A Woodworkers Guide to PERFECT Finishing – Step by Step and Fixing Common Problems

A Woodworkers Guide to PERFECT Finishing – Step by Step and Fixing Common Problems

*Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* https://lddy.no/stih
On today’s woodworking skill builder we’re taking a step by step, comprehensive look at wood and furniture finishing. I walk you through how to fix common problems and how to get a perfect finish every time without any headaches. This technique is a realistic approach to lacquer finishing for any woodworker that only takes me about 45 minutes to finish even the largest of projects. This same technique is almost identical to how I finish with water based polyurethane as well. Let me know what you’d like to see next. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
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*Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* https://lddy.no/stih
*HVLP Gun Kit (Your Compressor should do min. 3-4 CFM @ 90 psi see compressor I use below)* https://amzn.to/2LHpSCb
*Rattle Lacquer Cans I Use Satin* https://amzn.to/3s7Mxsp
*Watco Lacquer Satin* https://amzn.to/2LAxruG
*This compressor would work just fine for HVLP and I’ve had mine for 5 years without an issue* https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8G-150-PSI-Hotdog-Air-Compressor-0300816/302862402
*VIDEOS DISCUSSED*
My 4 Favorite Finishes – https://youtu.be/jZRLZXAPtmI
HVLP For Woodworkers – https://youtu.be/hb1TAQ-kxr8
Entry Table – https://youtu.be/_SDL6WZBL9o
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Buy the Katz-Moses Magnetic Dovetail Jig: https://lddy.no/stiz
Taytools is my favorite woodworking tool source: http://lddy.no/e90a
I have Walnut Slabs for sale: https://lddy.no/stj0
Buy the Katz-Moses Stop Block : https://lddy.no/stih
BitsBits is the BEST place to buy router bits: http://bit.ly/BitsBits USE CODE JKATZMOSES15 for 15% off
Total Boat Epoxy: http://bit.ly/2I3Q8m4 10% Discount code JKATZMO
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Essential Woodworking Skills Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13FPTSA4pdo&list=PLWpKyJXgeoFFaP3lBBaxU8eIpmSQwIyoF
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Woodworking Routers Video Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGPFtzYTDys&list=PLWpKyJXgeoFGOQtgnJ1r1ttKhVzYaomXT
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Woodworking Joint of the Week Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWpKyJXgeoFGIa10WFuigwV3EE57MvXDS
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Woodworking in SLOW MOTION Playlist:

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Tool Tune Up Thursday Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWpKyJXgeoFE0TH2Dnn8-aY5jC7VlTRog
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Check me out on social media:
www.instagram.com/jkatzmoses
www.Facebook.com/katzmoseswoodworking
patreon.com/katzmoseswoodworking
youtube.com/katzmoseswoodworkingshop
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Tools I love:
My Apron: https://lddy.no/stir
My favorite Dozuki dovetail saw – http://bit.ly/SuizanSaws
My favorite Ryoba saw – http://bit.ly/SuizanSaws
Marking Gauge: http://amzn.to/2nlXLuQ
Marking Knife: http://amzn.to/2nm39Ok
NEW Suizan Flush Trim Saw: http://bit.ly/SuizanSaws
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: http://amzn.to/2mVMTkF
Knew Concepts Fret Saw: http://amzn.to/2FUDbYZ
Dewalt Planer Package: http://amzn.to/2thEf6O
Forrest 10” Combo Blade: http://amzn.to/2Fdaee3
Festool Tape Measure: http://amzn.to/2oS3cjD
Starrett 6” Combination Square: http://amzn.to/2oP3dVw
Woodstock 3 in 1 Shoulder Plane: http://amzn.to/2FgAS1A
Stanley Low Angle Jack Plane: http://amzn.to/2oV4I4O
Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: http://amzn.to/2FeqqYh
Abalone Inlay :https://amzn.to/2rjMTxe
Abalone Inlay Alternate: https://goo.gl/DHonFy
5 Minute Epoxy: http://amzn.to/2FijsSa
Triton 3 ¼ hp Router (with built in lift and edge guide incl): https://amzn.to/2LBw3Go
Kreg Router Plate: https://amzn.to/2A7oVNC
Triton Bushing Set: https://amzn.to/2A7pSpa
Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Set With Fixed and Plunge Base: https://amzn.to/2mHP1wY
Bosch Edge Guide: https://amzn.to/2uRRKs2
Bosch Bushings Set: https://amzn.to/2JUNRYb
Centering Cone: https://amzn.to/2OjgOAf
MY CNC MACHINES (I highly recommend both)
Bescutter Laser’s Website: http://bit.ly/bescutter
Avid CNCs of all shapes and sizes: https://bit.ly/3cdKdqA
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Camera Gear:
Lumix GH5-s and main lens: https://amzn.to/2J49F7m
30mm Macro Lens: https://amzn.to/2GJXtTT
15mm Lens: https://amzn.to/2NafUox
50mm Lens I use for product shots: https://amzn.to/2mehs5y
Microphone: https://amzn.to/2IGjKIa
Lav Microphone: https://amzn.to/2Nb8SzY
Gimbal: https://amzn.to/2s9ZV0F
2nd CAMERA Canon 70d: http://amzn.to/2FiCEDq
Tripod: http://amzn.to/2HasNvK
Slider: http://amzn.to/2oNucSd
24MM Wide Angle/Macro Lens: http://amzn.to/2oSzzjh
50MM f/1.8 for those tight shots: http://amzn.to/2tpAoVm
10-18mm Lens for the wide shots: http://amzn.to/2FZrhNM

50 Comments

  1. Teh Spander on February 11, 2023 at 4:27 am

    Agh! You listed so many items used in your video but I really wanna know what kind of mask you’re using!! Thanks so much for the vid. Taught me a lot for sure.



  2. Andrew Sober on February 11, 2023 at 4:28 am

    bro sounds like rick from rick and morty



  3. Kodi on February 11, 2023 at 4:28 am

    How much lacquer do you put on wood?
    Jonathan: yes

    Well. This seemed expensive af. Both the wood and the amount of coats =D



  4. Casey Bennington on February 11, 2023 at 4:32 am

    Don’t forget the very last step. Buff with a paper bag.



  5. James on February 11, 2023 at 4:33 am

    Ive sprayed in 1,000’s houses and shops. Didn’t follow one safety procedure. Of coarse I’m still here. Just saying.
    I was done faster and spent less on every PPE known to man. Waste.



  6. Keith Bair on February 11, 2023 at 4:37 am

    I started working at a cabinet shop that just got going and am the cnc/assembly/paint/install guy as of now. I love shooting finishes but we’ve had a few hiccups. Some of it I believe is hiw we were mixing our finish as it is a two part lacquer we use. We have been very disciplined on sanding between coats, but the more videos I watch on lacquer, the more I hear sanding between coats is not needed and only used before final coat to flatten the surface. This may help us out with speed in production and I may have to do some samples….. thank you much for this video and sharing tips and tricks



  7. SmittenKitten on February 11, 2023 at 4:42 am

    Why don’t you see more woodworkers using lacquer instead of polyurethane? I mean, maybe I’ve somehow only come across people that use polyurethane by pure chance, but this appears to be a better finish. Maybe someone could break down the pros and cons of using lacquer instead of poly?



  8. R Michael Boyer on February 11, 2023 at 4:45 am

    Really liked the video. I think I’ll use laquer on my next guitar build. I had thought I’d need expensive equipment so have been using rub on finishes.



  9. Joseph on February 11, 2023 at 4:46 am

    Jonathan, thank you for this. This video taught me mainly one thing: I have been overthinking spraying lacquer WAYYYY too much. Side note: I saw your video on the sandpaper tests and I have some Xtract’s coming. Can’t wait to try them out.



  10. Mona on February 11, 2023 at 4:47 am

    Even the tip over pouring the thinner was helpful- thank you for sharing your knowledge!



  11. Michael J on February 11, 2023 at 4:47 am

    Looks awesome! Now a question for you. I have sanded a 20 year old cabin with all rough sawn lumber, including the ceiling. I need a finish on all this now. Since I do not want to resend between coats would lacquer be a good finish on all this wood? And can I skip the sanding ??? Hopefully!! I will be spraying because it is a lot !!
    Thanks ! Loved the video!!



  12. Ralph Ralpherson on February 11, 2023 at 4:48 am

    Yeah, but that high-gloss looks amazing on curly and bird’s eye maple / flametop guitars / and burls!
    Pffft! You elite woodworkers and your damn "semi-gloss", y’all should just get married to it, dang…. LOL



  13. Don Brown on February 11, 2023 at 4:50 am

    Question What of finish you comment for a bathroom Vanity? It will subject moister from a shower.



  14. Maxima on February 11, 2023 at 4:51 am

    Omg. Just found ur channel. U take the fear out of finish coating.



  15. CHOWA on February 11, 2023 at 4:52 am

    Some very different questions for you!

    Chess pieces!!!????
    Boxwood– and ebonized ( means boxwood that has been PAINTED black, probably dipped in black paint)
    Boxwood is a VERY hard — light tan kind of look. you could google boxwood and see it easily and ebonized boxwood.
    maybe looking at a couple of chess pieces would help make it easier to see what we might come up against???

    The pieces have a tendency to LOOK semi gloss, not really satin. chess resellers have recently added a choice to BUY a LACQUERED set of pieces!
    We are considering Lacquering a set, because we NOTICE the finish on a number of pieces seems to be wearing off! Thus, we now see a very dull unpolished look!
    We do not know if they used a cheap oil based polish or finish( they never specify that on even expensive pieces) — does it matter that the pieces may have already had an "oil base type finish"
    we just see a VERY dull unfinished look now—- we also have some pieces to practice on– which I would think could help us!

    So, a couple of questions;
    we would use the DEFT rattle can; 1) how many LAYERS of lacquer would you recommend, we know there are some detailed, very small – areas that might be hard for the lacquer to get into .
    2) should we still hand sand the pieces AFTER the lacquering like you did and wipe it down( what kind of cloth, for wiping do you recommend??) do we NEED to get the lacquer dust out of the tiny detailed area of crafted chess pieces!
    3) Can we Lacquer the ebonized PAINTED wood?? Would we still get the nice polished look!

    ANY other recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated!! I am sure this has been a different kind of question, –on chess pieces!
    I learned a lot from this great video — THANKS!!!



  16. John Brock on February 11, 2023 at 4:52 am

    Take a shot everytime he says self wetting.



  17. Tundra Whisperer on February 11, 2023 at 4:53 am

    Does this brand of lacquer your using here yellow over time? Thx



  18. AM Wood on February 11, 2023 at 4:54 am

    Good info. This is one of the best lacquer finish videos I’ve seen. Thanks you.



  19. Frafor GT-350R on February 11, 2023 at 4:55 am

    Great stuff. Totally agree with the satin, stay away from gloss because it looks so plasticky. Satin or matte is your safe bet. If you want a high gloss finish, shellac French polishing is an option but it’s not very durable and it’s quite tricky to do but it does provide the best looking finish by far. Laquers can be sanded and buffed to a high gloss too and they look less plastic then



  20. Just thinking on February 11, 2023 at 4:55 am

    Can you do a varnish with lacquer over it? Or an oil finish with lacquer over it? Should you? I want to make my dining room table elegant but kid proof!



  21. Know1 on February 11, 2023 at 4:55 am

    Nice table. What is the best finish for kitchen cabinets?



  22. Bentusi on February 11, 2023 at 4:56 am

    should I spit on my finish between coats too? ;P
    just messing. awesome video as always. thanks for all your help.



  23. David Yeung on February 11, 2023 at 4:57 am

    Hi Jonathan, I have a cedar arbor, what type of finish will you recommend to give a long lasting protection from sun and rain.



  24. Jonathan Katz-Moses on February 11, 2023 at 4:59 am

    *Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* https://lddy.no/stih
    *HVLP Gun Kit (Your Compressor should do min. 3-4 CFM @ 90 psi see compressor I use below)* https://amzn.to/2LHpSCb
    *Rattle Lacquer Cans I Use Satin* https://amzn.to/3s7Mxsp
    *Watco Lacquer Satin* https://amzn.to/2LAxruG
    *This compressor would work just fine for HVLP and I’ve had mine for 5 years without an issue* https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8G-150-PSI-Hotdog-Air-Compressor-0300816/302862402
    *VIDEOS DISCUSSED*
    My 4 Favorite Finishes – https://youtu.be/jZRLZXAPtmI
    HVLP For Woodworkers – https://youtu.be/hb1TAQ-kxr8
    Entry Table – https://youtu.be/_SDL6WZBL9o



  25. Al D. on February 11, 2023 at 5:01 am

    How do you prevent sniping



  26. BIG JOE 245 on February 11, 2023 at 5:01 am

    question 1 I need to spray an oil-based stain on a bookshelf but I don’t have a spray booth so I need to spray it outside. the problem is the outside temperature will not exceed 60 degrees. question 2: Some liquids like Japan drier dry much faster than lacquer thinner. would they be better to use?



  27. James Still on February 11, 2023 at 5:02 am

    Glad your on here teaching me. Thanks for a great tutorial!



  28. SPOKE on February 11, 2023 at 5:02 am

    I see this video was done at the beginning of the Biden term and I was getting ready to buy the three set of guns for $60 however due to Biden pricing I see they are now $140 so I appreciate the offer but I think I will pass. Boy that Biden is doing a bang-up job. Great video



  29. Justin Jones on February 11, 2023 at 5:03 am

    Neophyte question and I will watch your hvlp video but in case this question isn’t answered…if you run 15-20 psi at the gun, what do you run your compressor at, or does it not matter because of the pressure regulator at the gun?



  30. Brad McNamar on February 11, 2023 at 5:04 am

    Thanks for another great video. You answered several questions that other fairly similar videos didn’t answer. Thanks!! I may still be able to finish my jewelry boxes by Mother’s Day.



  31. Sam Vargas on February 11, 2023 at 5:04 am

    You are amazing



  32. Arturo Saunya on February 11, 2023 at 5:05 am

    cool video 🤘🏽🤘🏽 very helpful

    whats whit the 👻 move the sender 4:41



  33. Tundra Whisperer on February 11, 2023 at 5:06 am

    Some have mentioned a sanding sealer before applying the lacquer, your thoughts on that? Thx



  34. Matthew on February 11, 2023 at 5:06 am

    That $15 quart of lacquer is $25 now 🤑



  35. Tim Rothgeb on February 11, 2023 at 5:08 am

    Maybe check out your links. The HPLV gun kit is $140 not $60.



  36. Art Staden on February 11, 2023 at 5:08 am

    Jonathan, another great video. I’m buying the HVLP kit, lacquer and other supplies using your links and will try my first spray project soon. I’m a little confused by some of your instructions in this video vs. your HVLP for Woodworkers video. In the HVLP video you say to stir, not shake the lacquer as that will introduce air into the lacquer, but in this video you specify to shake the can. Also, in the HVLP video you say to mix in 50% lacquer thinner, whereas this video says 15-25%. That seems to be a big difference. Finally, in this video you say you use 15-20 psi on the spray guy, but in the HVLP video you say 10 psi. Can you please clarify which instructions are correct/best? Thanks for this and your other great videos.



  37. Steph Maneek on February 11, 2023 at 5:12 am

    Thanks so much 🙏loved your enthusiasm and clear direction…



  38. Will Britt on February 11, 2023 at 5:13 am

    Love the video, answered a lot of my questions. I am in a bit of a jam in that I am building a massive solid hickory dining room table and didn’t do my research beforehand. I already put a natural oil based stain on to darken it a tad and got a few splotches. I am wondering if I should cover with spraying oil poly or can I use lacquer to finish? Could you see the splotches through the protective layer?



  39. John Baker on February 11, 2023 at 5:15 am

    Hi Jon, Very informative video. In Aust, I don’t think we have a product called Lacquer. What exactly is it please ?
    Thanks,

    John Baker. PS. I am a client. Love the magnetic saw guide.



  40. PaganWizard on February 11, 2023 at 5:15 am

    Is there a way to save a project that was sprayed with Watco aerosol lacquer that has clouded or hazed??? This happened on a wooden flag, so there are stained stripes, and unstained stripes.



  41. Mark Schmidt (The Recovery System) on February 11, 2023 at 5:15 am

    Appreciative of the vid. My dad and I are building a guitar with a lacquer finish, and this was very helpful.



  42. Stokie Mike on February 11, 2023 at 5:17 am

    Recently subscribed to your channel. These videos are awesome. First videos I have not once skipped forward in fear of missing something important. Your videos are packed full of interesting content, executed in a perfect speed and professionalism.



  43. Tundra Whisperer on February 11, 2023 at 5:17 am

    If you have some of the thinned down mixer left over in your HVLP gun can this be saved and poured back into the can of lacquer and used down the road on a later project? What is the shelf life of an opened can of lacquer? Thx



  44. Joseph Romero on February 11, 2023 at 5:21 am

    Can I get Lacquer in flat or matte??



  45. Blake Hottle on February 11, 2023 at 5:21 am

    I really like this video. I spent almost a day looking for the Deft spray can..

    But I want to pass along that as near as I can tell the wonderful Deft Interior Clear Wood Finish Satin Lacquer with 12.25-Ounce Aerosol Spray
    is not available. not in Los Angeles at least.. and Amazon doesn’t have it either.
    The word on the web is that it has too many VOCs. Any comment? What would you recommend instead?



  46. Michael Breskin on February 11, 2023 at 5:22 am

    Great Video, thanks so much.



  47. Rodney Dennis on February 11, 2023 at 5:22 am

    Jonathan, how does the lacquer work when spraying pine projects STAINED with min wax? P.S. great video and spraying technique.



  48. Jesse Miller on February 11, 2023 at 5:24 am

    I recently did a couple coats of minwax water based polycrylic on some stacking coasters. I followed the recommended drying time between coats, but they keep sticking to each other. I even let them sit another month! Still sticking. What did I do wrong?



  49. Scott Morris on February 11, 2023 at 5:25 am

    On the spray cans, have you ever used, or what are your thoughts on the replaceable tips. They are supposed to have a better spray pattern.



  50. Eric Ladror on February 11, 2023 at 5:26 am

    Can you show more about polyurethane? I want to use it for the better protection, I don’t want to use oil because it’s winter in Chicago, and I don’t want to use oil base for the same reason and because of cleaning. My problem is I kepp getting bubbles. Short of open flame, I tried everything, I keep getting them.