Replies

1. 
   fivebirdscustom | Dec 14, 2019 09:33pm | #1

   That's a lot of questions! LOL

   But, I have a few for you....

   The clear finish of choice depends on a lot of things. First, what will the article be used for? Is it a high traffic item? Or will it sit on a shelf and never be touched? Is it an indoor or outdoor item? What wood is it going over? Are we trying to protect it and keep the finish as clear as possible? Or, are we using the finish to enhance the item? Are we using the finish to make the grain pop? Is the grain interesting/worth looking at?

   For cabinets, I want something smooth, that wears well. But, the client usually decides things like sheen. So, I want something like a lacquer or urethane. If I need the finish as clear as possible, I will probably lean towards a waterborne finish. If I need the grain to really pop, I'm probably going with a shellac undercoat.

   For countertops, I need something that's as tough I can get. I'm probably using a polyurethane or an epoxy.

   If it's furniture, am I going period? Or am I building for today? Kids and pets?

   If it's a hand tool, like a mallet or marking gauge (I mention these because I recently cranked out a few, for myself and as Christmas gifts), I really BLO and shellac, with a light wax on top.

   If it's a guitar, It's lacquer or polyurethane.

   When I was working in a boat yard, I used a lot of spar varnish and epoxy.

   That's just the first stuff that occurs to me. Each project I do seems to call for a different approach! My favorite finish is still shellac or BLO and shellac. But, it's just not always the right answer.

2. 
   john_c2 | Dec 15, 2019 04:26am | #2

   Not all woods darken over time. Most light colored woods do. Many dark woods get lighter over time.

3. 
   LuckyStryke | Dec 15, 2019 07:41am | #3

   The pieces will be in the house and there are pets and kids. Furniture pieces. Im not sure on the wood since id like to try something other than spruce/pine which ive been getting from places like lowes. When u use shellac, is it waxed or dewaxed? Ive used different colored waxed shellacs when i was refinishing my AKs. The only top coats ive used on furniture is polyurethane. It was acceptable lol not perfect. But gonna try again with a better brush. white china or a mix of white china and ox hair.

   Ive never used BLO or tung oil. what top coat over stuff like that? How would that look over different woods? Id like to try Cherry or maple honestly with clear top coats. gonna build a side table for my recliner and end table for my wife after i finish her display shelf/table. I thought about just charring the wood and finishing with a clear coat.

   Most o the poly ive used have been oil based but have used polyacrylic.

4. 
   geedubbee | Dec 16, 2019 11:53am | #4

   Finding your favorite lumber supplier can be a journey. Googling 'lumber yard' in your zip code can be a good start. I am fortunate that a few yards are within an hour. I will add to that; I only shop at one and it happens to be the farthest away. It also happens to be run by courteous and engaged folks who set stuff aside for me that they think I might like.

   As to coloration changes, I believe FWW had an article on that. I use a lot of walnut and it will lighten over time. It is kind of funny that nice, rich, dark walnut is the only material I really use any colorants on. Over the years I have landed on a dye combination that imitates the color that the walnut is when freshly oil/varnished. The colorants help it retain this color over the years.

   Another possibly helpful bit of info. I use Minwax Polycrylic when I want a long-lasting clear, non-yellowing finish for things like maple, holly and so forth. It starts and stays clear with no significant yellowing over time.

5. 
   fivebirdscustom | Dec 16, 2019 12:33pm | #5

   Oh, lumber suppliers... I recently moved to where I live now, form across the country. I simply did aGoogle search for exotic hardwood and up popped two locations within a short drive from my new home. They both carry the typical maple, walnut, oak, etc. And, they also carry exotic African and South American woods.

   But, my local Home Depot carries maple, oak, walnut, poplar, alder and on a short drive away carries mahogany. It's all 1x (3/4" actual) and may not be the best available, but, it's an easy trip and buy.

6. 
   LuckyStryke | Dec 18, 2019 06:39pm | #6

   Care to share what that dye colorant is? Id love to know!