Building a finish is more than meets the eye.

There is more to it than just applying a coating.

I have often been told by clients that we at JHC make house painting, and finishing look so easy. Learning the trade and reputation of technique can make it seem that way I admit. However there is a lot more to painting than just applying a coating. Knowing proper technique is key, however when finishing wood you have to be able to adjust and work with the species. What works for one species just won’t work for another. It is the job of the finisher to look at that dull wood, find its beauty and bring it to the surface for the world to see.

Since I was a little boy visiting my best friend’s fathers cabinet shop, I have been awe struck of the natural beauty of wood. Some people would rather have a clear grade with minimal variations. It is the highest grade, and there for the most expensive. It can, at times look like laminate to me with its perfectly colored grain patterns and I prefer the variation that only nature can create. I think that common grades that contain a full range of color and gain, small and large knots, checks and mineral steaks are much more attractive. The lesser grades require more time to finish, and there is some work to be done to fill missing knots or wormholes if you are aiming for perfection.

That extra work is worth it to me, and as a finisher it fills me with pride to bring out that beauty. A friend of mine Scott Burt of Topcoat Finishes, is another admirer of wood. I was reading an article he wrote one day that he ended like this.

“I now get as much pleasure out of helping my employees, customers and colleagues become wood snobs too. Especially customers. I love it when customers ask questions about wood. Simple questions like: ‘hey, you just put finish on that yesterday, why are you sanding it off today?’ Explaining the art of building a finish, or of leaving it a click on the light side so the sun can dial it in…or helping someone to understand how and why their wood gets better with age, just like their wine. I love cutting lines on sheetrock, but I love getting lost in wood grain just a little bit more. “

I agreed, and there is something about working with wood that man identifies with on a subconscious level. It’s as if we are tapping into some ancient gene that some of us have. It really feels natural, and can be very relaxing and rewarding. I think there is nothing more beautiful than what a craftsman can do with a great species of wood. We as finishers can take the beauty only nature can create and bring even more of it to the surface.

Alec with Rcon Painting is another professional I admire. He does some wonderful finishes, and is based in Kelowna BC. When I asked Alec for a comment on the subject he happily obliged me.

“Working with wood is far more art than science. Being able to visualize, before even touching the wood, how the finished piece will look; Its texture, sheen, colour, vibrance and clarity, are critical to building a finish you’re going to be pleased with. For example, is the nature of the wood species one where you want to accentuate a subtle grain, such as you would with Birch or Ash? Or do you want to make a wood with a pronounced grain pattern, such as Oak, more subtle? Having a clear idea as to the outcome you’d like to achieve will help you in determining an appropriate finish schedule, and ensure your piece will turn out just as you intended. “

Again I agree, and the world’s best finishers are on the artistic side. It takes a eye for bringing out the best qualities of what you are finishing. The feel of a finish is very important as well. A quality finish beckons you to rub it, and when done correctly, is one that you will find irresistible to touch. Below are some progression pics from an oak sample I am doing for a local New Hanover county builder. You can see the depth of the finish grow as we applied multiple coats, sanding between to flatten the surface and hide imperfections.

Did you come here looking for a professional painting contractor? Well head over to the JHC contact page , or call 910-282-8307 today to schedule an appointment for your project.