Replies

1. 
   Eef | Feb 03, 2010 05:45pm | #1

   s,

   that is a serious slab of wood. are you working alone?

   eef

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 03, 2010 06:24pm | #2

   Go with a lacquer - spraying is easier if you're set up for that - otherwise they do make a brushing lacquer.

   Get a low luster sheen if you don't want shine.

   SA

1. 
   SDay | Feb 03, 2010 08:52pm | #4

   Thanks, can you recommend any particular brand?

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 04, 2010 12:46pm | #6

   I like Nitrocellous Lacquer - see who sells it locally - or contact Mohawk Finishing Products - they can UPS materials

   Talk to the folks about thinners, fish eye flow out, and retarder -

   SA

1. 
   SDay | Feb 04, 2010 09:04pm | #11

   I live in the Turks & Caicos Islands and would almost certainly have to import, but thanks for the tip

2. 
   SDay | Feb 03, 2010 08:52pm | #3

   I have lifting gear in my shop and two very large sons! The slab was actually cut down from 22' long!

1. 
   polarsea1 | Feb 04, 2010 01:35am | #5

   I've finished Bubinga with
   I've finished Bubinga with Waterlox with good results, it's also very durable.

1. 
   SDay | Feb 04, 2010 09:05pm | #12

   I am guessing waterlox is the trade name, will look this up, thank you

2. 
   rgaron8888 | Dec 03, 2011 12:20pm | #16

   waterlox bubinga

   I am building a table with a top of Bubinga- 3' x6' x2"- Big top. I plan to finish with waterlox as you said in your note. I am concerned that with the curls and sap in the bubinga that it might be wise to first put on a very diluted rub on coat of shellac. I do this when finishing with cherry to get an even look to a waterlox finish. Do you think that is necessary??

   How many coats did you use?? Any problems? 

   I look forward to your reply.

   Bob Garon; phone 216-283-8888

1. 
   roc | Dec 03, 2011 08:07pm | #17

   In case it helps you

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/finishing/maloof-finish-1

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/general-discussion/how-do-you-your-bubinga

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/finishing/maloof-finish-1

2. 
   Gert | Feb 04, 2010 12:50pm | #7

   I've finished my coffee
   I've finished my coffee table, bubinga with Danish oil. It holds up well against fluid spills and has a nice soft shine.

   Not particularly scratch resistant, but very easy to touch up. (Done it once after about 5 years).

1. 
   SDay | Feb 04, 2010 09:03pm | #10

   I like the warm look of Danish oil, but had no idea it was that durable... thanks

3. 
   DonStephan | Feb 04, 2010 08:43pm | #8

   For something that size, I would strongly suggest some test panels with finishes you are considering. Much too large to refinish if you're not happy with the look, or find it's not as durable as you hoped.

   Are you looking for something bulletproof and easier to apply and/or not crystal clear, or the best possible appearance and willing to treat very gently?

   Do you have a preference for application method, and is spraying an option? Are you willing to wipe on a number of thin coats? Are you willing to provide a lot of "elbow grease" or is ease of application primary? How rough are the edges?

1. 
   SDay | Feb 04, 2010 09:02pm | #9

   Thanks for your excellent suggestions, I certainly agree with you on test panels! I am semi retired so I don't mind how much elbow grease/time goes in, I do have spraying facilities as well. I had concerns initially because I heard that bubinga exudes gum pockets sometimes and I was concerned how this would affect the finish. I would like a finish that is durable over time, shows off the wood to good effect, just practical really as I have grand kids who have spilled things on other finished projects that were just tung oil and waxed finished and I had to start over.

2. 
   SDay | Feb 04, 2010 09:09pm | #13

   I forget to mention the sides are pretty clean, but will need additional work. I was trying to submit a picture of the slab but cannot find a way of doing this on the forum?

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 05, 2010 07:12am | #14

   Join the site called PhotoBucket -

   upload + reduce the size of your photo to PhotoBucket-

   Copy and paste the HTML code into the reply -

   There are better explanations on this site by a poster with the user name Lataxe -

   Hopefully others will expand the directions to help you

   SA

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Feb 05, 2010 10:24am | #15

   It is easy to post a photo "as the original poster in a new thread". I'd suggest that the title make it evident that is related to this thread.