In this video I show you how to make what is, in my opinion, the best natural wood finish there is for furniture and general fine woodworking. I got the recipe from an old 1983 Interview of Sam Maloof. You can check out that interview here. • Handmade in America: Sam Maloof, 1983
Sam Maloof is a legendary woodworker and furniture maker. His furniture was selling for around $9,000 to $15,000 in the early 80s. Today collectors pay sums approaching $100,000 for his furniture pieces. Sam was known for designing his own furniture, including his own wood joint (known as the Maloof joint) for the rocking chair. Of particular note was the natural finish he used that didn't cover up the wood, but brought out its richness or 'sensual qualities' as he put it.
I use this finish on almost everything I produce that is meant to be a fine piece. It is made by mixing a particular amount (which I show you in the video) of Tung Oil, Boiled Linseed Oil, and Beeswax. I have found that it works best when the wood is sanded to 400 grit, and in my opinion, sanding to at least 200 grit is necessary for good results. Additionally, this wood finish works best on darker woods, as Sam Maloof mostly worked with dark woods such as Walnut. It does work on lighter color woods, but I feel like it doesn't stand out as much as with the darker ones.
I encourage you to watch the interview, as Sam was never professionally trained as a woodworker, but just started doing it. I found him to be a very inspiring person.
If you have any suggestions for inspiring woodworkers, great custom wood finishes, or anything else related to making things, feel free to leave a comment so I can possibly make a video about it in the future.
*The video of the TV stand build is coming soon and a link will be placed at the end of this video when it is done.
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