Hi,
I’ve built two interior doors for my home. They are made out of quarter sawn white oak. How would you suggest that I finish them? I would like to “pop the grain” and avoid the blotching that I sometimes see in this wood.
Also, when first finishing wood with Shellac does that diminish a later coat of oil (BL) from penetrating the wood with the hope that it will “pop the grain?”
Thanks for your advice and guidance.
David
Edited 5/30/2008 1:52 pm ET by rabbi
Replies
David,
Quarter sawn white oak is a great wood to finish although I don't feel it is prone to blotchiness.
If you plan on using an oil such as BLO, it must be applied prior to shellac. Do it the other way around and the oil will not penetrate the shellac film.
Shellac makes a great finish. When I shellac a door, I'll apply the first coat with a brush and subsequent applications with a pad. It doesn't take a lot of shellac to get a nice finish either. It's not a table top that will be subjected to daily use so the finish can be thin and very effective. When I'm done with a finish like this on a door I'll often rub it down with some 0000 steel wool or a gray scotch pad to soften it's touch. Another option is to use wax to lubricate the rubbing medium. You'll be left with a silky soft surface.
Another option is one of the wiping varnishes such as Waterlox. It will have a bit of an ambering effect that you may like. This would also save you the step of adding BLO.
If you plan on brushing a finish the schedule is;
panels first, rails second and stiles third.
Good luck.
Peter
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