Replies

1. 
   BHerman | Nov 13, 2002 11:18pm | #1

   I use the General Oil Varnish wipe-on finishes alot with cherry, with good results. I think that it's call Armor-All, General is the manufacturer. Comes in satin and semi-gloss, have used both successfully. I use foam brushes to apply then wipe off with cotton cloth. I typically apply a first coat cut with spirits, and subsequest coats (uslally 3) full-strength. 320 grit sanding and careful cleaning in between coats, a day in between coats to dry, and buffing of final coat with 0000 steel wool and Johnsons wax and I have a beautiful, durable finish. Best of all, its easy!

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Nov 14, 2002 01:16am | #2

   Oil finishes will enhance all the natural "wild figure" that cherry has. Some people like this look and some don't. I'm not a fan of the look myself, and consider the wild figure to resemble a mottled or blotched look.

   To avoid this look, do one of the following;

   1. Seal the wood with shellac before applying an oil-base finish like varnish or poly. One of the darker shades of shellac will add a lot of warmth to the cherry while the blonde or super-blonde shellac will retain the wood's natural color much better. If you use poly, make sure the shellac is de-waxed. You can get shellac flakes from http://www.shellac.net or http://www.woodfinishingsupplies.com. Local hardware and/or paint stores may be stocking Zinsser "Seal Coat" which is a pre-mixed, dewaxed shellac ready for application.

   Here's a link to different woods with different shellacs on them so you can se how they look - http://www.woodfinishingsupplies.com/shellac_board_samples.htm

   2. Use shellac or lacquer as the finish and don't use an oil-base product at all.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   Timberwerks | Nov 14, 2002 05:46pm | #5

   Paul

   You always give out great links. I just added a couple more to my favorites collection.

   Thanks

   Dale

3. 
   Lar55 | Nov 14, 2002 01:59am | #3

   If the customer wants a natural look than I would recommend Tried and True products or Watco oil products, Minwax Tung oil or Sutherland Welles oil and there are several other companies with Tung and Danish oil products.  The oil will bring out the natural look of the cherry. Cherry will darken in time by itself. 

    If the customer decides not to have the natural look then I would recommend following Pauls recommendation or the one Dano Jennings posted several times.   

   Good Luck,

   Lar

4. 
   mwinkle | Nov 14, 2002 04:31pm | #4

   As I haave come to expect- "quality" answers to my question.  Thanks to all who replied.  I think I will try the Oil and see what the customer thinks.

1. 
   davamoore | Nov 14, 2002 08:37pm | #7

   My favorite oil/varnish for cherry is Minwax Antique Oil, Natural.  It's sometimes tough to find, but my True Value hardware store down the street special orders it for me whenever I run out.

   Since it's a buffet, I'd agree with the earlier posters who recommend applying a second layer of a tougher finish (e.g., poly) over the oil/varnish.

   DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 14, 2002 11:26pm | #8

   David,

   The Minwax Antique Oil Finish is the same product as their "Tung Oil Finish" which is easier to find. I believe that they are phasing out the Antique Oil label.

   Rich

1. 
   davamoore | Nov 15, 2002 12:32am | #9

   Rich,

   Well, whadd'ya know!  You learn something every day, here...

   Seriously, thanks, I didn't know.  (But I think I prefer the name "Antique Oil" to "Tung Oil Finish."  I'm not much of a romantic -- but the first one just sounds more poetic to this ear.)

   DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 15, 2002 02:09am | #10

   I like "Antique Oil" as a name better also, considering there probably isn't any Tung Oil in there (who knows - maybe they wave a Tung nut over the brew). Anyway, It works real good. That's all that counts.

   R

2. 
   davamoore | Nov 15, 2002 05:39pm | #11

   maybe they wave a Tung nut over the brew

   Ha!  Thanks for today's opening laugh :-)

   DavidLook, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!

5. 
   swedishwoodworker | Nov 14, 2002 08:13pm | #6

   I have been using the Tried & True Varnish Oil on my cherry furniture projects.  I find that 2-3 thin coats work well.  I follow it with a thin coat of past wax.  It does help if you use a glue pot to warm up the finish.  There is a FWW article within the last year (I think) that does a review on this product.  NOTE: Drying time can be an issue, but for me the non-toxic aspect of this product is worth the wait.