Understanding how sheen works allows you to control the gloss on your finishes.By Bob Flexner
Pages: 90-91
Issue #157, October 2006.
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Sheen is one of the most important characteristics of a finish in terms of appearance. There are many finishes that can be applied to your project. They could have a high gloss that reflects the image’s outline or a dull sheen that reflects nothing. In determining how you want your project to look, you need to take its sheen into account.
I discussed how to control sheen using abrasives with different grits in the last issue (issue #156). The coarser the grit the lower or flatter the sheen. The finer the grit the higher or glossier the sheen. The problem with rubbing is that it is a lot of work.
An easier method of controlling sheen, and the method most commonly used, is to choose a finish with the sheen already built in. You can simply spray or brush the finish on the wood to achieve the desired sheen.
Issue #157, October 2006.
Get this issue now
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