surface finishers

Question 1

where is powder coatinf commonly used on wood

Answer 1

Bathroom and kitchen cabinets to produce high-gloss surfaces.

Question 2

What are the benefits of powder coating wood?

Answer 2

Produces an impact-resistant, chip-resistant, temperature-resistant and stain-resistant finish that is more durable than paint.

Question 3

How do you apply wax to a wooden surface?

Answer 3

Apply using a cloth.

Question 4

What are the benefits of finishing wood with wax?

Answer 4

Covers and reduces scratches, giving the wood a smooth, wet look, but creates a waxy surface that alters the colour of the grain.

Question 5

Give an example of a type of wax finish.

Answer 5

Briwax: a natural product made from mostly beeswax.

Question 6

Describe the process of finishing wood using varnish.

Answer 6

After preparing the wood, apply in thin coats using a brush. Varnish in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry between coats.

Question 7

What are the benefits of finishing wood with marine varnish?

Answer 7

Produces a hard, tough, heatproof and waterproof finish that shows the grain. More weather-proof than polyeurethane varnish: used when wood is outdoors most of the time.

Question 8

What are the benefits of finishing wood with polyeurethane varnish?

Answer 8

Produces a hard, tough, heatproof and waterproof finish that shows the grain.

Question 9

Give three different finishes of varnish.

Answer 9

Matt, satin or gloss.

Question 10

Give two different types of wood varnish.

Answer 10

Polyeurethane or marine.

Question 11

Describe the process of painting wood.

Answer 11

After preparing the wood, apply paint using a brush, roller or spray in the direction of the grain. Apply a second coat if necessary. Apply a varnish over the coats to ensure a smooth finish. Clean the brushes with soapy water (for water-based) or white spirit (oil-based).

Question 12

Give three different finishes of paint.

Answer 12

Matt, satin or gloss.

Question 13

Give two different types of paint.

Answer 13

Water-based (emulsion), oil-based, acrylic, fabric, etc.

Question 14

How do you apply oil to a wooden surface?

Answer 14

Apply using a cloth. Leave to dry and soak in between coats.

Question 15

What are the advantages/disadvantages of teak oil?

Answer 15

Maintains natural grain and is good outdoors - weather-resistant. Doesn’t provide waterproofing and darkens wood.

Question 16

What are the advantages/disadvantages of danish oil?

Answer 16

Maintains natural grain and colour, but not good outdoors.

Question 17

Give two different types of oil used for finishing wood.

Answer 17

Danish oil, teak oil.

Question 18

How do you prepare wood to be painted/otherwise finished?

Answer 18

Sand it down in the same direction as the grain, using coarse to fine grades of glasspaper. Use a cloth soaked in white spirit to remove any dust.

Question 19

Why do we use pressure impregnation on wood?

Answer 19

To make them more weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use, e.g. on garden fences and decking.

Question 20

What is Tanalising?

Answer 20

A brand of pressure impregnation. Uses chemical ‘Tanalith E’ that makes wood initially green, then eventually turn silver-ish.

Question 21

Describe the process of pressure impregnation.

Answer 21

Wood planks are sealed in a vacuum cylinder that is flooded with preservative. The pressure is raised to a specific level, depending on the type of wood, and the wood will absorb as much of the preservative as it can. The remaining preservative is vacuumed away and the wood is removed from the cylinder and left to dry.

Question 22

What is the purpose of surface finishes on woods?

Answer 22

To prevent it from decay by stopping it from absorbing moisture, to prevent insect attacks, to change its surface properties (e.g. to make it low friction and therefore easier to clean), to improve aesthetics.