Replies

1. 
   Russell | Jan 30, 2008 09:17pm | #1

   Hey Phil,

   Here's a link to an article that tests oil finishes, also has them displayed from lightest to darkest.

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Materials/MaterialsPDF.aspx?id=24153

   I wouldn't put too much stock in his poly praise though, just my opinion but I find poly to look too much like plastic. Try Andy Rae's recipe, works and looks great.

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=26295

   Cheers.

   Russ.

   http://www.jensenfinefurniture.com
2. 
   ak | Jan 30, 2008 09:21pm | #2

   I would finish it with shellac and use a nice french polish on the top. Shellac is easy to use, nontoxic (if you mix it with grain alcohol), easy to repair, and fairly durable. Also it's what would have been used on an original Federal Card Table.

   Adam

1. 
   [email protected] | Jan 30, 2008 10:15pm | #3

   Do you know how super blond shellac compares to other (oil) finishes relative to clearness?-Phil

1. 
   ak | Jan 31, 2008 12:22am | #5

   Super blond is shellac that has gone through lots of refining, in other words removing of impurities and the like. It does not yellow like oils and varnishes do. It is very clear. It will darken woods to some degree, but not at all like other finishes. I use it almost on every project. I recommend buying the flakes and mixing your own cut. If possible use a grain alchohol like Everclear instead of denatured alchohol. It dissolves better and works better too. Adam

2. 
   boilerbay | Jan 31, 2008 06:40pm | #6

   Phil,I would echo AK on the super blonde. Although I don't have any unfinished pieces of the same age to compare it to, I have some quilted maple boxes that are over 25 years old and appear to be as bright and clear and un-yellowed as the day they were finished. Hand mixed in 1 and 2 lb cuts, 5 thin coats and French polished with rottenstone, woolfelt and oil, they are still stunning and rock hard. With the exception of a a single light wash coat of garnet/over blo on cherry projects, I always finish with super blonde. Although Behlens is hard to find because of the Tsunamis devastation changed the shellac industry, I still use them because of their purity and consistent quality of flakes.John

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 30, 2008 10:19pm | #4

   I agree with Adam.  French polish will be the only authentic finish for inlaid Federal furniture.  You can use a Super Blonde shellac if you want to stay as light as possible. 

   All oils will yellow, both initially and over time.  Shellac doesn't darken with age, but the woods themselves will darken somewhat no matter what you do. 

   The period pieces will likely have been made from Cuban or Dominican mahogany that was generally quite a bit darker than most of the Honduran mahogany we see today.  If you want to darken the mahogany with little darkening of the holly or sycamore you might consider a chemical stain that affects the tannin containing mahogany more than the holly or maple with less tannin. Experimentation would be in order.

4. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 01, 2008 05:44am | #7

   Phil,

   While not a tradional finish, any waterbased finish will not impart any yellow to the wood.  I'd go with French polish.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   [email protected] | Feb 01, 2008 03:49pm | #8

   I have used Shellac on projects before but never tried a french polish, I think I will go with the super blonde shellac, and try a french polish for the top...never tried it, but there seems to be plenty of information on how to do it....

   We'll see how it goes.

   -Phil

1. 
   ak | Feb 01, 2008 05:49pm | #9

   Good for you! When we learned it in school my teacher had us practice on scraps and even on 24" square pieces of plywood! We basically polished for what seemed like days till we got it right. the best tip I have is don't think about it too much. If you concentrate on NOT messing up, well you inevitably will! Also when your pad gets a lot of friction on it just use a drop of mineral oil on the pad to lubricate it. FWW has some very thorough articles on the subject. Happy finishing!Adam