What’s Really in Your Finish? A Woodworker’s Guide to Solvent Toxicity, VOCs, and Safety Gear
Safety in Wood Finishing: solvent toxicity, VOCs, PPE, ventilation, handling, storage, and best practices for woodworkers.
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
David Ernst
David is a veteran woodworker. He is now retired and stays in his cabin in Wisconsin which he built himself. David has 25+ years experience working in carpentry and wood shops. He has designed and built many small and large wood projects and knows the science behind wood selection like the back of his hand. He is an expert guide on any questions regarding wood material selection, wood restoration, wood working basics and other types of wood. While his expertise is in woodworking, his knowledge and first hand experience is far from 'woody'.
Pigments or Dyes: Which Wood Stain Chemistry Lasts?
Pigments vs dyes in wood stains: lightfastness, penetration chemistry, and color consistency for woodworkers and wood science.
What’s the Real Difference Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Polyurethane?
Oil- and water-based polyurethane: chemistry, application tips, durability, finish life, VOCs, cleanup, and wood compatibility.
Is Water-Based Finish Always Safer? Wood Science Weighs In
Assess VOC content, toxicity, and environmental impact of water-based wood finishes; debunk the myth they're always safer.
Does More Finish Always Mean Better Protection? The Science of Film Thickness Explained
Woodworkers: film thickness, adhesion, and coating failure modes; surface prep, application, testing, and wood-specific factors.
Lacquer or Shellac: How Do Solvents and Drying Define Your Finish?
Lacquer vs shellac in wood finishes: solvent systems, drying mechanisms, and chemical resistance.
What’s the Science Behind Shellac, Lacquer, and Today’s Wood Finishes?
Trace historical shellac to lacquer: chemistry, durability, application, and modern synthetic finishes for wood materials.
What Makes a Wood Finish Truly Food-Safe? A Woodworker’s Guide to Kitchenware
Food-safe wood finishes: chemical safety, durability, best practices, tips, and maintenance for kitchenware and cutting boards.
How Does High Humidity Sabotage Wood Finish Drying and Curing?
Finishing wood in high humidity: solvent evaporation and cure reactions are affected; effects on adhesion and drying times.
How Green Is Your Finish? The Woodworker’s Guide to Biodegradability, VOCs, and Real Science
Assess biodegradability, VOCs, and green chemistry options in wood finishes for niche wood science, materials, and wood questions.