I’m building a couch out of Bolivian rosewood and pommele sapele and want to highlight the natural colors, grain and figure (especially the wavy pattern of the sapele). Is shellac (super blond, mixed from flakes) the way to go, or Danish oil-natural? Is there a better approach?
Thanks for your help.
Replies
Make a couple of samples to see what suits your eye. Do one with the shellac. You'll see the figure pop and the color remain natural.
Do one with the oil. You'll see it deepens the color a little as opposed to just the shellac. When it is good and dry, a couple of days is not too long, put a coat of shellac on it to see the difference.
If you do use the oil, which is nothing more than a very thin varnish, be sure and dry the surface well right after you apply it and a couple more times in the next hour as it will weep a little out of the pores. Also be very careful with the rags you use to wipe it down with. Either wet them down or lay the rags out to dry. You don't need to have them catch fire.
I just finished a very large table with a sapele base. Personally, I love to enhance colors in wood, but this one I left alone. I did it in a clear finish and really liked the look.
Do the samples and see what you like.
Good luck.
Peter
Thanks, Peter. Just 2 days ago I actually started the process you suggested on sample boards. I noticed you didn't mention any other finishing approaches. Are there any you would consider, or would they result in a change to the natural colors of the sapele and the rosewood?
If you have the ability to spray, a CAB acrylic lacquer is "water white" and will have no yellowing tendencies on the final look.
You may also consider a pre-cat lacquer. Very tough, easy to apply, and will wear well.
I've done shellac finishes on mahogany couches that required restoration.
Water based finishes are also an option although I can't counsel you fully on them as I don't use them on a regular basis.
Peter
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