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What species is best for painting?

If you are trying to achieve a smooth painted surface, use a tight grain species such as maple, alder, or poplar. If you want the grain of the wood to show, use an open grain wood such as oak or ash.

What is paint grade wood?

Paint grade is a designation for a tight grain species that will yield a smooth surface after painting, and is economical. Typical paint grade species are soft maple, poplar, birch, and aspen.

What is the difference between a hardwood and a softwood?

Hardwoods are trees that have leaves that they lose in the fall and grow back in the spring. These kinds of trees are referred to as deciduous. They have bare limbs for a part of each year. Softwood trees are referred to as “evergreens”, that is, they do not lose their leaves (needles). The most common softwoods are pine and fir trees.

Hardwoods are denser (harder) than softwoods (exception: aspen). Some of them also exhibit a grainy surface once they are planed smooth. This grain, such as in ash and the oaks, indicates that these are hardwoods. This is not a hard and fast rule however, as poplar, aspen, alder and maple are hardwoods and they have a smooth surface. Knots are generally not permitted in hardwoods used for cabinetry or furniture.

Softwoods are less dense (softer) than hardwoods. The lumber is generally quite knotty. Their surface is smooth after planing. While some softwoods are available clear (no knots), oftentimes knots are desirable, such as in “knotty pine” products. Most pine is sold with knots, and the knots are considered part of its character.

What are drapery hardware finials made out of?

Finials are made from polyester resin. The resin starts as a thick liquid and is poured into rubber molds. The resin hardens in the mold and the mold is then removed from around the part. All finials start as a hand-made original which is used to produce the mold. Polyester resin is denser and harder than wood. Casting is an economical way of duplicating these highly decorative parts. It would be very expensive to hand carve each one. After casting, each finial is cleaned and sanded and then hand painted to the finish desired.

What is the difference between “split” and “whole” products?

Columns and bun feet are offered as whole parts, or split. In applications where the part is to be installed flat up against a base cabinet, for example, a split part is used.

Whole parts are used where the entire circumference of the part is seen, as in the case of an island with columns on two or four corners.