The Battle Between Gloss and Eggshell: A Tale of Two Finishes
Let me set the scene for you. It was a quiet Saturday morning in my little town, the kind of day where the sun peeks through the trees just right, and the air smells like freshly cut grass and coffee. I had finally decided I would tackle the old wooden bookshelf I picked up at a yard sale last summer. You know the kind—solid oak, a bit rough around the edges but with good bones. I was feeling pumped. But then came the question that would haunt me for days: should I use gloss or eggshell for the finish?
Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve dabbled in woodworking long enough to have learned a few things the hard way. I remember the first time I tried finishing a project. I thought I could simply slap on some varnish and call it a day. Spoiler alert: it did not turn out well. It looked like I had just smeared peanut butter all over my beautiful tiger oak table.
Well, this time around, I wanted to get it right. I had my heart set on a fresh coat of paint—but which finish? I found myself staring at the paint aisle, squinting at the cans. The gloss jumped out at me, gleaming like a freshly polished car. It promised a bold, vibrant look. But then there was eggshell, sitting somewhat demurely, whispering sweet nothings about its soft and subtle finish. Let me tell you, choosing between the two was like picking between a sports car and a cozy old sedan.
The Decision Dilemma
So, after a solid hour of deliberation, I went with gloss. I mean, who doesn’t love that shiny finish that reflects everything? I can still remember the sound of the can opening, that delightful pffft as the air escaped. I could almost taste the paint in the back of my throat—definitely not something I’d recommend. Anyway, I got my brushes—just your standard Purdy ones, nothing fancy—and laid out my drop cloth.
The first stroke went on, and I felt like Picasso. The paint was smooth, almost dreamy, gliding over the wood as if it was writing poetry. But then, as I got into it, I realized something. Each stroke seemed to amplify every little imperfection. My heart sank. Why hadn’t I sanded the surface first? I mean, I knew better. But in my excitement, I jumped the gun.
It started to feel like this project was going to go south real quick. I was almost ready to throw in the towel when I noticed my dog, Ruby, watching me with that telltale head tilt. “You can do it, Dad,” that’s what I imagined she was saying. So, I took a deep breath, put down the brush, picked up the sander, and got to work.
Back to Square One
Sanding is a brutal dance, I tell you. The sound of the sander buzzing reminded me of a swarm of bees. But as the dust settled, I began to feel more optimistic. The surface was smoother than my cousin Danny’s pickup truck after a wash.
I went back to the gloss. And you know what? For what it’s worth, it looked stunning. I’d get to the point where I’d step back, hands on my hips, admiring my work like I was some kind of woodworking god. But as I applied more coats, I began to feel a little dread creeping in. The shine was actually a bit too much. It felt like I had shoved my finished bookshelf into a disco ball.
The Other Side: Eggshell Envy
Then, one evening, after a long day at work, I was hanging out with my buddy Frank. As we sipped on our beers—there’s nothing quite like a cold beer after a long week—I told him about my gloss woes. He leaned back, chuckled, and said, “Why didn’t you just go with eggshell?”
I remember rolling my eyes, thinking, “That’s for kids’ rooms.” But he started to explain how eggshell gives you this lovely, soft texture that’s not overbearing. It’s more forgiving. He had just finished a dining table with it, and by the look on his face, I could tell he was proud of the result. And looking back, I kinda wished I had listened to him earlier.
That night, I laid awake, thinking. The gloss was starting to feel like a bad decision—not to mention it was a pain to clean up if you made a mistake. If I spilled it? Forget about it; it would be like trying to wipe blood off a crime scene.
Redemption in the Eggshell Coat
A few weeks later, I bit the bullet and gave eggshell a try on a little side project—just a small stool I needed in the garage. Let me tell you, it went on like a dream. The brush glided effortlessly; it was almost peaceful. The smell was distinctly different, more earthy, less chemical. I almost laughed when I saw it drying. It felt welcoming, homely.
That project flew by, and when I finished, I stood back and admired my work. There it was, this beautiful little stool sitting in the corner, unassuming yet classy. No wild reflections, just warmth and a bit of charm.
The Takeaway
If you’re thinking of diving into woodworking, my advice is simple: don’t shy away from eggshell. It might not have the loud, flashy vibes of gloss, but trust me, it’s got its own kind of beauty. And honestly, if there’s one thing I’ve learned through my countless wood projects, it’s that sometimes, less really is more.
So go ahead, pick up that brush, and just get started. Learn from your mistakes (believe me, you’ll have them!), and never forget that every project is just another opportunity to grow. Whatever finish you choose, let it reflect your journey. After all, what’s the fun in perfection?
