Antonio Stradivari crafted violins
that are remembered as much
for their finish as they are
for their sound. But while
Antonio never revealed the recipe for his
varnish, applying a memorable finish to
your own woodwork is no big mystery.
Whether it's on cabinets, floors, or casings,
a truly excellent clear finish is one
that looks good viewed from any angle,
feels nice to the touch, cleans easily, and
gives lasting protection to the wood.
Applying a clear coating to any substrate
is usually an aesthetic decision,
because the finish improves the appearance
of the surface. But a clear finish
will also highlight any imperfections in
the woodwork, such as milling marks,
so proper sanding before application is
critical