Woodworking Tips from Gold Country Woodworks...
Excellent Polyurethane Application
Discarded pantyhose or nylon stockings make an excellent application for urethane or polyurethane finished, particularly on contoured surfaces or turnings. Just wad them up, dip the ball in the finish, and wipe it on. You get a nice, smooth, thin coat that dries fast and has few if any bubbles.
Aging Wood Artificially
As wood ages, the surfaces that are exposed to light and air tend to grow darker. (Only walnut and mahogany grow lighter.) This phenomenon helps to give antique furniture its lustrous patina. When making reproduction of antiques, you can create an artificial patina by applying a 10-percent solution of nitric acid (available from most chemical-supply companies). Let the acid soak into the surface of the new wood for several minutes, then warm it with a heat gun. As the temperature of the surface climbs, the wood will suddenly turn dark. Continue to apply heat until the wood surface is dried thoroughly. When applying the acid, be sure to wear rubber gloves and a full face shield. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
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