Replies

1. 
   Lee_Grindinger | Mar 10, 2002 04:31pm | #1

   *
   Krista,

   There are a host of ways to accomplish the look you're looking for but the easiest would be to apply linseed or tung oil to "pop" the grain, wait a week for the oil to dry completely, and apply a varnish.

   Of the various varnishes polyurethane is the most scratch resistant and most resistant to heat but it's also toughest to apply and get great results. It is available in satin.

   A close second in both heat resistance and scratch resistance is an alkyd tung and linseed oil varnish. I use the Heirloom varnish be McCloskey. It comes in high gloss, satin, eggshell and flat. Because of the composition this product levels much better than polyurethane.

   Application of either of these products can be done with spray, brush or wipe. If you need more help just let me know.

   Lee

1. 
   James_Terlecki | Mar 10, 2002 05:19pm | #2

   *I made a desk top for my kitchen out of curly maple. In order to keep it "white", I applied six coats of Minwax Poly-acrylic with a very light sanding between coats. The final coat was sanded for smoothness with 600 grit; finished with pumice followed by rottenstone. The resulting finish is a low luster, water clear finish with absolutely no yellowing. The grain is outstanding. There are some that will say that this finish is not durable however I've used it on birdseye maple floors with outstanding results.

1. 
   John_O'Connell | Mar 11, 2002 10:32pm | #3

   *I agree with Lee re: oil to pop the grain. If you want to use waterborne poly, wait 2 weeks after the oiling and spray a barrier coat of super blonde dewaxwd shellac.

1. 
   James_Terlecki | Mar 11, 2002 10:44pm | #4

   *So much for non-yellow maple

1. 
   Dave_Arbuckle | Mar 11, 2002 11:19pm | #5

   *All a matter of scale, James. Krista said a "little yellowing would be fine".This is a couple year old piece of maple with just boiled linseed oil on it, and the unfinished back of the exact same piece. The picture is a little confusing, the part with writing is raw, the part that isn't has the linseed oil. More like tan than yellow.View ImageDave