HatchSpace Finishing Policy

Updated January 2025

Wood finishing is the process of refining or protecting a wood surface by applying a liquid coating by brushing, spraying, or wiping with a cloth. Wood finishes come in a vast array of forms from wipe on oil-based and water-based solutions, to aerosolized formulas applied with spray guns. HatchSpace understands that learning and applying wood finishes is an essential part of woodworking. However, HatchSpace also recognizes that many finishes can present fire risk and vapor-based hazards to health. With these risks in mind, the following finish policy must be followed at all times by all members of the HatchSpace community: 

  • Finishing is only permitted when conducted as (1) Part of a class; (2) Part of a sanctioned and advertised HatchSpace member’s Finishing Session; (3) When scheduled by appointment and approved by a staff member. 

  • Appointments are subject to staff and steward availability and must be requested by submitting the Finishing Request Booking Form (open to current members only), which must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance for a weekday request, and by 9am the Friday before a weekend. 

  • A staff member or staff appointed steward must supervise all approved finishing sessions and appointments to ensure participants properly dispose of rags and materials and clean-up.

  • Not all types of finish work are supported in our shop, and HatchSpace staff may deny finish requests that cannot be safely supported in our shop. 

  • HatchSpace does not supply, store or make available any combustible, oil based, or high VOC finishes outside of scheduled classes. 

  • Members, students and instructors are not permitted to store any finishes in the shop, including in private studios, lockers, shelves or elsewhere in the shop.  

During approved finish sessions, appointments and/or classes that include finish work, all community members are required to: 

  • Wear appropriate PPE at all times, including eye protection and when appropriate, an R (Oil Resistant) or P (Oil Proof) rated respirator face mask. Note: N95 respirators do not protect against aerosolized vapors. Visit this link for more information on the differences of N vs R vs P rated NIOSH approved respirators. 

  • Work only in designated areas with appropriate ventilation as approved by the supervising staff or steward member. 

  • Properly clean and/or dry all rags and/or brushes, utilizing provided drying racks as instructed by the staff or steward on duty.

  • Promptly remove all finishes from the workshop at the end of each finishing session.

  • When rags are completely dry and stiff to the touch, rags must be disposed of in the provided fire resistant oily waste can.

Failure to uphold any aspect of this finish policy will: 

  • On first offense, result in a written warning and up to a two week suspension of membership privileges as determined by the executive director. 

  • On second offense, result in an immediate  one month suspension of membership.

  • On third offense, result in immediate revocation of HatchSpace membership. 

Each day, staff and stewards agree to: 

  • Closing staff/stewards will ALWAYS perform a workshop walkthrough which includes a visual inspection of the finish drying rack if in use. 

  • Report any member conducting finish work without approval to a staff member. 

  • Report any instance of stored finishes to a staff member. 

Members may use the button below to request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wood finishes come in a vast array of forms from wipe on oil-based and water-based solutions, to aerosolized formulas applied with spray guns. All paints, oils, waxes and epoxies, whether sprayed, wiped or poured, are considered finishes at HatchSpace.

  • As of January 2025, HatchSpace is currently developing pre-approved finishes and user guides which we intend to make available soon. These finishes will still be subject to our finish policy, and approved appointments will still be required for their use outside of classes and designated finishing sessions. Please keep an eye out for updates to be shared via our newsletters. 

  • If outside of a class or designated finishing session, yes.

  • If outside of a class or designated finishing session, yes.

  • If outside of a class or designated finishing session, yes.

  • Finishing appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance or by 9am for a weekend appointment. This is to allow HatchSpace staff sufficient time to receive and review your request, as well as confirm and coordinate with a supervising staff member or steward. A HatchSpace staff member will follow-up with you after you’ve submitted your request to confirm or discuss your appointment if changes are needed.

  • In the event you’ve asked to use a finish that’s not supported at HatchSpace, our team will try to make suggestions of alternative finishing techniques that might work for you and your project and that can be safely supported at HatchSpace.

  • Finishes can present both fire and health hazards if not used, stored, and disposed of correctly. The safety of our shop is of paramount importance to HatchSpace’s ability to succeed and continue to operate. Our intent is first and foremost to protect our community members as well as our building, and to educate our community on the safe and appropriate use of finishes. We also must maintain certain practices for insurance reasons.

  • The new policy will go into effect beginning February 1, 2025. We understand this is a new policy, and several meet-ups and sessions will be advertised to educate and support our community on adopting the new guidelines.