Large Wall Mirror

[gee-dub]

Thanks for all the ideas. I am going to just go with the trim head screws. I will quadruple the number of contact points that the 50-odd year old frame had so I should be good. I use this Mike Stafford awl almost every day and am so happy to have it.

I will place the screws like so.

Sorry about the blurry pic but, you get the idea.

[gee-dub]

I think I forgot to hit "submit" on these pics.  If they are duplicates I apologize.  I have been using these locally sourced cherry medallions to sign my work for a while now.  The ink for the date uses an alcohol carrier so I give them a squirt of lacquer to seal them against future finishing efforts.

I have had variable success with drilling the 1" Forstner hole for the medallions.  It occurred to me that I have a drill guide and some 1-2-3 blocks.

I have some skills but there are definitely times when removing the "Glenn" element results in a better end product.

There we go.

I test the depth for the sub-frame to show-frame connecting screws.

The sub-frame will be glued and screwed.

Testing for depth.  No one likes to blow out the front of their project with a screw driven from behind.

Anyway, sorry for skipping this and getting it out of order.  I have mixed a new batch of the finish that I used on the sideboard (glad I jot these things down).  I should have all the coats of finish applied by end of day.

[gee-dub]

Just doing a color check. The one on the left wins the match for the sideboard.

I decided to go with the leather straps hanging from pegs like the picture frame in the first post. The disc sander works great for things like rounding the ends of dowels.

I need a couple of stopped holes in the hanger bar for the dowels.

I go ahead and lay on the base color coat and sealer, front and back.



Now I will just start to build the film layers.

[wtnhighlander]

Looking great, @gee-dub!

[gee-dub]

Applying more finish this morning while listening to ELP's "Trilogy". If that won't get you through a process I don't know what will.
This is coat 4 prior to being wiped off.

I use oil based products so I keep a bucket of water nearby to toss used rags into. I put a lid on this at the end of the day and at the end of the finishing process I carry it out to the yard and toss the rags onto the ground (bare clay and DG).

The next day I toss the dry rags into the trash.

There we go.  This will set until tomorrow.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

@gee-dub what product(s)  are you using specifically?

[gee-dub]

On 4/27/2026 at 8:39 AM, Ron Swanson Jr. said:

@gee-dub what product(s)  are you using specifically?

Currently I am using Mineral Sprits:BLO:McCloskey's Spar 7509 gloss:Watco Medium Walnut (for color; I also use Transtint Reddish Brown depending on species and coloration).  It's not as "Weird Science" as it sounds. I do keep fairly accurate track of what I am mixing once successful.  I jot this on the lit of the container (an old Costco Peaches jar usually) and even though the finish remnants inside may be dead, the info remains and allows me to make a new batch.

I've mentioned this before but have no problem repeating it again (do I ever have a problem running my mouth?).  I go a little heavy on the mineral spirits for the first sealer coat to get good penetration.  I go a little heavy on the varnish for the last coats to get a good film. I like to have enough film to "finish the finish".  You can find articles on this all over.  Basically I am polishing the top coat to achieve the gloss I am after.  Then I paste wax the item and move on.

P.s. This guy probably has at least one more coat in his future.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

Thank you sir. 

I have a serious knowledge and skill deficit when it comes to finishing; and I'm determined to at least make a dent on it this year. So I'm trying to drink from the fire hose, at least as much as i can. Appreciate it!

[fcschoenthal]

One of the best (and almost the industry standard) references I found was "Flexner on Finishing". It's 207 pages, and Bob goes through just about every different kind, including troubleshooting.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 4/27/2026 at 12:44 PM, fcschoenthal said:

One of the best (and almost the industry standard) references I found was "Flexner on Finishing". It's 207 pages, and Bob goes through just about every different kind, including troubleshooting.

Thanks! 

I have one finishing book, but the author is British and there's just enough differences in terminology to baffle a simpleton like me. 

Appreciate it, will check it out. 

[gee-dub]

It's kind of like checking on a baby when its napping . . . Still looking OK. I have to find a movie to watch or something. I need to stay away from this thing till tomorrow.



I believe I will add a bit of dye to the final couple of top coats. The sideboard has aged well to this coloration . . .

I want to try to match that. I am close but it needs just a touch more brown.

[curlyoak]

Signed as an artisan! Exceptional work as yours needs to be signed. Beyond all of us as time goes by I expect your work will be known and treasured. And while on this road you make a strong effort to educate all that  pay attention, better.

Thank you gee-dub

[fcschoenthal]

Glenn, both are beautiful pieces. Mahogany/Sapele is my favorite for the deep warmth. 

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 4/27/2026 at 12:44 PM, fcschoenthal said:

One of the best (and almost the industry standard) references I found was "Flexner on Finishing". It's 207 pages, and Bob goes through just about every different kind, including troubleshooting.

I went to order off Amazon and this book was listed at $80. Too rich for my peasant blood. 

An impromptu stop at Half Price Books yielded a different title by the same guy though, for $9. Much more doable. 

Hopefully there's a chapter that can teach me not to rush through finishing just to get to the finish line on a project. Lol

 

 

 

[gee-dub]

Jeff Jewitt is another of my favorites.  Although he does luthier work he also has many videos on general finishing and coloring.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC11TS73TkThUfFdaZSi6s-A/videos

He is a Fine Woodworking contributor so if you can see their videos, there is a lot to see.

[gee-dub]

You guys are too kind.  I don't know why I am lumbering along on this one.  It should have been done last week.  In my defense we had a couple of backyard parties and on another occasion, out of state visitors.  I'm hoping to hang that sucker today ;-)

[gee-dub]

Finally got this thing on the wall with an assist from my neighbor.

I still need to add the hanger bar and leather straps but they are purely decorative.

 

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

Wow! What a beautiful piece!

[fcschoenthal]

On 5/3/2026 at 4:31 PM, gee-dub said:

Finally got this thing on the wall with an assist from my neighbor.

You're going to center the sideboard under it, right? Only a small touch of OCD here. 

[Von]

Looks great! Thanks for sharing your process.

[gee-dub]

On 5/3/2026 at 4:55 PM, fcschoenthal said:

You're going to center the sideboard under it, right? Only a small touch of OCD here. 

How could I not?  That is what the pieces of tape are all about; locating parts of the overall piece ; -)

The sideboard is pulled out a couple of feet from the wall right now so I can work behind it.

[Coop]

As a good friend of mine would say, “ you done good young’un”! 

[gee-dub]

This project seems intent on taking as long as absolutely possible. I have the leather straps cut to size. I went to get the punch to put the holes in them and "there it wasn't". I wasted more time than I should have trying to find it and finally ordered a replacement. It will be here tomorrow right after I find the one I have misplaced .

[Von]

On 5/4/2026 at 1:57 PM, gee-dub said:

This project seems intent on taking as long as absolutely possible. 

Hold my beer :-)

Looking really awesome over the sideboard! Great job.

[gee-dub]

The hang-rail developed a bit of an arc. I took this out when I laminated the spacer bar behind it.

A little leather work.

This punch set did not have a 7/16" which is what I wanted. As mentioned earlier I went to look for the 7/16" and it was no where to be found.

Ordered a replacement and finally got it done.

I don't know why the absence of the leather straps was bugging me so much, but it was. I can finally put this one to bed.