Appearance Desired

As a general rule, clear finishes are used over wood surfaces that have a particularly attractive grain pattern and/or color. The finish is designed not only to protect and to preserve the wood, but also to enhance it. The opaque and semi-opaque finishes are usually applied to surfaces with unattractive grain patterns, poor colors, or various defects that would detract from the overall appearance. Their purpose is to obscure or hide these surfaces.

Sometimes another more expensive type of wood can be imitated by applying a finish that will give this appearance. For example, white pine can be finished to imitate walnut; basswood or gum to imitate cherry; and so on. Special decorative effects can be obtained through antiquing, gilding, inlaying, and other special finishing and decorating techniques. Determine the type of appearance you desire within the limitations of the wood with which you are working, and proceed from there.

FURNITURE KITS, PLANS, AND CABINET WOODS

Furniture kits are available from a number of different mailorder houses whose advertisements are regularly found and periodicals devoted to the homecraftsman and homeworkshop. These furniture kits are primarily reproductions of pieces from the American Colonial Period. Examples range in complexity from the rather simple canopied cradle to the more complex corner chair, drop leaf table, or settee. These furniture kits consist of parts made from higher quality woods (that is to say: cabinet woods) than the common variety of assembled unfinished furniture sold in many retail outlets. They assemble without great difficulty and present an excellent appearance when finished.

Furniture plans are also available at a modest price from the same mail-order houses. Many times these are full-size plans that do not require enlargement from a smaller size. As a result, the possibility of making an error in the pattern is practically eliminated. The better plans will include a perspective sketch indicat ing how the parts are assembled as well as a complete list of materials and hardware.