Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What is the correct order for wood finishing products?
The answer depends on what you want to achieve. If you are using an oil, the sequence is simple: turn, sand, oil, done. If you are applying a hard finish such as a wax or lacquer, seal the wood first before you finish it. If colour is involved, apply the colour first, then oil to cure it, then seal, then finish. I have been doing it that way for years and it works consistently.
Short version: oil after sanding, sealer before hard finishes, colour before either.
Mezza Tunney asked this one on Facebook. Part of the Ask Martin series, where I answer your woodturning questions in 60 seconds or less.
Leave your question in the comments and I pick one or two each week.
#AskMartin #woodturning #woodfinishing
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school 🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning 📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop 📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park. 🌐 msabansmith.com Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
What is the correct order for wood finishing products?
The answer depends on what you want to achieve. If you are using an oil, the sequence is simple: turn, sand, oil, done. If you are applying a hard finish such as a wax or lacquer, seal the wood first before you finish it. If colour is involved, apply the colour first, then oil to cure it, then seal, then finish. I have been doing it that way for years and it works consistently.
Short version: oil after sanding, sealer before hard finishes, colour before either.
Mezza Tunney asked this one on Facebook. Part of the Ask Martin series, where I answer your woodturning questions in 60 seconds or less.
Leave your question in the comments and I pick one or two each week.
#AskMartin #woodturning #woodfinishing
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school 🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning 📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop 📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park. 🌐 msabansmith.com Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
