Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - How do I Refinish an Oak Barrel?
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kadigirl
09-03-05, 03:40 PM
Hello,
I picked up an old whisky barrel today and am looking for suggestions on where to start with the refinishing of it. I would like to use it as an end table. What type of sand paper (if any) should I use? How do I clean the metal bands?
This beginner appreciates any advice!
Kadi
I picked up an old whisky barrel today and am looking for suggestions on where to start with the refinishing of it. I would like to use it as an end table. What type of sand paper (if any) should I use? How do I clean the metal bands?
This beginner appreciates any advice!
Kadi
mako
09-03-05, 06:03 PM
Sanding the wood-- I recommend very highly that you get a power sander, like a random-orbit palm sander. Otherwise you'll get carpel tunnel in a hurry sanding an oak barrell by hand.
With oak I'd start with something like 60 or 80 grit, (the lower the grit, the more coarse and abrasive it is). Oak is tough, so 60 is a good place, just don't "gouge" with the sander with this grit or you'll wear out a dent in the wood.
Use the first grit to remove all of the wood/old finish you want removed. All the other grits are to remove the scratches of the previous grit and, eventually, to "polish" the wood smooth. You'll need 60, 80, 100, 120 grit, and maybe 150 for luster, but it's not required.
As for cleaning the metal, I'll let someone more knowledgeable answer that one. If it's rusted, you may be in for some real fun.
With oak I'd start with something like 60 or 80 grit, (the lower the grit, the more coarse and abrasive it is). Oak is tough, so 60 is a good place, just don't "gouge" with the sander with this grit or you'll wear out a dent in the wood.
Use the first grit to remove all of the wood/old finish you want removed. All the other grits are to remove the scratches of the previous grit and, eventually, to "polish" the wood smooth. You'll need 60, 80, 100, 120 grit, and maybe 150 for luster, but it's not required.
As for cleaning the metal, I'll let someone more knowledgeable answer that one. If it's rusted, you may be in for some real fun.