I am almost complete with the building portion of a pendulum baby cradle project for my first great grandchild. I am using ‘old growth’ 90-100 year old walnut and the wood is absolutely gorgeous after being milled, and I want to do it justice when finishing. What are your finishing suggestions for the piece taking into account the beauty of the wood but also the need for safety?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
All of todays finishes are required to be non-toxic when cured. So the choice of finish can be made on other criteria.
Personally, I like oil/varnish finishes on walnut. It brings our the color and grain and provides a reasonable amount of protection. Keep in mind that babies are in cradles for only a very short period of time. And, they do not chew or otherwise abuse the cradle or finish at that age. Even if the finish does get damaged, oil/varnish finishes are one of the easiest to rejuvenate.
Rather than using one of the pre-mixed products like Watco Danish Oil or Minwax Tung Oil Finish, make your own. Mix equal parts of your favorite varnish or poly varnish, boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Apply, let set for 15-30 minutes and the wipe dry. Let is dry overnight and do it again the next day. This time, rub the surface with 4/0 steel wool after your application. Then wipe it dry as before. You will end up with a nice, warm glow look that will be in-the-wood and leave you with the true look and feel of the walnut.
Shellac is nontoxic, and easily repaired.
Consider a light wipe of walnut oil, first, then several coats of blonde shellac.
Walnut oil will cure and harden. It might take a few days but it is eatable so thus non-toxic, (except when mixed with vinegar and lettuce and served in lieu of french fries by the wife...)
The shellac is non-toxic, you eat some everytime you have an m&m.
I like to make my own mixture from flakes and de-natured alcohol. That way you have quality control. Good luck, gramps...
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