Putting a finish on Oak

[rdatelle]

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!

[scrollgirl]

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

[rdatelle]

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

[Toneman]

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.

[EIEIO]

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.

[Matthew Harper]

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

[rdatelle]

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.

[Matthew Harper]

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