Why Sanding Matters More Than You Think | Mike Ziegler on Furniture Refinishing (Part 1)

2025-07-07

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes Mike Ziegler, veteran refinisher and Klingspore rep, for Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into all things sanding, finishing, and furniture craftsmanship. From humble beginnings in his father’s garage to becoming a trusted voice in the coatings and abrasives world, Mike brings decades of wisdom to the mic. They break down the do’s and don’ts of sanding, the difference between refinishing and restoring, and why pine ...

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum welcomes Mike Ziegler, veteran refinisher and Klingspore rep, for Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into all things sanding, finishing, and furniture craftsmanship. From humble beginnings in his father’s garage to becoming a trusted voice in the coatings and abrasives world, Mike brings decades of wisdom to the mic.

They break down the do’s and don’ts of sanding, the difference between refinishing and restoring, and why pine furniture continues to humble even the most experienced pros. You’ll also hear how customer interactions can shape your process, why prep work is everything, and what role 2K finishes do—or don’t—play in the furniture world. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned finisher, this episode is packed with valuable reminders and industry gold.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the Bearded Finisher Podcast
01:21 – Mike Ziegler's Journey in Refinishing
04:01 – Transitioning to Furniture Refinishing
06:43 – Exploring Cabinet Refinishing Techniques
09:22 – Challenges with Pine Furniture
11:22 – Finishing Techniques and Preferences
14:06 – The Role of 2K Finishes in Furniture
16:23 – Sanding Techniques and Best Practices
19:08 – The Shift Towards Natural Wood Finishes
22:17 – Understanding the Importance of Prep Work
25:07 – Sanding and Coating Insights
28:45 – Customer Interactions and Problem Solving
32:28 – Klingspore Woodworking Overview
34:42 – The Evolution of Klingspore Abrasives
37:43 – The Fun of Customer Interactions
40:19 – Creative Solutions for Wood Finishing
42:54 – The Impact of Light on Wood Finishes
46:39 – Exploring Stains and Dyes
50:10 – Inspiring Others in the Woodworking Community