Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [finishing]

158 questions
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13 answers

What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

I'm planning on applying polyurethane to a pine bench I've finished staining. I decided on foam brushes for application, but I wasn't sure what grit sandpaper I should use between coats. Is 400 good enough? Or should I use 600? Or both? Also, if…
Doresoom
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Should drywall be hung horizontally or vertically?

For reasons including time, money, ease of installation, and structural strength, should drywall be installed horizontally or vertically.
DMoore
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What is the best way to incrementally finish an unfinished basement?

my wife and I are in the process of buying our first house. The house has a 750 square foot unfinished basement (cinderblock walls and concrete floor), and is brand new (rather, it will be brand new when it is finished in a week or two). We don't…
Brendon Dugan
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What are some tips for finishing wood?

I'm kind of embarrassed to ask, but I'm looking for a good how-to guide for finishing pine furniture. (Could also apply to baseboards and trim, so I'm hoping for an on-topic pass here.) I watched my dad do this dozens of time when I was a kid, but I…
Doresoom
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5 answers

How do I install transition molding between my new hardwood and existing tile floors?

I have ripped out some old carpet and am preparing to install a new solid hardwood floor myself. In several places, the floor transitions to an existing tile floor. The hardwood floor guys told me the best transition between the two is a T…
mohlsen
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Is there a more rugged finish than Polyurethane for a heavy use table?

A few years go I sanded a stained table we had. Upon doing so, we discovered that it had really nice wood underneath. So instead of restaining, I applied about 4 coats of satin polyurethane. It looked nice. Since that time, a few small spots have…
DA01
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3 answers

If polyurethane is not food safe, why is it used on dining tables?

Why do online sites say that polyurethane isn't food safe, and is there some way I can use it on my kitchen worktop and still be safe? I don't prepare or store food directly on it or use it as a cutting board. I have it sealed with shellac now, but…
Keith Walton
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1 answer

How can I install crown cornice molding and trim on rounded outside corners?

We have rounded outside corners throughout our house what is the best approach to installing crown cornice molding? The baseboards that are currently installed just come to a 90˚ point and the gap is filled in with putty, trim paint, mud, or…
CapitalBoo
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3 answers

Why are progressively larger drywall knives used after each mudding pass?

I've been researching drywall finishing techniques and have noticed that when a first coat of mud compound is used, a smaller 6 inch taping knife is used... then on the second mud application, a larger knife is used (usually 6 - 12 inch)... then on…
Mike B
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4 answers

What could cause polyurethane to dry with excess gloss?

I'm having trouble with polyurethane (Helmsman semi-gloss) drying much glossier than it should - like an extra-gloss instead of a semi-gloss. I'm using it on stained wood moulding, and when I did the majority of it in the winter, I got the expected…
R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE
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What is the best way to fill finishing nail holes on door and floor trim?

There have been a couple of similar questions but none for my exact usage or that provides a good answer. I consider myself average to weak on finishing wood work so would like to hear some good input. Let's assume that the floor or door trim is…
DMoore
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9
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9 answers

What is this soft, sticky wood finish and how do I remove it?

We have a second-hand table with a mysterious finish. The wood underneath is pale, possibly pine. With the finish, it's a slightly darker and "warmer" colour. The table is not antique; I'd guess only about 20 years old. The finish is soft, so you…
Rachael
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How should I insulate my basement?

My basement is CMU blocks and concrete floor. I had water issues, so I waterproofed it with an interior french drain, drainboard at the edge and a sump pump. This wouldn't take care of dampness so I added a dehumidifier. I plan to finish the…
Peter Q
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What is the correct use for linseed oil on outdoor wood?

I have doors, patio furniture and windows which all need constant attention in terms of varnish and wood sealers. I have recently found a good contact for raw linseed oil, and would like to use something like this to preserve my wood. What is the…
Hightower
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Can quick-drying mud be used on the same drywall joints where slow-drying mud was used?

I think I phrased the summary/title poorly but essentially, I'd like to know if all drywall mud coats need to use the same type of joint compound for all coats or if I can transition to quick drying mud in later coats. Here's why I'm asking -- I'd…
Mike B
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