(03-26-2021, 10:23 PM)K. L. McReynolds Wrote: Look at this project as a combination adventure/practice effort and the result will be the development of several new skills. You will also discover the actual woodworking is often more enjoyable than the finishing(many of us feel that way). Working wood is one skill set while finishing is another universe.

That means, if you decide to paint in the end, you can have some fun(?) trying to use various types of finish to discover what happens with the different techniques. Experimenting and covering up the results is far more satisfying than having to match/blend on a non painted project.

Look at all the advice you get here and on line and pick various things you want to try. You have a good chance to find out a lot more about what can and should not be done. Things like a darker stain often hides a small mistake and stain is absorbed differently by different species of wood. Or mixing filler with stain before applying can make a big difference in the results.

Most importantly, have fun, learn and never apologize for the mistakes you cover up(we all have done and still make mistakes!!!)

(03-26-2021, 10:23 PM)K. L. McReynolds Wrote: Most importantly, have fun, learn and never apologize for the mistakes you cover up(we all have done and still make mistakes!!!)

(03-27-2021, 10:46 AM)Handplanesandmore Wrote: If the audience is the average men and women, most mistakes made by a woodworker are only known to himself or herself. One skill that many woodworkers need to learn is to bite their tongue when presenting a finished piece.

Simon