Chatoyance — that shifting, shimmery, three-dimensional appearance that some woods, especially ones with curly grain, have.
My experience has been that shellac does a good job of bringing out the chatoyance in a piece of wood. The word on the street, however, is that an initial coat of boiled linseed oil works even better. So I did some experimentation with a plank of soft curly maple. Linseed oil on one side, then a few coats of padded shellac on both sides. The wood was initially sanded to P320, and the final finish on both sides is what I would call “soft glossy”–not satin, but you can’t quite see yourself in it, either.
Well, I was not impressed with the linseed oil. Yes, the oiled side has more light/dark contrast. But it also looks flatter (that is, less three-dimensional). The oil appears to have killed the chatoyance to some extent.
Does anyone have any comments, contrary experience, etc.?
-Steve
Replies
The sheen level is what brings it out. I use boiled linseed oil to start with, then add lacquer ,poly, or shellac depending on the piece. Shellac is about the clearest, and the gloss level helps.
Expert since 10 am.
Hello Saschafer,
In my experience, the BLO works nicely for "popping" the grain on figured wood. However, it (BLO) is not meant to be the final finish, it should be topped with some sort of clear coat like shellac. Try rubbing a thin coat of BLO (rub it dry) followed by a coat of shellac. In my opinion, it looks great. I have attached a photo of a curly maple stand. The finish schedule is as follows: aniline dye, followed with a light (rubbed dry) coat of BLO, topped with shellac.
Bob, Tupper Lake, NY
That piece looks great. What color was the dye and at what concentration?
In general, yes a light coat of BLO does increace the brilliance or Chatoyance of most woods. Even common woods like Oak can sparkle. However on some wood, especailly figured wood, it causes a blotchy darkening that over takes the luster. Always try it both ways on a new project to see what you like.
Pardon my spelling,
Mike
Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.
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