Today was the day when all of the work we had put into the boxes got to shine--literally! After sanding down the sides of our boxes with three different grit sizes (120, 220, & 320) to smooth over any rough edges or remaining glue, we rubbed in a special varnish oil to coat the surfaces. The goopy, honey-like texture and stale oil smell is well worth the slight nuisance. The moment I transfered a portion onto my box, a remarkable change was apparent. Although my slab of mahogany was quite beautiful before the finish, the oil brought out the famously luxurious mahogany color and a special, almost irridescent gradient in the grain design that shifts from dark to light depending on the angle of view.
.
It was a very rewarding morning seeing everyone's projects come together. And by the afternoon, we had already begun sizing down our newly-purchased wooden boards for the next projects. The picture above demonstrates the team effort required to cut accross a full-sized board of plywood. Although I initially imagined Advanced Woodworking to be a mostly individualized term, I have learned it to be quite collaborative. Whether it is in taking turns or needing a second opinion or set of hands, we always find ways to work together in the collective pursuit of reaching that satisfying sparkle.
Before and after varnishing my box. Featuring a very noticeable contrast in color, detail, and shine!
Comments
Post a Comment