waterlox, tung oil, tung oil finish, waterlox tung oil, floor finishing, floor refinishing, tongue oil varnish, polyurethane, floor finish, wood floor finishing, wood floor refinishing, wood floor varnish, wood sealer, wood floor, hardwood floor, VOC compliant, low VOC

Featured Craftsman
Jack Kepler, Renegade Wood, Plantation Key, FL
www.renegadewood.com

It might not be totally accurate to say the Jack Kepler looks FORWARD to hurricanes… let’s just say that he makes the best out of them. Jack is the owner of Renegade Wood, a cabinet/furniture maker based in Plantation Key, FL who specializes in one of a kind creations utilizing rare native woods like the gumbo limbo, wild tamarind, ironwood and his favorite, mahogany. Since these trees are protected, he harvests most of his lumber from destroyed trees and homes in the aftermath of hurricanes (after Andrew in 1994 he recovered over 50 tons of rare tropical hardwoods) He started carving his famous mahogany vases (like the one at right) because that is the size of log typically found after a destroyed tree is chain sawed to clear it.

Jack bristles at being called an "environmentalist". "It's just common sense. Most of the time the trees damaged during storms would be chipped down and taken to land fills. It is better to utilize nature's resources than use them to fill a hole in the ground."

"Waterlox is my first choice for most of my work. The penetration of the product is what I think is the key to getting a true reflection of the often subtle directional changes of the grain. I especially love anything made from mahogany, dignified, so solid, so beautiful. Waterlox gives it a depth other finishes can't match. There are other considerations also. I often sand the finish before the final coat to get that dead flat surface. Waterlox sands quite nicely without clogging the paper. Most of my clients want the shininess of finish adjusted to suit their individual likes. After letting it harden for a week I can buff it with rubbing compounds to give them just what they want... real, nice, stuff!! "

the "Tarpon Vase"
Mahogany
Waterlox Original  Sealer/Finish Picnic table
Jamaican dogwood
Waterlox Marine Satin

Spiral staircase
Mahogany
Waterlox Original  Satin Finish Dining table
Book matched Woman's tongue
Waterlox Original  Sealer/Finish

Featured Craftsman
Gail O'Rourke, Hometown Woodworking
www.hometownwoodworking.com

Cabinetmaker Gail O'Rourke of Hometown Woodworking produces outstanding pieces from her workshop in Plymouth, MA.

" I use Waterlox when I want to bring out the natural richness of the wood and provide a long lasting durable finish. My clients are always delighted. I have had great success using the Waterlox Sealer/Finish. I follow up with the Satin or Gloss Finish. Building each coat - up to 4 or 5 - is simple and easy with a result that is superb."

"Finishing is a process that you should enjoy not dread. Waterlox produces a quality product that has dependable results."

Walnut media center finished with Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish and Original High Gloss Finish Cherry vanity Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish and Original Satin Finish

Featured Craftsman
Scott Morrison, Custom Chair Maker
http://www.finewoodworker.com/

Scott Morrison of Columbus, MT specializes in crafting custom rocking chairs that are the perfect combination of beauty and comfort. They are works of art that are both functional and elegant. From the scooped headrest to the long sweeping rockers, every joint, surface, and detail is sensual, curved, and pleasing to the eye.

"I strive to capture the timeless and unique character of wood through fluid shapes and simple lines, just as it appears in nature."

Each piece begins by hand-selecting the finest wood available. The unique and natural characteristics of this wood is exposed through flowing lines and strong yet elegant joinery.

Most pieces are coated with four coats of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish or Waterlox Original Satin Finish depending on the clients' wishes then sanded with 1500 grit after each coat.

The Armstrong Chair features a sculpted seat, seven custom-shaped spindles, and long curvaceous arms. Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish

The cradle rocker is Scott’s adaptation of the old Windsor "Nanny Rockers" of the 1700’s.Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish

Tiger maple rocker finished with Waterlox Original Satin Finish

Featured Craftsman
Artisans of the Valley
http://www.artisansofthevalley.com/index.html

Father and son Stanley and Eric Saperstein of Artisans of the Valley, Pennington, NJ, produce museum quality period reproductions, original designs by commission (which they call the "antiques of the future"), and antique restoration services.

Artisans' restoration philosophy is one of preparing furniture for practical use in the home while maintaining as much of the antique value as possible. They use Waterlox finishes extensively, because they give an authentic hand-rubbed look with the durability of a modern finish.


Gothic Style quarter sawn oak dining table	Connecticut Chest Circa 1640 Carved oak chest is a reproduction of a chest attributed to Kalem Winslow, coffin cabinetmaker to the Pilgrims.


Before: Edwardian Desk in Burl Walnut Restoration	After: Waterlox Sealer/Finish renews the rich patina and provides a durable surface that stands up to everyday use.