Water-Popping -- the Secret to a Great Finish

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  • Опубликовано: 7 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 319

  • @WorkshopCompanion
    @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +371

    Machine planing, jointing, and sanding is not kind to wood. These processes can compress and crush the wood cells near the surface, interfering with the penetration and bonding of finishes. They may also partially detach wood fibers, creating “whiskers” that stand up when you apply a finish. The finish wicks up these fibers and hardens as dimples and bumps; detracting from the look and feel of the finished wood.
    For this reason, many craftsmen wipe down the wood surface with a little water when they finish sanding. Some even do it between each grit as they work their way from coarse to fine. The water swells the damaged cells, restoring the wood’s microstructure. It also raises the whiskers. After the surface dries, a light hand sanding with the last grit used will knock off the whiskers and smooth out any irregularities. This technique is known as “water-popping” or “raising the whiskers.”
    Some woodworkers prefer to wipe the wood with mineral spirits, naptha, or turpentine, especially when using an oil-based finish. These substances will not swell the grain as much, and consequently do not restore the microstructure of the wood as well. Wiping with water will not interfere with an oil-based finish so long as you allow the moisture to evaporate completely before applying that finish.
    Water popping takes a little time, but it results in a better finish. With the microstructure of the crushed cells restored, stains, dyes, and finishes penetrate more deeply and bond better. And with the whiskers removed, the cured surface is smoother. For some finishes, the deeper penetration makes the wood surface more translucent, accentuating the wood grain. In short, the final finish looks better, feels better, and lasts longer.

    • @warriorsmustang1784
      @warriorsmustang1784 Месяц назад +2

      Is there any downside to using mineral spirits or alcohol to wipe away sanding dust before apply a finish?

    • @pinballrobbie
      @pinballrobbie Месяц назад +2

      As a young cabinet maker, I remember wetting the surface with very thinned down animal glue, then sanding again when dry. The smell of that glue will stay with me until I die, like Chanel No. 5

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +6

      @@warriorsmustang1784 Neither swells the wood fibers as well as water.

    • @malal6512
      @malal6512 Месяц назад +6

      ​@WorkshopCompanion thank you for all the wealth of knowledge you so graciously gift us.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +6

      @@malal6512 Most welcome.

  • @MA_KA_PA_TIE
    @MA_KA_PA_TIE Месяц назад +1007

    The best woodworking tips on the web. Dude even breaks down the science so we can learn theory while learning application. Truly a gem.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +81

      Thanks for the kind words.

    • @GumshoeGamer
      @GumshoeGamer Месяц назад +13

      100% agree.

    • @Chavez3d
      @Chavez3d Месяц назад +8

      Right there with you Ive been building furniture and cabinets for the last couple 30 years and nearly every video teaches me something the guy truly understands his craft.

    • @TheJunky228
      @TheJunky228 Месяц назад +3

      my grandfather was an engineer and woodworker. he built many things like very fancy looking cabinetry, tables, a wooden horse for me, a crib for my sister, a toy model car, and among other things we have some old blueprints from a staircase he did on someone's house back in Italy. I'd like to think all these videos are the sort of things he'd be trying to teach me if he was still around today (though he'd be quite old, he was also a WW2 vet after all)

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +3

      @@TheJunky228 Thanks for sharing.

  • @AnakiteOG
    @AnakiteOG Месяц назад +40

    I've been water popping with 50% water 50% ISO alcohol. Dries really fast and pops those fibers 😎

    • @dylanbarnhart38
      @dylanbarnhart38 5 дней назад +1

      That’s smart, I’ll be giving that a try asap

  • @itschilled
    @itschilled Месяц назад +119

    Sitting here 15 years later, I finally understand why my first woodworking project looked so bad. Well, one of the reasons.
    Thanks for the insight as always!

  • @EricTheOld
    @EricTheOld Месяц назад +153

    My father used to call it "raising the grain". I refinished many black walnut gun stocks that way with steel wool then applied linseed oil to a beautiful finish.
    You do great work

  • @Eneulogeo
    @Eneulogeo Месяц назад +92

    You’re legitimately the reason I’ve started this as a hobby - I’m very grateful for the work you do. My wife and I love watching your videos for both the obvious quality of your work but also the apparent joy you bring to it.

  • @justwannaridemabike
    @justwannaridemabike Месяц назад +71

    Thanks ‘Woodwork-Santa’
    I love your content

  • @jiggymonkey88
    @jiggymonkey88 Месяц назад +188

    Thanks for explaining it in layman's terms (the how and WHY). I can't speak for the others here, but I enjoy learning why something is done so I can apply that skill and knowledge elsewhere.

    • @ValkyrieTiara
      @ValkyrieTiara Месяц назад +9

      Nothing worse than getting the equivalent of "Because I said so" as an adult when you're trying to improve yourself.

  • @abcsandoval
    @abcsandoval Месяц назад +28

    I found I out that I knew nothing about wood. This guy is incredible.
    It would be great to have him as a neighbor.

  • @murphymmc
    @murphymmc Месяц назад +11

    Nice to see him passing on tips that every older woodworker knows. Stuff we use all the time that younger are pretty clueless about. Denatured alcohol works as well, doesn't pop the grain as much, dries much faster. if I'm not staining a wood, I finish with a hand plane, sharpened correctly it gives equivalent to a 1500 grit surface, which means it's shiny. No, it doesn't absorb much finish, the grain is pretty well sealed already.

  • @stephenhanson6092
    @stephenhanson6092 Месяц назад +14

    I’ve literally just stumbled upon this majestic man, and spent the last 45 min binging his content. I am a very amateur woodworker. But my god, I just want this man to be my grandfather. I hope this guy is as half as amazing a person in real life, as he comes across in his videos.

  • @centurionkingsley4473
    @centurionkingsley4473 Месяц назад +71

    Amazing teacher. Very knowledgeable.

  • @Zakk_Ross
    @Zakk_Ross Месяц назад +13

    Bro is gonna help me make the finest guitars

  • @r4a2g0
    @r4a2g0 Месяц назад +6

    I came across this guy yesterday and instantly was hooked.

  • @PHEONYX79
    @PHEONYX79 Месяц назад +12

    I simply can not adequately convey just how much that i absolutely love your marvelous and calming channel. Watching your amazing tips and tricks on wood working is akin to watching an episode of Bob Ross.

  • @NGorso1
    @NGorso1 Месяц назад +8

    When you put the water on, and I saw that precious paw appear on your hand....my heart melted!!!!!

  • @Nyro254
    @Nyro254 Месяц назад +3

    I've been seeing woodworkers do this and I had no idea why, now I know thanks!

  • @deusexaethera
    @deusexaethera 13 дней назад +1

    I never heard of this before. Thanks for the helpful tip.

  • @cesarnieves6884
    @cesarnieves6884 Месяц назад +46

    This Gentleman is so Wise.

    • @denvernow7294
      @denvernow7294 Месяц назад +1

      This gentleman be poppin that water.

  • @johnvesperman1530
    @johnvesperman1530 Месяц назад +6

    As a youngster, my uncle taught me to dampen the surface with denatured alcohol to raise the grain. He said that the alcohol evaporates much faster, and eliminates the risk of leaving water marks. Once the alcohol is gone, sand the surface until smooth.

  • @benjaminmeyer2139
    @benjaminmeyer2139 Месяц назад +7

    This was the short that got you my subscription.
    There's something so absolutely elegant about how a true master teaches: someone who has so much experience under their belt that they can teach a simple technique that absolutely transforms your own results.
    I am always delighted to come across your videos in my feed. Please, keep the amazing videos coming!

  • @mistertwister2000
    @mistertwister2000 Месяц назад +5

    It’s genuinely amazing to me how he’s still finding new things to teach us, I’ve helped my dad woodwork on home projects for literally decades now and neither of us had ever even thought to that.

  • @TrinityUnofficial
    @TrinityUnofficial Месяц назад +3

    god i have so much respect for you knowing small stuff like this, especially since i feel like i know things like this in my craft, just little things other people wouldn't even know about but it serves a legitimate function

  • @fuster7605
    @fuster7605 Месяц назад +3

    The knowledge you share in these shorts is incredible

  • @janedoe4316
    @janedoe4316 Месяц назад +2

    Its been a dream of mine for a few years to refinish furniture... your videos encourage me more to try one day....

    • @jerrybrown1446
      @jerrybrown1446 Месяц назад

      Do it! Don’t let anybody stop you.

  • @ykkfamily
    @ykkfamily Месяц назад +2

    Excellent!!!! I knew of this technique but never realized it is more important for water based finishes (it makes so much sense) thank you!!!!

  • @RunDMS
    @RunDMS Месяц назад +4

    Learn something new from you almost every video. So appreciate your knowledge.

  • @MojoPup
    @MojoPup 6 дней назад +1

    Every friggin time I watch one of your videos, I learn something new... every time.

  • @shoelesstrucker4414
    @shoelesstrucker4414 Месяц назад +24

    Has anybody else called you the Einstein of woodworking? Love your videos. Keep ‘em coming!

    • @matthewdyer2926
      @matthewdyer2926 Месяц назад

      No, this is Bell’s dad from Beauty and the Beast, all day 😂

  • @KaleTheTinkerer
    @KaleTheTinkerer Месяц назад +3

    You look like science and I mean that in the best way possible

  • @whodis5152
    @whodis5152 Месяц назад +2

    I love these short format of your tips, very clever tips and straight to the point

  • @alexcollins1193
    @alexcollins1193 Месяц назад +1

    One of my favorite tips I’ve heard about finishing wood was after a top coat of a polyurethane, shellac or Lacquer, to buff it with brown paper from a bag or you may have gotten in a delivered package. Takes that bit of roughness from the finish and make it as smooth as glass

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад +1

      Have done this from time to time with lacquer and shellac finishes. Brown paper is a very fine abrasive capable of polishing the softer coating finishes such as nitrocellulose, lac, and alkyd resins. It's not as effective with the harder phenols and urethanes.

    • @jerrybrown1446
      @jerrybrown1446 Месяц назад

      I keep a pack of lunch bags in a drawer for this. Plane shavings do a great job, too.

  • @1striperon
    @1striperon Месяц назад +2

    Your teaching style is very effective for me. Direct to the point, intelligent, and honest. Thank you for that. It also means I will review the video already watched when I encounter the challenge you covered. To me, that’s my best learning experience. 👍

  • @Vidar93
    @Vidar93 Месяц назад +1

    Depending on the finish and the grain structure if you're going to a high grit (300+) I find that after you do your last sanding to go back with a rag lightly soaked in mineral spirits and to deep clean the surface with it. It wont pop the grain and it helps to pull all of the fine dust out of the pores of the wood leading to a more uniform finish.

    • @jerrybrown1446
      @jerrybrown1446 Месяц назад

      That’s a good tip. I like to use 320 because I like the feel, but it’s hard to get an even finish.

  • @Blockdigit
    @Blockdigit День назад +1

    I always learn something when I see this guy.

  • @Carpenter615
    @Carpenter615 Месяц назад +5

    You remind me a lot of my apprenticeship instructor who recently passed. Keep up the great work young tradesman need the knowledge you can give.

    • @gatekeeper65
      @gatekeeper65 Месяц назад

      Now, does he remind you of your instructor before he passed away, or after ?
      Personally I find his presentation quite lively and interesting. ;O)

  • @michaelallenyarbrough9503
    @michaelallenyarbrough9503 Месяц назад +1

    Important step. I use the scrub side of an old sponge.

  • @bain87
    @bain87 7 дней назад +1

    As someone that works in the paint department at a hardware store this is really cool to know

  • @myrothiosthegullible6315
    @myrothiosthegullible6315 Месяц назад +1

    This was fun! I dont even do woodworking but I still enjoyed the video!

  • @casesandcapitals
    @casesandcapitals Месяц назад +1

    Channels like yours are so, so appreciated.
    My friend and I bought a 115 year old house with the intention of fixing it up to live in, instead of flip like everyone kept suggesting.
    We realized pretty quick that we had no idea what we were in for 😅
    One of the biggest learning curves has been going to the hardware store and not knowing what 80% of the products are for.
    We're used to the craft store where the relevent how-to books are nearby and most products have a handmade example, like a square of knitting hanging over a brand of yarn, so you can see and feel how it works up.
    We'll go to the hardware store and she'll pick something up and say "what's this?" and for the first year or so I'd take it, read the packaging, and say "dude, I have no idea."
    You and so many other creators have been such a huge help! The other day we were at a second hand tool shop and she picked something up and said "um, a huge bullet? The tag says plumb bob" and I actually knew what it was and what it was for! It was 2 bucks, so we got it for when we put up fences, since nothing in the actual house will ever be plumb or level. No such thing as a 90 degree angle in a house that has hand hewn studs in the walls, spaced 26 inches apart hahaha

    • @alcoholdonkey
      @alcoholdonkey Месяц назад

      Fun tip. For common renovation tasks, home depot has "Home improvement 1-2-3" and many other books of similar name (Deck building 1-2-3, Electrical 1-2-3, etc) that offer practical explanation on how to do these things yourself.
      Recommend for anyone new and tradesmen looking for a quick reference or a few new tips. 😊

    • @casesandcapitals
      @casesandcapitals Месяц назад +1

      @@alcoholdonkey Thank you! I'll keep an out for those next time I'm there

  • @BoMwarriorVlog
    @BoMwarriorVlog Месяц назад +1

    I don't know why this guy popped up on my feed suggestions, but after such interesting tips I'm sure I'm going to be extra thankful someday. 😁

  • @Sillyboy9572
    @Sillyboy9572 20 дней назад +1

    A rare channel that actually has great facts and information, I don’t do woodwork, But I love to learn

  • @mantaship
    @mantaship Месяц назад

    Master Class in 60 seconds...
    PLEASE keep going.

  • @gwenby_
    @gwenby_ 20 дней назад

    one of the things i love about this channel that makes it accessible to people who haven’t even worked with wood a day in their life, you explain everything that other people often wouldn’t very succinctly. most channels probably wouldn’t have mentioned the reason why you sand after it dries, just that you’re supposed to, but you do! thank you!

  • @GoryionB
    @GoryionB Месяц назад

    I love that your best friend decided to help with the water popping. :)

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад

      She helps with most everything. I've had working dogs (border collies) all my life, but I've never had one that is this engaged in everything I do. I have to put her on a down-stay when I'm working with power tools, and you can just see her impatience building as she waits to re-engage.

  • @bobchivovich9451
    @bobchivovich9451 Месяц назад +1

    I was just about to try refinishing something for the first time in my life and never knew this. Perfect timing and excellent tip! Thank you!

  • @RadTheImpaler
    @RadTheImpaler Месяц назад +5

    Thank you, I’m going to use this on all my future wood working.

  • @jehutyprime
    @jehutyprime 26 дней назад +1

    Love this guys videos. Friendly, concise, helpful. Easily my favourite tips channel.

  • @glennlopez6772
    @glennlopez6772 Месяц назад

    What a relief!
    Water is the remedy for experts!

  • @SynthiaVan
    @SynthiaVan 15 дней назад

    There's no way I'm going to remember this, but man, I appreciate you explaining it! Best YT channel.

  • @alui92
    @alui92 Месяц назад +1

    Idk how this is so drastically different from other channels, but I fell genuinly learning something which came from experience rather than from some textbooks.
    Almost none of your tips had I heard before and I use quite a lot of said textbooks to better my craftsmanship.

  • @rowenarrow
    @rowenarrow 26 дней назад +1

    I love this. You make it so approachable and informative

  • @christopher19894
    @christopher19894 12 дней назад +1

    This is necessary on wood floors before staining it dark. We just call it washing, and we use a rag with a bucket full of really warm water.

  • @akb8323
    @akb8323 Месяц назад +1

    So much usefull info squeezed neatly into a short.

  • @dobrofool
    @dobrofool Месяц назад

    40 years in the trades, which included architectural millwork, casework, and LOTS of time in the booth. I learned finishing from an apprenticeship ship trained millworker/ finish guy, who use to beat on anyone who would walk up to his bench and lean on his freshly sanded work with their elbows or arms… he would have to resand that before it hit the booth because the oils in the skin could create blotchy spots in the finish!!
    I also worked with my cousin who was trained in high end fishing in a union driven stain shop. Working with him, I learned filling grain w/burlap, and the finer details of color toning.
    I loved working the booth yet First time EVER heard about this! 😮 Even the Mohawk guy who was a top end finisher never suggested this when doing furniture repairs.. 60 years old and I’m still learning stuff every day!

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад

      I was in my late 50s when someone explained this to me. Water-based finishes were just beginning to be taken seriously, and craftsmen were finding they HAD to raise the grain before they could apply these new finishes. Later on, we found the this process benefitted all finishes. The raised/expanded grain made the wood on the surface less dense, this increased the translucence that the finish imparts, showcasing the grain and increasing the perception of depth.

  • @A.PGoatley
    @A.PGoatley 4 дня назад

    I'm new to woodworking, learned early on in wood shop when I was in middle school and high school. Getting backed into it the last year or so I can't believe I'm only just now finding your channel. While I know some of your suggestions others I figured out on my own still others are brand new information keep up the good work this is a great channel.

  • @fish5645
    @fish5645 Месяц назад

    Brilliant, wish I had this channel to watch when I was an apprentice. Learning the ropes in a traditional joinery shop was tough but this sort of thing would have helped between days.

  • @tomk427
    @tomk427 24 дня назад

    You're a great communicator and your tips are invaluable. Thanks for the videos man

  • @Loverest123
    @Loverest123 27 дней назад

    I love how you think 💭 and show us with detail on how to do the work properly. Good job 👏

  • @bcwatkins
    @bcwatkins Месяц назад

    My dad showed me how to do this when I was 12 years old! Keep passing down the knowledge brother

  • @spambox1894
    @spambox1894 Месяц назад

    After watching your videos for some time now and always waiting for your next installment. I have discovered the problem with your videos! There's not enough of them and they are often shorter than what I would prefer. In any event I love what you do and your willingness to share a lifetime of learned lessons with the world. Thank you for all you do. Have a great day.

  • @vendomnu
    @vendomnu Месяц назад

    See, I never knew why is wasn't every time that wood pops - now I know that it is fibres that has been loosened.
    Thanks!

  • @yimskykatzikoff7408
    @yimskykatzikoff7408 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you so much, and perfect timing. I’m refinishing some old cutting boards and was not sure what to do with the roughness that was appearing when the board got wet. Now I understand the issue and know what to do. 😁

  • @turnt_barbarian
    @turnt_barbarian Месяц назад

    A year ago I looked up some basic tips so I could put a finish on my kitchen worktop (food safe oil fwiw). I'm familiar with some basic metal working as my dad is a welder/fabricator, and I did some basic metalworking in school but I had no experience with carpentry. I've been getting your shorts since then and I love them. Great info in a really nice format.

  • @sindex
    @sindex 3 дня назад

    I don't even have a wood shop and I watch these shorts every single time they pop up. It's a little bit like a 1 minute New Yankee Workshop, a show I loved growing up (when I also didn't have a wood shop).

  • @PalosX
    @PalosX Месяц назад

    I was taught Raising the Grain but hes right works great

  • @memmermiller
    @memmermiller Месяц назад

    I don’t even care about any of this - but I do now! Shows what a great educator can do 😁

  • @tommo258
    @tommo258 Месяц назад +2

    I actually knew this one! Love the videos

  • @HolidayDoc89
    @HolidayDoc89 Месяц назад

    This is so good. I’ve never heard of this before.

  • @FISHFANATIC95
    @FISHFANATIC95 Месяц назад

    Wish I knew this before my last project… thank you!!

  • @EnviousGenome
    @EnviousGenome Месяц назад

    I learned this in high school when making the top to a desk and it's still in use today

  • @jewdd1989
    @jewdd1989 Месяц назад

    I do this before apply oil or water based products every time because it flippin works

  • @marcomobson
    @marcomobson Месяц назад

    Thanks for this reminder and sharing your knowledge! 👍
    What helps to speed up this process is to use warm water.

    • @WorkshopCompanion
      @WorkshopCompanion  Месяц назад

      Sure. Evaporates faster. If I'm in a hurry, I usually dry it with a heat gun.

  • @presidentjoethudbrandon7074
    @presidentjoethudbrandon7074 Месяц назад

    Every time I watch a video on this channel I'm reminded of a VP at a cabinet mill I worked at.
    Once I started using hand tools to fix errors that a $400k machine he bought made; he found a reason to get rid of me.

  • @phoenix5694
    @phoenix5694 Месяц назад

    This content is pure gold.
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge !

  • @DTWMTX
    @DTWMTX Месяц назад

    I do that. Heard it called 'Raising the grain'... what ever the name, it works ❗️

  • @mats6796
    @mats6796 27 дней назад

    In germany most furniture makers like myself, we just Apply the coating twice. The First Time so the Fibers Pop up and we can Sand those down and then a second Coating is apllied. Its a good war because the coating penetrates deeper in the surface. But the Water is a good tip too

  • @rileydj8764
    @rileydj8764 17 дней назад +1

    Those magic paws!!

  • @Kaibear
    @Kaibear Месяц назад

    That is such an awesome small trick. Just water. Nothing else.

  • @baldeaglearrage3450
    @baldeaglearrage3450 Месяц назад +1

    I needed this!!!

  • @feyza1831
    @feyza1831 Месяц назад

    this is so useful to know, I cant believe I didmt think of this myself 🤦🏽‍♀️

  • @KB-vf4gz
    @KB-vf4gz Месяц назад +1

    Thank you !

  • @jjray19
    @jjray19 26 дней назад

    Ohhhh my goodness! I have wondered about this on some of my projects…thank you!!

  • @pianoman7753
    @pianoman7753 Месяц назад

    Another thing I had no idea about; that I can take into any future projects, and make them THAT much BETTER!
    KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! 😁

  • @marchess923
    @marchess923 Месяц назад

    An old guy taught that in wood shop in hi-school. I don't recall in which of the 7 years. That was over ½ a century ago. This is the only time I've heard it again.

  • @stonkr
    @stonkr 21 день назад

    Loving these tips & tricks.

  • @rielcuartero3828
    @rielcuartero3828 Месяц назад

    You sir are a godsend

  • @AdriansArt
    @AdriansArt Месяц назад +1

    Thank you!!

  • @nickw7235
    @nickw7235 Месяц назад

    My goodness this is so awesome! Thank you!

  • @Earthrise86
    @Earthrise86 21 день назад

    I liked your video the second I seen subtitles. Bravo my good Sir!

  • @kylechurch6237
    @kylechurch6237 19 дней назад

    Dude’s like the Bob Ross of wood working and I love it.

  • @dmon7056
    @dmon7056 Месяц назад +6

    Love your tips and tricks man

  • @robertolopezjr9798
    @robertolopezjr9798 Месяц назад

    Love your videos I just got into woodworking and learned a lot from your videos I really appreciate it

  • @eddieme2009
    @eddieme2009 4 дня назад

    Nice.. this info is very helpful to new woodworking enthusiasts like me.❤

  • @popcornmaster3172
    @popcornmaster3172 Месяц назад +1

    Cheers for that mate 👍

  • @timothywood400
    @timothywood400 День назад +1

    Good information

  • @JackHenry1776
    @JackHenry1776 29 дней назад +1

    Amazing content

  • @nub-cake
    @nub-cake Месяц назад

    You helped me understand that so quickly and easily. Thank you!

  • @AlexGeo925
    @AlexGeo925 Месяц назад

    Thank you, master 🙏🏼

  • @leemiller9486
    @leemiller9486 Месяц назад +1

    Thanks again