Let me say first that finishing is for pros, not me. I am building a credenza out of Sepelle and want a no gloss finish. I would also like to have the finish very smooth. This is an open grained wood like Mahogany or Red Oak and I really don’t want to use a grain filler on it. I have read posts here that talk about the mistakes that can be made with grain fillers. What suggestions does anyone have for the right product to use? Will just a Watco oil finish provide enough protection? I am going to try most every suggestion that will give the results I want before finishing the piece.
Thanks,
tony
Replies
What exactly do you mean by "very smooth?" Oil/varnish mixes provide an in the wood finish that leaves nothing on the surface for a very natural look. But the pores would still be open depressions, but the over all look is smooth. The low sheen oil/varnish finish can look essentially like bare wood, though with the wood color emphasized.
If those are to be smooth and not open some sort of filler would be needed. Pore filler is one method, often the easiest and most reliable. Most of the problems with pore filler come from using it incorrectly, and rushing the process. This kind of smooth finish requires a film finish which could vary in sheen from matte to gloss, but in all cases the film would be apparent.
"Enough protection" is a very elastic and personal term, that also depends on how you expect to use the credenza. If it will used in dining rooms for storage, but also to set out a holiday buffet, or to be used as the bar for a gathering it will need a lot more protection than if it is in an office used to store a few books or papers.
I'm not a finishing expert, but I have seen mentioned numerous times that many products used to fill pores, especially, sealers and finishes, continue to shirink for weeks, sometimes months after application. So the smooth filled finish after a few months shows pores again. Just something to consider during testing.
Tony,
I have used plaster of paris with good results--on purpleheart, but the idea is the same. Raise the grain, sand smooth when dry, mix the plaster and apply it across the grain and wipe off excess across the grain. Dries overnight, sand smooth wipe off the dust, and apply the oil of your choice-I prefer blo on Sapele. The filler turns translucent when the oil hits it. You can use wax over the oil, or poly (oil based) and adjust the glosws with 0000 steel wool and wax. You'll have a perfectly smooth finish that you won't be able to resist touching. Trust me.
This technique was described by Jeff Jewitt years ago. I'm sure others have too. Sounds too simple, but it works.
Steve
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1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
Not familiar with blo. Can you tell me what this is. I am not a pro finisher so I am not familiar with different oils. Can I get a matte finish just with steel wool and wax on top Varnish or Poly. Seems every time I wax something it shines too much.
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