Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 05, 2008 04:40pm | #1

   Ron,

   Consider finishing it in garnet shellac. It will give you a depth of color on it's own.

   You can also "warm" it up a bit by adding small amounts of TransTint dye concentrate to it. The medium brown works very well in this instance. There are also darker colors available if needed.

   If you do tint your shellac it is better to apply the first coat untinted and then go from there.

   Use a light touch when tinting your shellac as too much color can cause streaks in application.

   Let me know how you do.

   Peter

1. 
   user-252936 | Feb 05, 2008 06:05pm | #2

   Peter thanks for the quick reply and suggestion.  I have some concerns.  First, I’m not a very experienced finisher and there is a lot of foliage carving at the knees, will all the carving give me problems when trying to brush on a finish?  I’ve never done a shellac finish, is there some place on this website that I can get some how to advice?

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   Thanks again,

   Ron

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 08, 2008 04:59pm | #3

   Ron,

   Shellac is a product you should learn how to use. It does dry quicker than most other finishes, but is very versatile and produces a lovely finish.

   When I apply finish to carved areas, I use a very soft brush and use a light touch. I also make sure my brush is minimally wet. This is called the dry brush technique. If you go over your carved areas a couple times like this you'll see it doesn't take much shellac to produce good results.

   Take some time to read about it in some of the finishing books out there. I promise it will be well worth your time.

   However, you need to play with it a bit and you'll see the results.

   You can post a question over in the Knots forum. FWIW, you'll need to stand back as the drama plays itself out. There are some VERY STRONG OPINIONS that will start flying.

   You will get some very intelligent and common sense answers from a few people. You will also light up one particular zealot who screams loudly that his technique is the holy grail of finishing (and whoa to those that don't agree with him)

   The good thing about trying a new finish is you get out of your comfort zone.

   Keep me posted on your progress.

   Peter

    

1. 
   user-252936 | Feb 08, 2008 08:23pm | #4

   Peter, thanks again for the follow up.  I'll do some reading and practice some then go for it.  I especially appreciate your advice on finishing of the carved areas.  How does one sand the carved areas between coats?

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 12, 2008 04:28pm | #5

   How does on sand the carved areas between coats?

   VERY CAREFULLY.

   Sorry, just kidding. The amount of finish you will get on the carved ares is actually minimal

   You could lightly scuff it with a maroon scotch pad or some 0000 steel wool to smooth it if you'd like.

   If you were to use steel wool, get some made by Liberon. Woodworkers Supply has it. It is oil free and far superior to the products you'll find locally.

   Peter