Following is a basic understanding of the common solvents available in paint stores and home centers. Mineral spirits (paint thinner) and naphtha dilute and clean up oils and varnishes, including oil-based polyurethane varnish. Neither of these solvents damage any...
It’s very irritating to apply a stain to a project only to find there’s glue on the surface that prevents penetration. Areas with glue show up lighter. There are two easy methods of checking for glue so you can remove it: wet the wood with water; or wet the wood with...
It’s always a good idea to strain a finish before brushing or spraying it to remove dirt and other unwanted particles. It’s especially important to strain water-based finishes because small bits of finish often solidify in the can, and rust that forms around the lip...
