Applying Finishes
There are many finishes that I haves used in the past that are all great. Although I do have one finish that I love the most and use on most of my creations. It is a three part mix, 1/3 Tung Oil, 1/3 Boiled Linseed Oil, and 1/3 Mineral Spirits. This is the finish that the late Sam Maloof, master furniture designer and woodworker, made famous. I like this finish due to the fact that it maintains the natural look of the wood. It soaks into the wood to give it a long lasting protection to whatever is thrown at it. I apply this finish using a cloth rag or a soft bristle brush for the crevices. I apply four coats of finish. For Mesquite, due to the fact that it is a more porous wood, I don't have to sand between coats. For woods like oak and cherry, I have to sand with 320 grit between coats for the finish to mend with the previous coat and onto the wood. After I apply each coat, I wait about ten minutes and then take a dry rag and wipe the excess off. I wait appoximately 24 hrs between coats so that the previous coat fully adheres.