Wood care
Wood turning finishes
Seal, build, burnish: finishing on the lathe
Choose
Which finish should I use on my turning?
| What you’re making | Our recommended finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative bowls, vases, pens and spindles with a quick high gloss | Cellulose Sanding Sealer, then High Build Friction Polish and a carnauba wax finish | Fast to build on the lathe; a deep shine in minutes |
| Pieces handled often: handles, newel caps, lamp bases | Cellulose Sanding Sealer, then Melamine Lacquer Gloss | Harder-wearing, with good heat and water resistance |
| Toys and children’s items | Acrylic Sealer, then a compatible water-based topcoat | Water-based; complies with EN71 for toys |
| Bowls, boards and anything that touches food | Food Safe Oil | Made for food contact; friction polish and lacquers are not |
| A softer satin look on a polished piece | Wax Cutting | Gently cuts back a high gloss to satin |
On the lathe
How do I finish a turned piece?
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Sand through the grits
Don’t skip any. Finish at 320 to 400 grit for sealer and lacquer, or up to 600 for a friction polish gloss. At each grit, stop the lathe and sand along the grain. Use light pressure: heat glazes the wood and stops the finish gripping.
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Remove the dust
With a clean, dry cloth or compressed air.
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Seal
A thin coat of Cellulose Sanding Sealer with the lathe stopped. Let it dry, then cut it back lightly with fine abrasive as the work turns. On toys, use Acrylic Sealer instead.
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Build the finish
For a fast shine, High Build Friction Polish on a cloth pad with the lathe running. For a tougher finish, brush or spray Melamine Lacquer.
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Burnish
Burnish friction polish with a clean, dry cloth to bring up the gloss.
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Adjust the sheen
Shinier than you want? A little Wax Cutting lowers the sheen to satin.
Safety
Staying safe on the lathe
From the Mylands Experts
Advice for new turners
Wood turning and wood finishing grew up side by side in London’s workshops, and Mylands has supplied both for well over a century. Our experts’ advice to new turners hasn’t changed in generations: the finish only ever looks as good as the sanding beneath it. Take your time through the grits, get rid of every circular scratch, and any of our finishes will reward you.
Products
The wood turning range
Questions
Wood turning: your questions
What is the best finish for wood turning?
Do I need a sanding sealer for wood turning?
Is friction polish or lacquer better?
What finish is safe for a wooden bowl that holds food?
What do I clean my brushes with?
Need advice?
Ask our team
Call us on 020 8670 9161, Monday to Friday, or visit our showroom in West Norwood. We make every tin, so we can answer almost anything.