Properties of Wood Finishing

Properties of Wood

1. Strength - The general term used with respect to the ability of wood in resisting stress and strain.

1. Moisture - Strength increases with the degree of wood seasoning.
2. Hardness - Is expressed as resistance to indentation or to the saw or axe across the grain
3. Cleavability - The resistance of the wood to split along the grains.
4. Flexibility - The moisture content of wood influences flexibility to considerate degree.
5. Toughness - Refers to the combined strength, shock resistance and pliability or flexibility of wood.
6. Durability - Ability to resist decay or simply the length of its life under given condition.

Wood Finishing

        It is the process of enhancing the appearance and durability of projects made of wood through the application of suitable finishing materials and proper techniques

Wood Finishing Materials

Varnish

• used clear finishing material
• it is a solution of tough resins
• in petroleum derivatives, the “vehicle” evaporates leaving a film on the wood         

Shellac

• a quick drying alcohol based resin derived from a lac bug      

Penetrating Finish

• intend to sink into the wood, protecting it from most common hazards, darkening its color somewhat, yet leaving only little finish

Fillers

• basically pastes which fill in the open pores of the wood
• with the pores filled, you are able to put on a
• perfectly smooth finish with no texture whatsoever
• in petroleum derivatives, the “vehicle” evaporates leaving a film on the wood         

Lacquer

• quickly drying, composed of synthetic resins in synthetic solvents
• it intends to change the color of wood least of all – and in some special formula leaves it unchanged, or even lighter than the natural color

Bleaches

• bleaches that are lighten the wood the same way bleach can remove dyes from cloth
• stains that are effectively lighter in color than the wood
• non-darkening prime coats which, although they do not bleach, hold the light color of the wood

Opaque Finishes

• paints, enamels or pigmented lacquers, and you use them when you want a solid color instead of a wood pattern finish

References:

1. Diydata (2014), Wood Finishing, Retrieved March 20, 2014 from         http://www.diydata.com/index.htm
2. Belen, Hermogenes, F. (1985). Philippine Creative Handicraft. Manila: Manila Education Co.
3.  
4. Fajardo, Max Jr B. (2000) Simplified Construction Estimate 3rd ed.  . Manila: 5138 Publishing.
5. Flexner, Jove (1999). Understanding Wood Finishing. New York: KBL Publishing.
6. R. Bruce Hoadley (2001). Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood                 Technology. New York: Justin Publishing.

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