Finishing Schedule

Finishing figured wood is an intimidating thing. You have a special material and you want to apply a finish that is going to enhance the figure that's already there. Here is my oil-based approach to most curly woods.

- Logan Wittmer

Prep the surface. Despite what many hand plane snobs will say, there's no shame in sanding. Tackle any tearout with a sharp card scraper, then sand through the grits.

My first step is to get a good surface for my finish to soak into. I start (usually) with a rough sanding block. 120-grit or so. Sand the entire surface, and wipe away the dust.