How would you finish this project?

[scrollsaw22]

Don't know the best way to seal and coat the whole thing without making it run.  Have thought about the lemon oil and clear coat over, but don't know if it will get into the fine lines.  Suggestions?  Thanks!

[Chachi]

Some Clear coat poly because it looks great as is but I'm no expert.

[newfie]

i'm with Chachi looks good as it is.clear coat and good to go.nice pattern and good cutting by the way.

[dgman]

Hey 22, I would finish it like I do most of my scroll saw projects. First I soak in a 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. I use an old metal baking pan to soak the project in the oil. Remove from the oil and wipe it down with a clean lint free rag. I use old clean tee shirts. If needed I use compressed air to blow out the oil from the inside cuts. Let dry for about three to five days depending on the humidity levels. When dry I use a semi gloss spray lacquer as a topcoat. Two or tree light coats will get into the small opening just fine.
The oil brings out the grain and color of the wood. The lacquer adds the final finish. I don't like a glossy finish, so I use semi gloss or satin.

[scrollsaw22]

Thanks guys for the ideas...I thought about just clear coating it as well, but I might try your idea DG.  Do you just get a can of both and mix them?  I suppose you use the metal pan because the mineral spirits would eat plastic?

[dgman]

I use an old glass mason jar and add equal amounts of oil and mineral spirits. Shake to mix, then pour in the backing pan. When done I pour the mix back into the jar and seal it up!
And yes, use metal or glass, the mineral spirits will break down plastic.

[dunk]

Actually I agree with DGman except on one point.  Mineral spirits is safe in plastic.  Go to any hardware store and you can buy a quart in a plastic container.

[julief]

I am a huge fan of danish oil.  Simply dip it and let the excess run off.  Danish oil has a little shelac it it so it makes the grain pop and seals it.  Then I would spray it with a little poly.

[edward]

 I dip my projects in Danish Oil, and when dry, I spray them with shellac.   Works for me.

[dgman]

I used to use Danish oil but quickly learned how expensive it is. If your are going to use a top coat anyway, The BLO/mineral spirits mix does the same thing but costs allot less. For about the cost of a quart of Danish oil you can buy a gallon of boiled linseed oil. I have nothing against Danish oil except for the price!

[julief]

The other beauty of Danish oil is that you can get it in colors.  Sometimes I use an inexpensive wood like pine and the project comes out so nice I want to "dress it up".  You are right - it is expensive.  I think I am going to try the BLO & mineral spirits but for my nicer projects - I'll stick with Danish

[Russ C]

Dip in Lemon Oil, Spray Lacquer and Poly finish is how I do it.