Well Oiled with Adamson

Discover the art of achieving a flawless wood finish with Stewart Adamson, winner of the Henry Flack award for best finish at the Woodworker Show. In this detailed guide, Adamson demystifies oil finishing, presenting it as a simple yet highly effective alternative to traditional methods like French polish and spray finishes. His approach, perfected through years of crafting classical guitars, lutes, and balalaikas, addresses common finishing challenges and provides a step-by-step procedure adaptable to various woodworking projects. The article emphasizes the importance of meticulous surface preparation utilizing advanced abrasives like 'Micromesh,' originally developed for the aerospace industry, to yield ultra-smooth, scratch-free surfaces. Adamson also highlights the aesthetic benefits of oil finishes, such as a natural satin sheen and easy maintenance. Whether you're working on a delicate musical instrument or any woodworking piece, this method promises exceptional results without the hassle of weather-dependent conditions or complex setups.