I have been enjoying making Kumiko and using it in various places like box tops. So far, using only Basswood. Because of the small size of pieces it does not lend itself to finishing. Has anyone tried to finish Kumiko? If so, with what materials and how applied. Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thank you.
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Replies
Seattlerust,
Pre-finish all the pieces?
I would use a penetrating "wiping" varnish or oil/varnish, keeping the finish wet on the pieces for 20-30 minutes, then wiping off all the excess and letting them dry before assembling.
Rich
I’ve never finished any of my Kumiko jobs but if I did I’d probably use a spray shellac.
As Mike Pekovich said on an episode of Fine Woodworking Live, don't finish it...just make sure your hands are clean. I built a kumiko frame of pine five years ago and it looks as good as it did the day I made it...
I don't finish my kumiko panels, but I get asked the question a lot. So if I were to, I'd wipe a thin coat of blonde shellac on the sides of the strips before they were cut to length. Once the panel is assembled and sanded, I'd wipe a thin coat on the faces making sure to avoid any runs or drips down the sides.
Thank you very much for the advice. Much appreciated and I think I can now find my way.
Regards, SR
I might be too late with this but I've had success with Minwax spray poly. Just give it coats from all directions. Just make sure the coats are very light to avoid runs.
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