# 🖌️ Finishing Technique **URL:** https://forum.sienci.com/c/general/finishing/43.md [Latest](https://forum.sienci.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.sienci.com/categories.md) --- ## [About the 🖌️ Finishing Technique category](https://forum.sienci.com/t/about-the-finishing-technique-category/3515)
**Author:** [@chrismakesstuff](https://forum.sienci.com/u/chrismakesstuff)\ **Replies:** 0
Procedures for adding those final sanding and finishing touches to a project. --- ## [How do you surface prep wood before painting a multilevel sign?](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-do-you-surface-prep-wood-before-painting-a-multilevel-sign/27066)
**Author:** [@DPofFB](https://forum.sienci.com/u/DPofFB)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-do-you-surface-prep-wood-before-painting-a-multilevel-sign/27066 "2026-09-08T23:08:02Z")
I want to creat a two level sign (think hi-way road sign) in 2 colors. The top level will be painted, masked and then carved. Before removing masking, the carved area will be painted a contrasting color. Does anyone have… --- ## [Advice or Suggestions on Fuzzy Elimination](https://forum.sienci.com/t/advice-or-suggestions-on-fuzzy-elimination/26280)
**Author:** [@Karver\_One](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Karver_One)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/advice-or-suggestions-on-fuzzy-elimination/26280 "2026-04-29T13:59:36Z")
After doing so many carvings, and have tons of fun doing them, one step in my process needs some improvement. After the CNC finishes its finishing pass there are always some fuzzies on the wood left behind, even on dried… --- ## [Back lighting an epoxy sign](https://forum.sienci.com/t/back-lighting-an-epoxy-sign/24954)
**Author:** [@Clt49er](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Clt49er)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2025, 4:30pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/back-lighting-an-epoxy-sign/24954 "2025-11-15T16:30:01Z")
Making this sign that will be 48” wide. Going to fill the white and blue letters with epoxy .25”. And then doing a clearance on the back to make the epoxy going through to each side. With the clearance I am going to put … --- ## [Wrong sealer before epoxy](https://forum.sienci.com/t/wrong-sealer-before-epoxy/21244)
**Author:** [@Clt49er](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Clt49er)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2025, 2:02pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/wrong-sealer-before-epoxy/21244 "2025-07-29T14:02:28Z")
Just got done carving some signs. Wanted to seal it with shellac before pouring epoxy but didnt have enough. Stupidly sprayed water based poly as an alternative. Learning epoxy doesnt adhere to poly well. Havent poured a… --- ## [Engraving a painted finish](https://forum.sienci.com/t/engraving-a-painted-finish/16328)
**Author:** [@Bill](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Bill)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 5:49pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/engraving-a-painted-finish/16328 "2025-03-03T17:49:27Z")
First so sorry to have been away for so long, I have been struggling physically and hopefully on the upswing. I started a project awhile back and have finally picked it back up. I decided to make 4 telecaster style gui… --- ## [How should I finish this?](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-should-i-finish-this/13995)
**Author:** [@Jake](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Jake)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2024, 8:14pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-should-i-finish-this/13995 "2024-10-05T20:14:05Z")
Hello! From my shop to yours, I hope all is well. I am making a raised dog bowl for our latest rescue. She is a bernedoodle and is 2 yrs old. Super sweet girl. I carved this on the top of her bowel set and while beaut… --- ## [How to get a laser engraved look](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-to-get-a-laser-engraved-look/13283)
**Author:** [@wcr](https://forum.sienci.com/u/wcr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/how-to-get-a-laser-engraved-look/13283 "2024-07-22T16:08:12Z")
I have created a router engraved charcutterie board. Are there any ways to darken the recessed areas outside of hand painting with acrylic pain or epoxy fills? This will be finished off with tung oil and wax. I’m thinkin… --- ## [Finishing tutorials?](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-tutorials/12859)
**Author:** [@wcr](https://forum.sienci.com/u/wcr)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-tutorials/12859 "2024-07-02T16:26:34Z")
I recently completed my first carve out sign graphic. After three attempts with software configuration my Longmill nailed it. I’d like to do some fills with epoxy or paint and don’t know where to start. Any videos or li… --- ## [Outdoor table advice](https://forum.sienci.com/t/outdoor-table-advice/10885)
**Author:** [@Clt49er](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Clt49er)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/outdoor-table-advice/10885 "2024-01-15T18:42:09Z")
I want to make a wood top to my firepit. Thoughts on the below? 2x3 pine studs glued and clamped. Carved with epoxy fill. Top coat with a uv protectant epoxy. Finish with a marine spar. Firepit is in full sun. In NC… --- ## [Epoxy recommendations](https://forum.sienci.com/t/epoxy-recommendations/10756)
**Author:** [@Clt49er](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Clt49er)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/epoxy-recommendations/10756 "2024-01-04T16:41:02Z")
What epoxy do you recommend that is budget friendly? Doing some outdoor table tops. So need uv resistant. Not sure I can justify the cost for premiums like Total Boat at the moment. --- ## [Need a Finish for an Address Sign (Spar or somthing else)](https://forum.sienci.com/t/need-a-finish-for-an-address-sign-spar-or-somthing-else/8875)
**Author:** [@Swinly](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Swinly)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2023, 5:15pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/need-a-finish-for-an-address-sign-spar-or-somthing-else/8875 "2023-05-27T17:15:41Z")
I finished an address sign for a neighbor. I remembered them saying they didn’t want a plastic-looking finish if I could avoid it. I mentioned I normally use spar-urethane because of the UV protection but would look a… --- ## [Finishing epoxy inlay in wood](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-epoxy-inlay-in-wood/3055)
**Author:** [@ahliv](https://forum.sienci.com/u/ahliv)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2022, 10:47pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-epoxy-inlay-in-wood/3055 "2022-10-17T22:47:36Z")
Hi there, new to woodworking in general. I’ve been doing epoxy inlays in cherry using the longmill. I’m having trouble getting a nice finish on the epoxy. I’d like it to be as close to glass as possible. I’ve been sandin… --- ## [Sealing/painting approach for painted signs?](https://forum.sienci.com/t/sealing-painting-approach-for-painted-signs/946)
**Author:** [@falviani](https://forum.sienci.com/u/falviani)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2022, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/sealing-painting-approach-for-painted-signs/946 "2022-10-17T13:55:10Z")
Hi all, I’m new to wood working, since my background is software with a few years as a decorative blacksmith (my wife is actually the wood worker in the family). I plan on making some signs from MDF that will have an ov… --- ## [Filling in a V-Carve](https://forum.sienci.com/t/filling-in-a-v-carve/5035)
**Author:** [@Coach](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Coach)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2022, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/filling-in-a-v-carve/5035 "2022-03-09T19:39:51Z")
Hi all, happy new longmill user and I’ve been using it to cut some charcuterie boards. Have had a few people ask about engraving on them. I’m curious about techniques you all use to “fill in” the text to make it more … --- ## [Badgers Wood Oil](https://forum.sienci.com/t/badgers-wood-oil/5297)
**Author:** [@TomT](https://forum.sienci.com/u/TomT)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2022, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/badgers-wood-oil/5297 "2022-03-02T14:03:18Z")
Has anyone used Badgers Wood Oil for finishing projects? This oil is a Canadian product made from Hemp Oil. It is non toxic, food safe when cured and dries to a hard finish. It was originally developed for canoe paddle… --- ## [Sanding tools and accessories](https://forum.sienci.com/t/sanding-tools-and-accessories/3614)
**Author:** [@Swinly](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Swinly)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2021, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/sanding-tools-and-accessories/3614 "2021-09-05T19:51:12Z")
There are better ways/tools that I don’t know of, right? What are some of your methods for sanding some of those difficult spots? Does anyone use any sanding wheels? pic and link below for am example --- ## [Stir, Do not shake](https://forum.sienci.com/t/stir-do-not-shake/3126)
**Author:** [@Megistus](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Megistus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 4:33pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/stir-do-not-shake/3126 "2021-06-27T16:33:09Z")
I am sure someone has already thought of this. Mix at your own risk. :smiley: --- ## [Resin enthusiasts](https://forum.sienci.com/t/resin-enthusiasts/3130)
**Author:** [@chapklc](https://forum.sienci.com/u/chapklc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2021, 7:10pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/resin-enthusiasts/3130 "2021-06-18T19:10:06Z")
Hello again, so I’m dabbling in the epoxy/resin fill within my CNC work…this is only my 2nd attempt. My first was a user failure. My questions resolve around tung oil and wood stain. The next step I want to procee… --- ## [Because I am Lazy](https://forum.sienci.com/t/because-i-am-lazy/2427)
**Author:** [@mowog](https://forum.sienci.com/u/mowog)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/because-i-am-lazy/2427 "2021-02-18T22:17:47Z")
I have used a number of ways to finish timber products over the years. One thing I won’t use again is varnish its just too long winded and time consuming. Some tables I have built I have used furniture wax with great re… --- ## [Oramask in the cold weather](https://forum.sienci.com/t/oramask-in-the-cold-weather/2402)
**Author:** [@Dhk](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Dhk)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2021, 12:40am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/oramask-in-the-cold-weather/2402 "2021-02-11T00:40:57Z")
I’ve always had good look with oramask stencil film, but this is the first time I’ve used it in cold weather and it didnt work at all. Didnt stick to the wood well and when it cut it didnt cut smoothly more like pieces j… --- ## [Finishing Cut MDF board](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-cut-mdf-board/2482)
**Author:** [@astro4000](https://forum.sienci.com/u/astro4000)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2021, 12:24am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/finishing-cut-mdf-board/2482 "2021-02-11T00:24:40Z")
Hi. Any suggestions on some sort of finish for MDF, such as clear, stain, solid colors, etc…? I know the cut portion of MDF is probably to most lousy board to finish as per my photo. Maybe while melamine covered MDF is… --- ## [Good Finish for A Redwood Sign](https://forum.sienci.com/t/good-finish-for-a-redwood-sign/1120)
**Author:** [@Heyward43](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Heyward43)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2020, 3:50am UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/good-finish-for-a-redwood-sign/1120 "2020-12-02T03:50:37Z")
Ok all, I just finished my first stacked text (text on text) sign. I used it as an anniversary card for my wife. I cleaned it up a little but have more sanding before finishing. My first thought is just a clear finish of… --- ## [Tips for keeping wood from warping or cupping](https://forum.sienci.com/t/tips-for-keeping-wood-from-warping-or-cupping/1280)
**Author:** [@Incredz](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Incredz)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2020, 11:18pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/tips-for-keeping-wood-from-warping-or-cupping/1280 "2020-07-23T23:18:14Z")
I’ve been working with pine. Have had some projects cup on me. Wondering if it’s just because its pine or is there tricks to the trade. --- ## [What Is Sanding Sealer & How To Use](https://forum.sienci.com/t/what-is-sanding-sealer-how-to-use/1099)
**Author:** [@Heyward43](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Heyward43)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2020, 4:05pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/what-is-sanding-sealer-how-to-use/1099 "2020-06-22T16:05:30Z")
Being a somewhat newbie to fine woodwork finishing I’m looking for information. I know how to paint and some staining but I’m nowhere near proficient. I see people using sanding sealer to treat wood as a first step. What… --- ## [My general finish](https://forum.sienci.com/t/my-general-finish/932)
**Author:** [@Br5d](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Br5d)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2020, 10:19pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/my-general-finish/932 "2020-05-19T22:19:16Z")
Whether it’s a bowl, platter or table my finishing process is the same. As I use native slab timber cut from locally sourced hardwood logs I rarely use colouring. After running through the grades of sandpaper from 80 gri… --- ## [MDF Repair For Holes Cut Wrong](https://forum.sienci.com/t/mdf-repair-for-holes-cut-wrong/831)
**Author:** [@Heyward43](https://forum.sienci.com/u/Heyward43)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://forum.sienci.com/t/mdf-repair-for-holes-cut-wrong/831 "2020-04-25T22:27:56Z")
I posted this on Facebook and posting here for the non-fb users. Need the following assistance please: Ok guys and gals. I need some help correcting a problem when I was cutting dog holes for my compression clamps. I de…