DIY Network

Bruce Johnson Interview: Shellacs, Varnishes, Deck Care and more From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-109

Bruce Johnson Interview: Shellacs, Varnishes, Deck Care and more

Janette Smith: We're helping do-it-yourselfers finish the home improvement projects they've been putting off. Now, it's time for a little extra help. We've asked author and woodworking pro Bruce Johnson to come in and answer some of the e-mail questions you've sent us

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Figure A

Question (from Carol in Manchester, New Hampshire) : Is there an advantage to using shellac over varnish to finish my grandmother's antique dresser?

Bruce Johnson: Shellac is a historically accurate finish for certain antiques, but you don't hear much about it anymore. The problem with shellac is that it has a strong amber color (figure A). It also is not very resistant to water or alcohol. I prefer to use a satin polyurethane. The polyurethane provides better protection, and the satin sheen is more in keeping with antiques.

Figure B

Question (from Tyler in Elkhart, Indiana): How do I know if the wood on my deck is just weathered and not rotting?

Bruce: Good question. A weathered board will start to crack. This is typical and doesn't necessarily mean the wood is rotted. Rotting wood (figure B) can be identified in that it is soft to the touch and can easily be scraped with a fingernail. In a situation like this, one solution is to add some wood hardener to the rotting sections. Then apply a coat of deck sealer to help prevent the problem from getting any worse.

Figure C

Question (from Lisa in Aberdeen, Maryland): I can't afford to replace my kitchen cabinets, but they definitely need a "pick-me-up". What can I do?

Bruce: Sometimes, the best solution is a good cleaning. Especially in kitchens, grease and grime can really build up over the years. It may happen so gradually that you may not have noticed. To figure out if a cleaning is what your cabinets need, dip a rag in some ordinary paint thinner or commercial furniture cleaner and test a spot on your cabinets. If the rag looks dirty after the test (figure C) or the spot lightens, then it's cleaning time. And here's a tip: Remove your cabinet hardware before cleaning. It will make the job a lot easier. If you find after cleaning the cabinets the finish needs some work, try a coat of paste wax.

Figure D

Bruce's Money-Saver Tip: Staining an Old Deck

Rather than replacing an old deck that's showing some war, you can spruce up a weather-beaten deck with tinted deck-sealers or a deck stain. Here's how:

• First, scrub and clean the deck using a deck wash to remove dirt, mold and mildew.
  
• Allow the wood to dry.
  
• Apply a deck conditioner.
  
• Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply the deck stain. By brushing on a thin coat of a redwood stain for example (figure D), you can give your deck a new look without concealing the natural wood grain.
  

RESOURCES :

The Weekend Refinisher:
How to Make the Most of Your Furniture-A Step-by-Step Guide
Author: Bruce E. Johnson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 034535866X

The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
Author: Bruce Johnson
ISBN: 0345372972
Ballantine Books

The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
ISBN: 0865734275
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com

Building Porches and Decks (For Pros By Pros Series)
ISBN: 1561585394
Author: Fine Homebuilding Editor
Order this title from Amazon.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

Great Decks and Porches: A Step-by-Step Guide
ISBN: 0806966432
Author: Rick Peters
Order this title from Amazon.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com