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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: rdatelle on March 04, 2015, 09:10:03 am

Title: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: rdatelle on March 04, 2015, 09:10:03 am

Hi everyone. Quick question. I just finished making 4 desk name plates for a few teachers in school where I volunteer. There made out of Oak and I'm trying to decide what finish I should put on them. I was thinking just spray them with Poly. I also have some antique oil finish but I'm not sure how that would look. Any ideas. Thanks Ralph!

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: scrollgirl on March 04, 2015, 09:38:56 am

I love using spray lacquer or shellac for stuff like this. (Fretwork or decorative items that don't get a lot of wear/handling) The spray lacquer or shellac gives a nice warm finish without the plastic look of poly. You apply it in thin coats and can sand lightly in between, although for the name plates you would only sand the surface, not really the edges.  I think you may like it if you haven't tried it. :)

Sheila

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: rdatelle on March 04, 2015, 09:42:15 am

Thanks Sheila, I do have some lacquer. I give one a try and see how it looks.

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: Toneman on March 04, 2015, 10:43:25 am

When using woods with nice grain patterns such as oak, I love to finish them with a mixture of BLO and mineral spirits (50/50) and then spray with Bullseye Shellac. The blo mixture brings out the pattern of the wood and the shellac just gives it a nice shiny finish.

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: EIEIO on March 04, 2015, 11:58:52 am

Things that get picked up can develop a patina over time of the finish is not too tough. If you like that patina look, try Howard's Feed N Wax. It is a mix of orange oil and beeswax that brings out the grain and then leaves a matte waxed finish.

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: Matthew Harper on March 04, 2015, 05:10:55 pm

I just finished some oak boxes and baskets with Danish oil, it really darkens and highlights the streaks running through the grain.

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: rdatelle on March 04, 2015, 05:18:46 pm

Well I decided on the Danish Oil. They look pretty good. Gave then two coats so far. I'll do another coat tomorrow. The Oak grain looks real good.

Title: Re: Putting a finish on Oak
Post by: Matthew Harper on March 04, 2015, 05:20:25 pm

would like to see a post when you're done!