I usually browse Breaktime but I thought this question was more appropriate here. Pardon my newness to the finishing process, my knowledge is somewhat limited.
I am installing a new handrails and newel posts for a set of carpeted stairs. I love the feel of hand-rubbed finishes. I’ve done some small furniture pieces with Watco penetrating oil finish which I wet polished. I can’t get that silky feel with any brush applied finish.
The house is trimmed with pine moldings finished with varnish and have a lovely golden patina. The new handrail is hard maple. I know I need to stain or dye the maple to match the aged look of the pine. This would be exacerbated by the use of water based finishes if I don’t use a penetrating oil finish.
How would a penetrating finish holdup? What about shellac?
Could someone offer some guidance? Thanks!
Replies
Typically oil finishes look best on darker woods. Clear finises on lighter colored woods. Oil finishes will bring out the darker colors in the wood. Oil finishes will bring out the greens, reds, and browns in maple.
Dark colored woods look blah if finished with clear finishes.
Shellac makes a great finish for stair rails. You can choose a darker shellac and color gradually. If that isn't dark enough--remember it doesn't have to be an exact match to the moldings, only harmonize with them--you can use a powdered water soluble dye first to establish a base color, and then finish with shellac.
If you are trying to limit the gloss should you just sand (buff) the shellac top coat with a little "coarse" synthetic steel wool?
Good point. While shellac is a naturally gloss finish, it rubs out extremely well, and can be made to be any sheen you desire from matte to high gloss.
Another point to mention is that shellac just feels good under hands. Perhaps something about how it conducts heat or the like, I don't really know.
I think it's the friction coefficient. Shellac feels hard and smooth, while most varnishes and oils kind of "drag" on your skin.
-Steve
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