Wood Countertop Refinishing with ETS150/5

[Scott B.]

We recently completed a small counter strip and refinish project in the pantry of a client.

The fundamental issue was pretty large scale wood checking on all 4 tops in the room.

This article walks through the repair steps and sequencing we chose:

http://802paint.com/wood-countertop-refinishing/

[attachimg=#]

 

[rizzoa13]

Awesome write up I really appreciate these as Im trying to become a better and more patient finisher.

Quick question, you sanded the filled countertop to 320 through the progressive grits and then sanded the coats of sanding sealer and finish to a lower grit? Is sanding to 320 necessary then?

Also is there any chance of getting a photo of the finished countertop from the same angle as the before photo to see how well the checks were blended? I'm really interested in just how well it can come out, thanks a lot!

 

[Scott B.]

Awesome write up I really appreciate these as Im trying to become a better and more patient finisher.

Quick question, you sanded the filled countertop to 320 through the progressive grits and then sanded the coats of sanding sealer and finish to a lower grit? Is sanding to 320 necessary then?

Also is there any chance of getting a photo of the finished countertop from the same angle as the before photo to see how well the checks were blended? I'm really interested in just how well it can come out, thanks a lot!

Riz

Glad you enjoyed.

I may not have made it clear enough in the article...

The filler, along with the entire countertops, are sanded through the steps 60-150, then sealer is applied and sanded at 180. Another coat of sealer is applied. When dried it is sanded at 220. Then finish is applied. When dry it is sanded at 320. Then final coat is applied.

No grit is repeated and you should never find yourself stepping backwards in grits.

I think what you are seeing as the "before" photo in the piece is actually one of the tops filled and stripped, just prior to sealer application. The final photo at the bottom of the piece is the same section of countertop, showing the sheen across it. I will check to see what else we have for photos.

Thanks for your response. Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[rizzoa13]

I kind of figured that with the sanding but didn't want to assume, thanks a lot.

 

[Scott B.]

I kind of figured that with the sanding but didn't want to assume, thanks a lot.

Anytime. Happy to help make finishing simpler for people.

 

[Kev]

Thanks Scott ... really appreciate your articles.

I find my biggest problem with any sort of finishing is patience - both in preparation and the job itself. The "small quick" jobs are the worst.

I think the term "finishing" needs to change as it's very misleading ... sometimes it should be 90% of the job [wink]

 

[Scott B.]

Thanks Scott ... really appreciate your articles.

I find my biggest problem with any sort of finishing is patience - both in preparation and the job itself. The "small quick" jobs are the worst.

I think the term "finishing" needs to change as it's very misleading ... sometimes it should be 90% of the job [wink]

Kev

You are right. Even for those of us who engage in it daily, it can be a real mind fork and a test of patience.

I try to emphasize to my own employees, and anyone that I teach, that anytime you get involved in the finish work, you are building a finish. Literally, there is a foundation, a frame and a final skin.

Resisting the temptation to blow through it is half the battle. That is why I have written so many pieces this year about the "psychology" of finishing. And developing simple habits to break down the perceived complexity of finishing.

Funny you mention the word "finish". My company is called Topcoat Finishes. There have been times in the past where I have yelled at employees who got lost in finishing:

"The company is Topcoat Finishes! Not Topcoat Starts and then noodles around until the customer gets sick of us. Topcoat FINISHES!!"

Anyone can start.

We refer to accomplished finishers in house as "closers".

Thanks for commenting.