I'm working on a wooden pendant and I need to drill a hole for the chain. I'm wondering how to apply a finish inside the hole without filling it up completely. Is it necessary for protecting the wood from wear, or is there a better approach?
3 Answers
Instead of finish, consider using a metal sleeve to prevent the chain from wearing down the wood. There are also alternative materials to metal chains that might work better!
You could try using a pipe cleaner dipped in the finish to get it into the hole without blocking it up too much. It's a neat trick that could work!
You really don’t need a finish. I've seen older wooden projects that hold up just fine without it. Just ensure that the wood and chain are securely attached. If the hole seems too big, scratch the metal and use epoxy to keep everything in place!

True, but be careful adding finish if you’re using epoxy; it can actually weaken the bond since the epoxy won’t stick to the finish, just the wood.