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Appreciation post: Why I quit working nights on refinishing projects
I always thought staying late to sand and stain proved I was dedicated. Then I botched a cherry dresser finish because my hands were shaky from fatigue. My coworker Lisa saw it and told me about her rule to clock out at five sharp. She said fresh eyes catch flaws better, and she was right. Now I stick to daytime hours and my last coat always lays down perfect. I'm less tired and my pieces look way more professional. Funny how a small change made such a big difference.
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brooked406mo ago
Seriously, the light thing samf31 mentioned is so true. I read this old book from the library about workshop setups and it kept saying "daylight is your best inspector." It talked about how even the best bulbs lie to you about color and sheen. You think you're doing great work, then the sun comes up and shows all the thin spots and sags. Switching to days fixes the tired hands, sure, but it really fixes your eyes most of all. You just can't trust what you see under a lamp.
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samf316mo ago
Look at how artificial light at night changes how stains appear. Bulbs make colors look different than in daylight, so you can't judge the finish right. I learned this the hard way on a maple table that looked perfect under my shop lights but was blotchy in the sun. Your shaky hands from fatigue are one thing, but your eyes get fooled too. Sticking to daytime lets you see true colors and catch flaws early. It's like getting two fixes for one change, lol.
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