Live edge wood is beautiful, unique, and a great way to show your creative side. However, it can be difficult to finish live edge wood without the proper tools and techniques.
This article will teach you how to finish live edge wood with bark, using simple steps that anyone can follow.
Source: Liveedgedesign
How To Finish Live Edge Wood With Bark
If you would like to add a live edge look and feel to your wood project, then you will need to follow these simple steps. First, apply a clear polyurethane to the surface of the wood.
Then, sand the wood smooth using a fine-grit sandpaper. Finally, use a finish of your choice to seal the wood and give it that finished look!
Apply A Clear Polyurethane
If you’re looking to add some live edge wood to your project, there are a few things you’ll need to know. One of which is how to apply a clear polyurethane finish. This type of finish will protect the wood while giving it a natural look and feel.
Protect Surfaces
When you are applying the clear polyurethane, it is important to protect the surfaces that will be covered. Toward this end, you should use a sealant or finish prior to applying the polyurethane. This will help to prevent water and other contaminants from penetrating the coating and causing damage.
Apply in a Controlled Manner
To ensure even coverage, it is best to apply the polyurethane in a controlled manner. You should start by wetting the area with a spray bottle before adding the polyurethane. Once the area has been sprayed with liquid polyurethane, you should wait for it to dry before continuing.
Allow Time for Coating To Cure
Once you have applied the clear polyurethane, it is important to allow it time to cure. This process can take up to 48 hours, so be patient and allow the coating to be fully set before doing any further work on the project.
Sand The Wood Smooth
Before you start sanding the wood, you’ll need to remove any loose bark. To do this, use a Manual Jigsaw or an Electric Saw with a Sanding Belt. Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves, and be very careful not to cut yourself!
Once the loose bark is removed, sand the wood smooth using 100-grit paper. Finish off by waxing the wood using a high-quality car wax.
Do Not Use a Grain Sander
A grain sander is not the best tool to use when sanding live edge wood. Grains on the surface of the wood will create an uneven surface which will then cause problems with the finish.
Use Fine Sandpaper
Instead of using a grain sander, you can use fine sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish on your live edge wood. Start by using 100-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 150-grit sandpaper.
Apply a Finish
Once you have finished sanding the wood, you will need to apply a finish in order to protect it from weathering and oxidation. You can choose between polyurethane or varnish, depending on your preferences and needs.
Trim The Edges
Once you have applied the finish, it is important to trim the edges so that they are even and flush with the rest of the wood surface. This will ensure that there are no gaps or bumps in the finish, which can look unsightly and detract from the overall appearance of your project.
Use A Fine-Grit Sandpaper To Remove Any Scratches Or Holes
If you’re looking to finish your live edge wood with bark, you’ll need to remove any scratches or holes. To do this, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when working with this type of sandpaper, as it can cause serious skin burns.
Use a Fine-grit Sandpaper to Remove any Scratches or Holes
If you have finished your live edge wood project and it has some scratches or holes, use a fine-grit sandpaper to remove them. This will help to restore the finish on your project and make it look new again.
Use a Soft cloth to Clean Up Any Dust particles
After removing the scratches or holes with a fine-grit sandpaper, use a soft cloth to clean up any dust particles that may have been left behind. This will help to keep your project looking nice and clean.
Apply an appropriate finishing product
Once all the dust has been removed, apply an appropriate finishing product to your project to give it a final shine. This can be anything from waxes and sealants to varnishes and lacquers.
Apply A Finish Of Your Choice
When applying a finish to live edge wood, you have many options to choose from. If you want a natural look, then a rawhide or linseed oil finish is the best option for you.
If you want a more polished look, then a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish will work better. You can also opt for a clear finish if you don’t mind fingerprints and smudges. Finally, if you would like your finished product to be resistant to water damage, then an epoxy or polyurethane finish is the best choice for you.
Whatever finish you choose, remember to sand it smooth before applying it to the wood surface. After applying your finish of choice, be sure to wipe off any excess with a cloth or paper towel. To protect your newly applied finish, apply some sealer afterward if desired.
Remember that live edge wood is delicate and should only be treated with the highest quality finishes when possible! Always test any new finishing techniques on an inconspicuous area first before using them on valuable furniture or wall art
Enjoy Your Finished Project!
Congratulations on finishing your live edge project! Here are some tips to help you enjoy the wood and its natural beauty.
- When you are finished with your live edge wood project, it is important to clean the surface of the wood. This will help to keep the wood looking its best and prevent it from developing any unwanted scratches or dings.
- If you are using a clear finish on your project, be sure to remove all of the excesses before applying the final coat. This will allow the colors in your project to show through more clearly and make it look more finished.
- If you choose to use a sealer or varnish on your project, be sure to apply it correctly so that it does not cause damage to the live edge. Mistakes when applying these products can result in unsightly blotches or streaks.
- Finally, be gentle when moving or handling your live edge wood project – avoid jarring the surface so that the wood does not crack or chip.
Preparing The Wood
The process of adding live edge wood to your home is simple, but there are a few things you need to prepare ahead of time. To start, make sure the wood you choose is untreated and free of any chemicals or sealants.
Next, cut the wood to the desired size and shape. It’s best to use a jigsaw if you have one available, as it will make the job easier. If using a power saw, be careful not to damage the surrounding area with large chunks of wood flying everywhere! After cutting the pieces, sand them down smooth before applying a finish of your choice.
You can also seal the edges of the boards with a clear sealant for an extra layer of protection. Once everything is finished, enjoy your new live edge piece in your home!
Sanding
As you sand live edge wood, it is important to be gentle and slow with the strokes. If your goal is to create a smooth finish, then keep the sanding consistent across the entire surface.
For rough or textured finishes, use circular or back and forth motions with even pressure. When sanding live edge wood, always avoid contact with the sapwood – this will cause damage. Be aware of where you are placing your hand and foot when using a power sander; too much pressure can cause injury.
Always wear gloves while sanding live edge wood as this will protect your hands from oils and other contaminants that may be on the wood. Finally, clean your work area and tools after every use to prevent any unwanted build-up on the surface of the wood.
To Recap
If you want to finish a live edge wood project using bark, be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your product. Otherwise, you could end up with an unfinished project that is not as beautiful or functional as it could be.
