
Fax: 541-687-2060
www.whittierwood.com
Page 1 of 2
Rev.
04/11
Checklist of materials
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Rubber gloves
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Lint-free rags
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Paper towels
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Cotton swabs
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Tack cloth
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Drop cloth
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Stain brushes
(poly bristle
and foam)
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#220 & #320
sandpaper
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Painter’s tape
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Wood glue
Getting started
Assembly Instructions may contain special finishing
information or gluing requirements for that item.
Completely read both the Assembly Instructions and
these Finishing Hints before you begin your project.
Choosing the finish:
Ask your retailer for advice on
how to finish bare wood. Choose a finish that meets
your expectations for the end use of the product. Will
you use it as a work surface as on a desk or kitchen
island? Are you matching a finish on existing furniture?
The answers to these questions may affect the type of
finish you choose.
Where to work:
Choose an area that has good light and
is well ventilated, warm and dry. If the work area is cold
and damp, the wood finishing products may require a
longer drying time than the labels indicate. Do not work
in a dirty or dusty area – dirt and/or dust can embed in
the finish.
Gluing hints
These are general hints. Refer to the Assembly
Instructions for detailed information on how to glue your
specific product. Use wood glue such as Elmer’s Wood
Glue, Titebond Wood Glue or the equivalent. Some
instructions call for a slow drying epoxy glue. Carefully
read the label and instructions of the glue manufacturer.
Your unit may not need glue.
1.
We strongly recommend that you lay out all the
parts and familiarize yourself with how they fit
together before assembling with glue. Glue will set
up quickly. You can damage parts if you try to
reposition any that have been assembled
incorrectly.
2.
For glue to properly bond, it is very important to
apply the wood glue to bare wood. Protect your eyes
and blow into holes to clear excess dust. This will
help the glue to adhere to a clean surface.
3.
If you plan on finishing the product before you
assemble it, place painter’s tape three-fourths of the
way up from the end of a dowel, spindle or tenon.
This protects the ends from the finishing product but
allows finish application where it will be visible.
Finishing products inhibit the bonding properties of
wood glue. Remove the tape prior to the final
assembly.
4.
Avoid getting glue on surfaces to be finished. Most
stains or finishes will not penetrate where glue has
been spilled. Wet glue can be wiped off with a damp
cloth. Follow with a light sanding of the area to
ensure a proper finish.
5.
It is important to apply an even coat inside holes and
slots. Use a small dowel, pencil or cotton swab to
spread glue evenly around the inside of the holes.
Do not over glue. The tight fit of the spindles or
dowels in the holes can cause glue to be pushed to
the bottom of the hole. If too much glue is used it will
fill the holes and not allow the spindle or dowel to be
fully inserted.
6.
Glue usually takes several hours to cure or harden
but it will set up or grab in several seconds. Once
you begin final assembly, proceed quickly.
Finishing hints
1.
Use products of the same brand to ensure
compatibility. It is not recommended to mix solvent
based and water based finishes
.
Always read and
follow all label directions on the can.
2.
Alder is a porous hardwood and often looks best
when following the finishing instructions for
softwoods.
3.
Use a wood conditioner under oil base stains.