Replies

1. 
   Rob_Millard | Apr 01, 2001 06:44pm | #1

   *
   This is certainly not a “Dumb” question. Nothing will bring out the depth of grain better than oil, but oil by itself is a very poor finish, that quickly oxidizes and becomes dull. Top coating with lacquer will give you the best of both worlds, a great looking and durable finish. I use oil under shellac all the time. I let the oil dry for a day or two, before applying the shellac. I have read that you should allow more time before applying lacquer, (a week or so) but I have no real experience with this, having only done this once. Lacquer by itself will still allow the cherry to age nicely, but you will not get the depth of grain, that the oil will give. Oil on wood is like wetting cloth, when dry cloth is opaque, but when wet some types of cloth will become more transparent. In effect the oil allows you to see into the wood.

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Apr 01, 2001 10:47pm | #2

   *I sort of question lacquer as the finish for a bathroom piece that might see some water. How about oil and then varnish? Certainly compatible and will give you a very durable finish.

1. 
   Dennis_C | Apr 02, 2001 12:03am | #3

   *Danish oil has varnish in it and may cause problems with the lacquer. I'd use fresh boiled linseed oil (Danish oil minus the varnish). Follow with a seal coat of 1 1/2# cut shellac or a lacquer-compatible sanding sealer under the lacquer top coat. This will prevent the lacquer solvents from softening or lifting the oil-based coats, and is almost as easy as applying oil. Use a blond shellac to minimize color, mixed from flake if you can. If you don't want to mix it, use white shellac cut 50/50 with denatured alcohol. Common orange shellac will probably give you more color than you want. Shellac dries in minutes.

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Apr 02, 2001 03:24am | #4

   *Or, apply oil and varnish.

1. 
   Don_Stephan | Apr 09, 2001 02:27am | #5

   *Lots of discussion on oil and cherry on forum at http://www.homesteadfinishing.com. Often suggested there that a coat of shellac makes the oiled cherry look better. If dewaxed shellac is used, almost any top coat product can then be applied. Not all finishes will adhere to waxed shellac. Probably have to mix your own to get dewaxed. Materials and excellent support all available at the above web site.