FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Clear finish for pine windows/doors

| Posted in General Discussion on May 13, 2000 02:41am

*
I am looking for recommendations for a clear finish for interior pine windows and doors. I am thinking that satin oil-based poly would be good. Any product recommendations? How many coats? Would a higher number of thinned coats be better than fewer unthinned coats? Other tricks and traps? Would a “spar” type poly be better for the windows?

Reply

Replies

  1. Guest_ | May 11, 2000 04:30pm | #1

    *
    I can only speak from my experience but I am very pleased with shellac. I refinished all the windows and doors - including new french doors - with plain orange shellac from Zinsser 3-4 years ago and they still look fantastic. Very easy application - three coats in one day - easy cleanup. I had planned to paste wax them but - having done one room as an experiment, haven't gotten around to others and most people don't notice difference. I also steel wooled one with #0000 and am leaning towards that as a final finish. It just kills a little of the hard gloss.
    This is interior only - exterior of clear finished doors is spar varnish.

    1. Guest_ | May 11, 2000 07:29pm | #2

      *Frank,You might try some WATCO danish oil in the natural. I installed custom pine trim in a couple of houses for a builder that used WATCO and the pine looked beautiful after two applications. WATCO can be left on by itself or it can be top coated with a wipe on poly.

      1. Guest_ | May 12, 2000 01:58am | #3

        *Frank, I have been using a old time formula for quite a few years and have had excellent results. It is equal parts tung oil, turpentine and spar varnish. Each coat is brushed on and left to sit for about 10minutes then wiped off. The look is natural, fairly flat and holds up well to the years. Depending on the wood and dust in the air, a light sanding may be necessary between coats. Three coats are what I usually do. I have used this mixture on pine, fir, redwood, birch, ash and oak and have noticed no unnatural discvolourations over time. It will smell for a while though. And remember to dispose of the rags properly, as they can combust. Walk good. david

  2. Frank_Biamonte | May 12, 2000 03:00pm | #4

    *
    How long do you have to wait between coats? How many coats would you recommend for the windows and the doors?

    Thanks.

  3. Frank_B | May 13, 2000 02:41am | #5

    *
    I am looking for recommendations for a clear finish for interior pine windows and doors. I am thinking that satin oil-based poly would be good. Any product recommendations? How many coats? Would a higher number of thinned coats be better than fewer unthinned coats? Other tricks and traps? Would a "spar" type poly be better for the windows?

  4. Guest_ | May 13, 2000 02:41am | #6

    *
    Frank, On our house the interior trim and doors are fir and the
    windows are pine. I detected no difference in application. We
    brushed on the first coat, let it sit for 10 minutes or so and wiped
    it off. Usually we waited at least 24hours between application though
    drying time varied. We lightly sanded with 220# sandpaper, wiped
    clean with a tack cloth before the next application. We found 3 coats
    provided an excellent finish. I have used the same basic mix for
    exterior use, but used a marine grade spar varnish (better UV
    protectants). Otherwise the procedure was the same. For our exterior
    doors I used 4 coats. Walk good.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fastener System for Solving Deck Fascia Board Expansion

A special drill bit and color-matched fasteners lets composite or PVC deck fascia boards expand and contract to minimize warping.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Get an overview of the process of creating a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes from experienced mason Mike Mehaffey.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 486: PRO TALK With Builder and Remodeler Mason Lord of HVP in Kent, CT
  • Get Stunning Views With Folding Glass Doors
  • Keep Craft Alive Podcast: Episode 20, Ian Schwandt, TDS Custom Construction
  • Step-by-Step Install Prehung Exterior Doors

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job
  • Issue 308 - July 2022
    • Pretty Good House Book Excerpt: Copper Farmhouse
    • 10 Dos and Don'ts for Electric In-Floor Heat
    • A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in