Need advice on finishing "sides" of wood

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kristenanne77
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Posts: 177
Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:26 am
Model of CNC Machine: ShapeOko 2

Need advice on finishing "sides" of wood

Post by kristenanne77 »

Engraved photo or whatever on surface of wood.
Gets sanded stained etc.
The back is left unfinished.
BUT How do you handle the side edges of wood to give a nice appearance?
Should they be unfinished natural wood or stained? Many grains soak up way too much stain and look ultra ugly.

Looking for ideas which look nice and are simple to achieve.

Thanks
K

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FixitMike
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Re: Need advice on finishing "sides" of wood

Post by FixitMike »

Two solutions that are often used:
1. Apply a coat of sealer to the end grain before staining. (Shellac or other.)
2. Sand the end grain with sandpaper that is one step finer that what you use on the other surfaces.
Both methods reduce the amount of stain that is absorbed by the wood. Try on a piece of scrap before using on the finished piece.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Need advice on finishing "sides" of wood

Post by SteveNelson46 »

IMHO, I always seal all sides. It prevents, or at least limits, uneven warping.
Steve

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