Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | May 11, 2005 06:37pm | #1

   Rick,

   Cocobolo is one of the most difficult woods to which to apply a finish. Oil finishes are a disaster. I have heard that an oil MAY eventually polymerize on cocobolo, but it will take a lifetime (and still look muddy).

   The best finish for cocobolo is lacquer, which can be spectacular, either as a high-gloss film, or carefully rubbed to exactly mimic an "oil" finish.

   Rich

   Don't ever learn anything new. Rather than give you satisfaction that you know more than you did, it will only confirm you know less than you thought by opening horizons to things of which you had never dreamt and which you now must explore.

1. 
   rickauwa | May 11, 2005 06:41pm | #2

   Rich 14,

   Can I save the handles? Should I remove the poly, or at least the top film by sanding? Can I apply lacquer over a surface that has had poly on it?

   Rick A

    

1. 
   wop | May 12, 2005 12:29am | #5

   clean off as much as you can of the un-cured finish with lacquer thinner. Then coat with de-waxed shellac when dry ,two coats is better, scuff with medium steel wool and put on what ever finish you prefer.

                                                              Philip

       Lacquer goes over shellac with no problem

2. 
   douglas2cats | May 11, 2005 07:55pm | #3

   Shellac will usually (but not always) bond to the oilier exotic stuff. You might try resanding, the seal with a coat or two of dewaxed shellac, then re-poly (or lacquer).

   Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

1. 
   rickauwa | May 11, 2005 09:00pm | #4

   Thanks for the advice!

3. 
   lwj2 | May 12, 2005 05:48am | #6

   Rick, I'd strip the poly off. After that, I've heard (but never tried) that multiple wash-downs with lacquer thinner, followed by shellac work well. Oil can be applied over shellac.

   Only time I've finished rosewood was on very old Bailey plane totes and knobs, so I'm afraid that's not applicable in this case.

   Good luck,

   Leon Jester