Best way to finish wood?

[TK1]

Hi,

 

I'm getting more into scratchbuilding, and modifying kits.

 

One thing I see in great builds here and elsewhere, is very precisely milled and finished woods - whether for planking, decking, or fittings.

 

I know there's a difference in quality, and likely therefore finish, between typical mainstream kit woods, and  top-end kits/scratch builders.  Boxwood, Alaskan Cedar, etc will generally look better than walnut veneers. limewood, etc.

 

But I see such polished and precise finishes, so keen to know if this is in the milling, and/or how it's finished.  Are others using scrapers and planes vs sandpaper, or milling with planes and drum sanders or thicknessers rather than accepting what's bought from suppliers?

 

Is it all in the wood, the milling, the finishing or the finish applied?  Or a learned combination?  Any insights appreciated!

Thanks,
Darren

 

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  I sup[pose the 'best' way to finish wood is whatever way gets you the appearance you desire.  There are many to choose from.

[Ronald-V]

In my opinion, it's largely the type of wood used in combination with the varnish/oil that gives it the look. (Since almost everyone sands well enough as a prep treatment).

 

A bit of a general answer, but the question is also kinda broad  

 

 

Edited 21 hours ago by Ronald-V

[barkeater]

I agree with Johnny. There are multiple ways to finish, and it depends on the look you desire. For example, I use Testors Dulcote for my finish which gives a dull finish since I do 1700's ships, and I want them to look dull and weathered. If you were doing say a Chris Craft speed boat, you would want a shiny surface. As to milling, if you rip your own planks from purchased wood, I recommend you get a thickness planer/sander. I've purchased wood in the past and after having ripped planks, discovered that the boards varied a couple mm in thickness at different places. This made planking more of a challenge since the resultant planks varied in width. I do hand sand with fine grit once the planks are installed. I also use shape scrapers for detail. Finally, I use walnut for the hull which other people don't like. It varies considerably in color and shade unlike some other choices. This gives a patchwork appearance to the hull which brings out the planking detail including the use of trenails. I should mention that I only paint decorative components such as the figurehead and any carvings. Another "to each his own".

Rich

[knightyo]

This will be a fun topic.   Some modelers don't even use any type of finish, and instead just burnish all of their work.  

 

Alan

[palmerit]

I'm no expert by any stretch. The quality of the wood certainly makes a big differences - basswood (from Model Shipways / Midwest) kits does not produce the same finish as higher quality pear (from Vanguard kits). In terms of planking and decking, it's the quality of the wood work that seems to determine the quality of the final product - if you're painting, it doesn't much matter how much wood filler you use, but that won't cut it if you're planning to keep the wood unpainted. I've recently discovered making my own shellac from flakes and alcohol, which ends up with a much better product than using pre-made canned shellac. On a current model I used shellac on the bare wood at the top of the hull, with the bottom painted, and after it was all done and dried I applied a couple layers of a Vallejo matte varnish on top. I'm sure others have more sophisticated approaches and answers.