Finishing

Surface preparation and finishes that age gracefully.

Two tins of hardwax oil and a can of satin polyurethane beside a white oak sample board showing a matte half and a satin half, with a cloth and brush

Finishing · 12 min read

Hardwax Oil vs. Polyurethane: The Finish Debate Small Shops Are Rethinking

One soaks in and can be repaired in ten minutes. The other shrugs off a spilled glass of wine. A clear guide to choosing the right one for the piece in front of you.

A woodworker applying oil to a richly figured walnut tabletop with a cotton cloth

Finishing · 10 min read

Oil, Wax, or Nothing at All

Match the finish to how the piece will actually be used—not only how it photographs.