The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Coloring Finishing And Painting Wood
Preparation of the Surface of Wood with Plane and Scraper
1. Wood Must Be Dry.—The seasoning of wood until it contains the proper amount of moisture is an important factor in successful wood-finishing. Wood that is to be used indoors should be kiln-dried to about 5 per cent of moisture as a final stage in seasoning, and then it should be allowed to stand for a time in a dry room where it will reabsorb a small amount of water from the air, thus equalizing the per cent of moisture in the wood with that of the air in the shop.1 A finish which would not show checks, wrinkles, or other defects would have to possess very unusual qualities of elasticity were it to be placed on a piece of wood that is too moist, and which later on shrinks as the dampness dries out. For permanence of finish and lasting qualities of construction, wood must be properly seasoned and remain in a proper shop-dry condition during the construction and finishing periods.
Articles which are made from wood that has received only air seasoning at ordinary temperatures are usually unsatisfactory. The woodworker is likely to be blamed for loose joints, and the wood-finisher for poor workmanship or material. The real blame should be put on the excess of moisture in the wood, but this trouble-maker always escapes and goes into thin air and possibly condenses where it may cause more damage. Tests2 of the moisture content of lumber which is used in shops should be made occasionally, especially when new shipments of lumber are received, because this information will show whether or not the material is safe for use. Even kiln-dried lumber must be kept in a very dry place or it will reabsorb moisture to such an extent as to be unfit for any important construction.
2. Use Great Care in Preparing the Surface.—Beauty of finish depends to a great extent upon knowledge of how a surface should be prepared and the skill which is used in carrying out definite plans. Knowledge of the characteristics of the woods used and of the tools that are available is like good management at the head of a factory. If a workman knows considerable about the structure of wood, and its mechanical and chemical properties, he is not so likely to decide upon poor plans. On the other hand, he must have proper tools and equipment for preparing the surface and know how to use them skilfully. Finally, the real craftsman must have a valuable ethical quality known as honesty of purpose, and a perseverance which will bring creditable results.
