Old finishing techniques

[ADAM GROSS]

This week I purchased a book about making mission furniture. The book was a reproduction of a series of 3 books from 1909, 1910 and 1912. I was reading the book and part of the book was ways to finish the projects. Some of the products that were being used I have never heard of. My question is, does anybody use the old techniques or is it better to use the newest up to date finishes? Looking for thoughts on the subject of old vs new.

[Scott Holmes]

Typically "Mission Furniture" was finished with home brews because the more reliable and better coloring product were not available or were too expensive to purchase.

Fuming and tar, pitch, etc. all will work; but, not as well, nor as consistently as the products available today. Dyes and gel stains used as a glaze coat will be easier and more consistent.

[Tony Bilello]

If the old ways were better, we would still be doing it that way.