Surface Coatings & Finishes

The Best Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for River Tables in the UK (2026 Guide)

May 11, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Crystal clear deep pour epoxy resin being poured into a live-edge walnut river table.

Looking for the best deep pour epoxy resin for river tables UK? We review Craft Resin, Resin Pro, and more for a flawless, bubble-free 50mm single pour…. Read the full article

How to Remove Wax Build Up from Wood (Without Ruining the Finish)

May 7, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

A before and after comparison showing how to safely remove wax build up from wood, revealing the rich grain beneath the cloudy surface

Is your antique furniture looking cloudy and sticky? Learn how to safely remove wax build up from wood without destroying the original vintage finish… Read the full article

The Ultimate Guide to Wood Grain Filler for Walnut: Achieving a Glass-Smooth Finish

May 6, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

A tin of dark wood grain filler for walnut and a plastic squeegee resting on a piece of raw, open-grain black walnut timber

Want a glass-smooth piano finish? Discover the best wood grain filler for walnut. Learn the exact steps to pack pores and prevent a sunken, pitted finish… Read the full article

The Ultimate Guide to Matte Lacquer for Open Pore Oak

April 27, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Close-up of white oak wood grain showing a perfectly applied dead-flat matte lacquer for open pore oak, maintaining the natural texture.

Want a flawless raw wood aesthetic? Discover the best matte lacquer for open pore oak, including expert application tips to avoid filling the natural grain…. Read the full article

Nitrocellulose vs CAB Acrylic Lacquer: Which Finish Should You Choose?

April 28, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Side-by-side comparison of Nitrocellulose vs CAB Acrylic lacquer finishes on light oak wood.

Don’t ruin your wood finish! We break down Nitrocellulose vs CAB Acrylic to help you choose the right UV-stable, pro-grade lacquer for your next UK project…. Read the full article

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wood Bleach for Raw Wood (And How to Use It)

April 28, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

A side-by-side comparison showing dark stained oak before and the best wood bleach for raw wood applied to lighten the timber.

Searching for the best wood bleach for raw wood? Discover our expert UK guide on two-part bleaches, oxalic acid, and chlorine to restore timber safely…. Read the full article

Troubleshooting HVLP Orange Peel: The Veteran’s Guide to Mirror Finishes

April 28, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Troubleshoot HVLP orange peel showing a before-and-after texture comparison on a painted panel.

Expert guide to troubleshooting HVLP orange peel for UK finishers. Learn the exact gun settings, thinning ratios, and sanding steps needed to fix a dimpled finish… Read the full article

Osmo vs Fiddes Hard Wax Oil: Which Wood Finish is Actually Better?

April 28, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Side by side comparison of applying thick Osmo Polyx-Oil with a brush versus thin Fiddes Hard Wax Oil with a roller on solid timber

Choosing between Osmo vs Fiddes Hard Wax Oil? Read our definitive 2026 guide comparing drying times, durability, and finish to find your perfect match… Read the full article

Spraying Chalk Paint with HVLP System for a Flawless Finish

April 28, 2026April 24, 2026 by Restoration Lab Lead

Close-up of a silver HVLP spray gun spraying matte navy blue chalk paint onto a vintage wooden dresser to achieve a smooth finish.

Struggling with brush strokes? Learn the exact science of spraying chalk paint with HVLP guns, from viscosity cup run-out times to perfect UK spray setups… Read the full article