One of my favorite things to do is to work with wood. It soothes my soul and gives me some mental 'downtime' when things start to drive my nerves on edge.

But even woodworking can be unnerving at times; like when you've seen your project through all of its processes, and the only step remaining is to apply the clear protective finish.

Applying clear finish is the most critical, and can be the most unforgiving process to a project. Make one slip by applying too much and watch the prized piece that you spent so many hours on be covered with sags, runs, or worse — even wrinkles. At that point you have one of two choices; either you throw the item away, or its back to the stripper and sand paper.

By chance I discovered this wonderful finish in a blue and white can called Deft Satin Clear Wood Finish. It's lacquer-based which means no thinning required. This is important because you can use it directly from the can into a spray gun. Its satin finish provides a very natural non-glossy luster that provides a hard shell protective finish.

By being a lacquer-based type of finish, means that it 'goes off' (a painters term for setting up) very quickly; and can be sanded between coats in minimum time. Also, because of the short duration of drying time, you can apply more coats; and if properly prepared — depending on the number of coats you're using — you can apply the first coat through the final coat in one day!

Word of caution — Just because you can sand between coats, and finish it in rapid order doesn't mean it's completely dry. So don't go jumping up and down on your newly finished bar stool until its had a chance to dry. It may feel dry to the touch, but it technically still needs time to completely dry. It usually takes around a week, at which point will harden itself to a hard shell finish.

Because I desire a deep rich luster in my finishes, I always use at least four coats. But I have been known to use more, for instance; I saved a ton of money by ordering my kitchen cabinets bare wood. I stained them with Minwax Golden Oak Stain, and then finished them with six coats of Deft Satin Clear Wood Finish. Because of the enormity of the project, I had to use a spray gun. The result is better than a cabinet maker could produce not only because I used so many coats, but because I was able to do it myself, which in turn, afforded me the luxury of time.

Deft Finish is so smooth in the application process, and because its so thin and easy to work with, you really don't need a spray gun. It can be brushed or rolled on, and the incredible thing about it is, it's self-leveling, which means it doesn't show brush marks.

It's also very forgiving in the spraying process, in that if you lay it on too thick, it won't necessarily produce runs. Of course I suppose you could make it run if you just left the spray on in one place.

There are a few downsides to the product — and special handling involved — that if dealt with properly work out to be procedural methods in the start through finish phases:

• Designed for Cabinets and Indoor Furniture — Don't expect to have lasting results in outdoor applications such as lawn furniture.

• Requires Sanding between at Least the First and Second Coats — Because it spreads on thin, there always seems to be a rough-to-the-touch feeling to the first coat. Sanding at least the first coat removes the roughness which prepares a nice smooth surface for successive coats.

• Very Strong Vapors in Unventilated Areas — It will nauseate you, and even cause you to pass out if you don't wear a proper respirator that is designed to screen out lacquer vapors.

• Wear Protective Latex Gloves — The ones the doctors wear during exam time. Wear them when handling lacquer finishes and lacquer thinner. It will save your cuticles from drying and peeling.

• Clean Up is a Chore — Like any oil or lacquer based product, you must clean your tools properly in order to ensure they last a long time; or at least until the next use (which may be many). Make sure to purchase at least one gallon of lacquer thinner for every gallon of Deft Finish. It doesn't take a lot to dissolve lacquer build up on your tools, so you can use thinner sparingly. Make sure to use lacquer thinner and not mineral spirits.

If you're able to overcome the thought of having to deal with a product like this that requires special handling, then I know you'll be happy about the results. When it comes to finishes, there really is nothing better than a good lacquer based product; especially Deft Satin Clear Wood Finish.




Recommended: Yes