ATLANTA - Understanding the variables in finishing can help improve your consistency.

Those words of wisdom, and many others, were provided to attendees of the IWF 2016 Finishing Symposium,this week, before the IWF exhibition started.

A top-notch lineup of speakers helped about 100 woodworkers learn about new finishing technology and techniques.

The full-day seminar included a number of presentations and an opportunity to talk to suppliers and finishing experts face-to-face. The program was developed and presented by FDMC and Woodworking Network, and the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing.

Cefla was Exclusive Category sponsor of the IWF 2016 Finishing Symposium.

Speakers included Phil Stevenson of AWFI, Phil Evans, Jason Chiu and Iain MacDonald of CAWP, Flori Grottoli of Cavalieri Finishing, David Jackson of Gemini, Nick Bartoszek of Sherwin-Williams and Mike Knoblauch of Keyland Polymer.

Attendees were told to watch their process, and their variables. Establishing a process and defining parameters were a great way to start a successful finish operation.

Seminar participants were actively engaged in the event, which also included a description of how to set up a finishing system, create an electronic checklist, the effect of moisture content and moisture on grain raising, and high-quality polyurethane and polyester finishes.

Speakers described the characteristics of different finish types, and the pros and cons of each type, and application methods, including catalyzed varnish, low VOC solvent based coatings, waterborne coatings, UV coatings, plural component polyester, 2-component polyurethane. Water-based coatings were an important area of discussion, and powder coating on wood was also explored.

Attendees had a chance to ask any finishing question in an open forum to conclude the event.