Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Getting a perfect finish on a project you’ve spent hours on—isn’t about perfection.
It’s about justice for the time, care, and sawdust that was put in—or taken out—of the project.
A good finish needs to be developed.
Dust nibs, brush marks, or slight unevenness need to be worked out.
We do this by rubbing the surface.
Once your varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer has cured, check the surface.
If you feel tiny bumps or see dull patches, it’s time to work on it.
Just like sanding wood, start with a lower grit and move up.
But unlike sanding bare wood, where you follow the grain, here you’ll want to alternate sanding direction with each grit… or use a circular motion.
I like to think of rubbing the surface like I’m sharpening a blade.
And just like sharpening, you’ll want a liquid that helps pull away contaminants and gives you a clean surface to work on.
A little soapy water in a spray bottle works perfectly.
And when it’s ready, you can add a final coat—or buff in some paste wax to fill micro-scratches and give it that soft, polished feel.
That’s how we rub out a finish...but this doesn’t apply to oils.I made an important video showing why.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Getting a perfect finish on a project you’ve spent hours on—isn’t about perfection.
It’s about justice for the time, care, and sawdust that was put in—or taken out—of the project.
A good finish needs to be developed.
Dust nibs, brush marks, or slight unevenness need to be worked out.
We do this by rubbing the surface.
Once your varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer has cured, check the surface.
If you feel tiny bumps or see dull patches, it’s time to work on it.
Just like sanding wood, start with a lower grit and move up.
But unlike sanding bare wood, where you follow the grain, here you’ll want to alternate sanding direction with each grit… or use a circular motion.
I like to think of rubbing the surface like I’m sharpening a blade.
And just like sharpening, you’ll want a liquid that helps pull away contaminants and gives you a clean surface to work on.
A little soapy water in a spray bottle works perfectly.
And when it’s ready, you can add a final coat—or buff in some paste wax to fill micro-scratches and give it that soft, polished feel.
That’s how we rub out a finish...but this doesn’t apply to oils.I made an important video showing why.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
