Finishing Strong

One of the biggest questions I get — and one I’m always asking myself — is, “What’s the best finish for this piece?” That answer has been evolving, and I wanted to share where things stand right now in the shop.

Until recently, I was using a tung oil process: two coats of full-strength oil followed by two more coats thinned down with spar urethane. It was fussy, time-consuming, and after four coats, I just didn’t love the result. It also required regular maintenance — pieces finished this way often need to be re-oiled every six months to a year, depending on use and exposure.

So I’ve been looking for something better — something that fits both the way I work and the values behind Vital Woodcraft.

Today I’m trying a new product called Clean Armor. It’s a zero-VOC, UV-cured finish that hardens in seconds under UV light. There’s no evaporation, no solvent smell, and no volume loss. What you apply is what stays. That makes the whole process cleaner, faster, and a lot more consistent. Once cured, it creates a durable surface that doesn’t require reapplication. That’s a big shift — not just in how I work, but in how the piece holds up over time for you, the customer. You can learn more about the product at cleanarmor.com, but what really drew me in was how well it aligns with what I care about: clean air, safe materials, and high-performance results.

For pieces with a lot of texture or sculpted detail, I’ll be using epoxy. Traditional finishes just can’t get into every nook and groove the way epoxy can. It fills and seals while still preserving the natural shape and character of the wood. That’s important for some of the more expressive designs I’m working on, where surface detail is part of the story.

I might bring shellac back into the mix for select pieces, but only where it makes sense and VOC exposure is minimal. I’m trying to stay thoughtful about what I use, how I use it, and what kind of experience that creates for people living with the work. Whether it’s a wall rack, a tabletop, or a shelf, the finish should protect the wood without polluting the air.

I want every piece I send out of the shop to feel honest — in the wood, in the construction, and in the finish. A product should last. It should feel good in your hands. And it shouldn’t come with a warning label.

If you’re curious about any of these finishes, or just want to talk shop, reach out. I’m always happy to explain what’s working, what’s changing, and how I’m keeping things clean.

Studio Philosophy: Functional Art, Built Clean

At Vital Woodcraft, I believe the things we live with should be healthy, honest, and well-made. That’s why I’m always refining the process — not just the designs, but the materials and methods too. I work with solid wood, safe finishes, and simple tools to make beautiful, practical objects you’ll want to keep. No shortcuts. No toxic fumes. Just good work, done right.