Here is a new question. For the DIY what is the best finish over oil based stain. Is it lacquer, varnish, oil like Danish or Tung or Poly? Looking for that deep natural look to the wood. The type of finish that imparts a warm mulitdimensional look. Thanks. Also any good articles on the subject by FWW?
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Replies
The answer is: it depends. This is a question that can't be answered.
Every possibility has some benefits and some drawbacks. You must consider what the wood is, what the intended use is to be, how much importance is given to durability in various dimensions and what aesthetic preferences you have.
If you want to read about the subject, you need a book or three, not an article or two. I suggest Bob Flexner's Understanding Wood Finishing, as well as any of the several books by Jeff Jewitt.
My favorite finish is shellac, and for a few items even the form of shellac when applied by the French polish method. But for other purposes, it is totally unsuitable. The top coat material I find least suitable for furniture is polyurethane varnish, though this is quite desirable for floors. Tung oil has very little purpose except as an ingredient in varnishes.
The warm, multidimentional look is not achieved by any specific top coat, but is a process of a number of steps--perhaps starting with a dye, perhaps even two dyes separated by a wash coat, then another sealing coat followed by pore filler. Sometimes the top coats need to have some tint in them, making them toners. Glazes can enhance certain effects.
define best.
Expert since 10 am.
To me the beauty of wood is its natural elements, depth, color variation, patina. It looks alive. For example not the junk that is coming out of china. Painted faux wood finishes or Bombay brand furniture. The real deal. The kind of warmth you would find on a fine piece of furniture made in turn of the century Boston or Philadelphia. That being said, how do you achieve that look on new wood. Poly looks plastic to me, lacquer is super clear and makes the wood look like it is encased. Oil and varnish finishes are nice and so is shellac. But I know what you are going to say. It depends on use, exposure to light dust, etc. So I guess there is no real answer. But if there is a way to make new wood have that "look" any suggestions on how to do it.
"But if there is a way to make new wood have that 'look' any suggestions on how to do it."
1) Apply a good-quality finish (shellac, oil, varnish, etc.).
2) Sit back and wait 20 years.
-Steve
Touche'.
Both Steve's are correct. You have given very little to go on. What kind of wood? Where/what is the function of the piece? There's more to it than slapping on a finish.
As an example: If you're talking about a vanity in the bathroom or kitchen cabinets, then shellac might not be the best choice. There's a lot more to choosing a finish than how it will look. What about matainability? Repair considerations.
Give us more parameters.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
I have no particular project in mind. For example, if you look at the furniture or wood pieces in stores like Bombay, Homegoods, Ashley, you know the Chinese imports the finish looks painted on-fake. But if you look at furniture made by or for Ethan Allen, Thomasville, Kincaid-the better North Carolina companies the finish always look antique and beautiful. How is that achieved. That is my question. My finishing always looks to new and plastic looking.
pocket,
Oh, that's a slightly different question but many of the factors I mentioned still come into play.
As for the manufactured examples that you cited I can only respond with experience from one - Ethan Allen.
I have an EA bench that the arm rest broke and because someone had left it out in the weather the finish was in bad shape. I stripped it down and couldn't believe how much sapwood was used to make it!
I also have a friend who works in one of their factories in the repair/refinish dept. They use a lot of stains and a lot of their furniture is topcoated with sprayed laquer.
My uncle worked there many years ago and all I can tell you is the quality is NOT as good as it used to be. I know this doesn't answer your question but does shed some light on smoe manufactured products.
For an in the wood finish, might I suggest that you experiment with True Oil, the finish that's applied to many rifle stocks that have beautiful finishes showing the wood.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Thanks. When you say True Oil do you mean Danish, Tung, Linseed?
Its Tru Oil, which is a polymerized linseed oil I believe. You typically see it in small brown bottles in gun shops. The polymerization gives it more protective capabilities, but makes it harder to apply over large surfaces. But it's perfect for gun stocks.
Steve,
Would you say that True Oil gives you an in the wood finish? That was my impression of it. It can be purchased in larger quantities than the little bottles in gun shops and they also have a spray on available.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 1/23/2008 10:54 am ET by KiddervilleAcres
I'd think it's best used that way, though polymerized oils can be allowed to build a little film on the surface, but it would need to be kept thin since the cured product will still be relatively soft compared to varnishes. I haven't used the Tru Oil beyond a short experiment a number of years ago and don't really know it's ins and outs.
Poly, shellac, or my all around favorite, Waterlox.
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