AW #131.pdf - Karatunov.net

Brush affietry
GET GREAT RESULTS WITHOUT RUBBING OUT.
aybe I'm crazy, but I like to
brush polyurethane. I've
built more than 50 dining
room tables, and I've brush-finished every
one, using a simple system that consistently
provides great results.
I'm not a purist. I use tools that you can get at
any paint store and I don't rub out the final coat.
My tabletop finishes look good and feel smooth.
They're durable...and do-able.
A tabletop requires multiple coats, of course, but each
one is applied the same way. I use flat, satin or semi-gloss
polyurethane, depending on the look I want and the
wood. A lower sheen helps to disguise finish imperfections,
but it can make dark woods such as walnut look a
bit hazy.
You can practice my methods by finishing the bottom of
your tabletop. It should have at least one coat offinish any-
\{?y, to stabilize the top for seasonal changes in humidity.
Srr UP FoR Succrss
I always sand with 280-grit paper between frnish
coats, and I let the polyr.rrethane dry thoroughly before
sanding. I wipe the top twice to remove the sanding
dust, first with a slightly damp lint-free cloth, then with
a fresh tack cloth.
After final sanding, I vacuum the top thoroughly
before moving it into my finishing area. I like to apply
finishes early in the morning, when the air is still and
airborne debris has had all night to settle.
82 American Woodworker OCToBER 2oo7
Ttp-Brushing Trio
My brush arsenal for tabletops includes a
2-112-in. bristle brush for the top's wide,
flat surface, a 2-in. foam brush for its long
edges and a 3-in. trim roller for the ends.
Choose a natural-bristle brush for oilbased
polvurethane. lts business end
should appear wedge-shaped or tapered
when viewed from the side. Most natural
bristle brushes are made with Chinese hog
bristles. China bristles, as they're called,
are relatively large. I prefer brushes that
combine china bristles and ox hair. Ox hair
is finer than china bristle (and more exoensive),
so it's less likely to leave marks. The
tips of china bristles are often flagged (split
into multiple fibers) to imitate ox hair. I like
long, flat wooden handles. They're comfortable
to hold and offer good balance. A
stainless-steel ferule won't rust-a must
for any brush you plan to keep long-term.
The "Demon" flat sash brush from Bestt-
Liebco and the Purdy "Ox-O-Thin" are
good, reasonably-priced brushes for oilbased
polyurethane. Expect to pay about
$20 for a 2-112-in. brush.