Hello Peter,
I have read a lot of finishing books and I am a bit confused on what finish to put on my blueprint cabinet. I had thought about oiling it and then using varnish over the oil and then after a few cats of varnish for build up and allowing it to dry waxing the entire cabinet.
Any Advice? I am also trying to decide how to finish the interior of the cabinet and the drawers and don’t have a clue.
I am a novie at this finishing thing and am looking for some guidance if possible or should I just go for it and see what happens?
All of the corners on the outside of the cabinet are dovetailed if that makes any difference.
Thank You in advance for any help you can offer.
Cheers
Benny
Replies
Hi Benny,
You didn't say what type of wood your cabinet is. Not that it makes any difference, just curiosity.
What you described is perfectly acceptable; oiling followed by a varnish. There are a couple of ways to oil. By using it very judicially; that is using just enough to color the wood a little. If you use a little boiled linseed oil in this way apply it with a soft cloth and just quickly rub it in.There will be almost no excess with this method but I would still rub the surface down once to remove any that seeps out of the pores. Wait a day and you can proceed with a varnish.
Another way is to use a thin oil such as watco or minwax antique oil. These are both oils that contain a very small proportion of resin. Apply a generous amount and give it a little time to sit on the surface (ten minutes or so) and then vigorously rub it dry. Come back in about 15 minutes and wipe it down again. Let it dry at least overnight. For the next coat, apply another generous coat and use some 600 grit wetdry sandpaper and sand the oil into the surface. Be sure and do this in sections and wipe it well when complete. Do this a couple of times and you will have a lovely, soft surface. It will take a while for the oil to completely cure. Also, BE SURE TO DISPOSE OF YOUR OILY RAGS PROPERLY. BEWARE OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. Hang them outside so they can safely dry. It could ruin your day if not looked after properly.
You may consider varnishing just the top which will get more wear and tear than the sides.
For the drawer interiors, keep it simple. Use some shellac which dries quickly and won't have an oil odor. SealCoat by Zinseer will do the trick. Shellac is thinned with denatured alcohol. You can thin it lightly if you'd like but for just the two coats you'll need it probably isn't necessary. If it is a bit rough after your first application, give it a light sanding with 220 or 320 paper. Apply a second coat without over brushing it. You can give this coat a light sanding with some 600 grit if needed and a light rub with 0000 steel wool if you want to get it really soft.
For the insides of the cabinet a coat of shellac is all that's needed.
Be sure you test these methods and materials on some scrap first. Get the feel for what the materials do. It will be time very well spent.
Also, take a little time and check out some of the finishing books out there. Familiarize yourself with the materials and terminology. It will all start to make sense when you finally your hands dirty.
Let me know what you do.
Peter
Hello Peter,Thank you for your guidance, The wood I am uisng is Honudran Mahogamy for the main cabinet, Stand & rear cover and Poplar for the drawer sides and rear and paduk for the drawer fronts with walnut for the drawer handles. I am also using poplar for the runners for the drawers to slide in and out of the case covered in candle wax.I will let you know what I do when I do finish the cabinet which won't be for a few weeks yet as I am still assembling the project.Once more thank you for your time and information.
Cheers
Benny Collins
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