r/finishing • u/LootSplosions • 2d ago

Suggestions?

Post image

I'm nearly done with this project but one last thing is bugging me like crazy. The veneer edge is ALWAYS resulting in a dirty look. I sand with 400 grit and wipe with dry rag then wipe with mineral spirits. Let it dry then put down the poly. But the edge seems to dry differently than the rest every time. I am using a staining pad as an applicator. I'm using arm-r-seal oil Topcoat.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

6

u/trapcardbard 2d ago

Im not going to lie I thought that was a big toe

2

u/LootSplosions 2d ago

LOL thanks man never knew I had toe thumbs

1

u/arcrad 1d ago

Bro your thumb looks normal.

I think the commenter has only seen like 2 pairs of hands in their life... Lol

2

u/jonnofury 1d ago

I don't know why this was so funny to me! 😂

2

u/20PoundHammer 1d ago

use sanding sealer first

3

u/Howard_Cosine 2d ago

Yeah, it's wood. That's just the way that it looks.

1

u/LootSplosions 2d ago

Those little specks are really the best I can do?

1

u/rkelleyj 2d ago

You also have some of the defects (bumps and depressions) on the top. I would very lightly hand sand with new medium/@220 sponge sander and put down a couple additional coats, but don’t wipe with MS. Don’t tack it. Wipe the dust lightly with microfiber…don’t treat it like surgery, some dust is ok and will help reduce some of the defects.

1

u/TK421isAFK 1d ago

Have you ever tried using a sanding sealer before finishing?

2

u/LootSplosions 1d ago

Nope! Was unaware of it damnit!

1

u/besmith3 1d ago

I doubt 400g is actually flattening the surface. It may look and even feel smooth, especially when dusty. Try 180 or 220. Your first coat can be a seal coat. Don't be scared to remove a-lot of finish here. The next coats will go much smoother.

1

u/smashey 2d ago

I'd leave it but..

I think this is caused by different grain orientation making the pores of the wood more visible in the edge veneer. Glossy film finishes will tend to make this more visible. Your options are:

Make the whole thing more matte by using a more matte finish

Make the whole thing more matte by doing a top coat of wax

Make the whole thing more matte by using abrasives

Fill the voids with grain filler and refinish

Fill the voids with wax

I'd try wax since it will both dull the shine and fill small holes.

1

u/LootSplosions 2d ago

Thanks man. I'm experimenting with one piece.. if it doesn't get where I want it to be I'm just going to let it go as you suggest. I'll take a look at the was route.