I am finishing a pair of entry tables with large claro walnut top surfaces. I am using several coats of a self-made oil/varnish/turpentine finish, as recommended on FWW.
I’d like to finish with a wax to get a special shine on the finished tables, but the claro walnut remains open grained. I am worried that standard commercial waxes will not look right in the open grained surface.
Any thoughts?
Replies
Kanaken,
You didn't fill the pores at all so they will always be visible. If you want them filled now you would need to wet sand some more of your oil mixture into the wood. This will create a slurry that will fill the pores. You will need to repeatedly wipe the surface down as oil will weep out of the pores. Be sure to do it in sections and be very careful with your oily rags. Either lay them flat or hang them up, preferably outside, and let them dry.
The finish you did doesn't tend to have a "shine" like a straight varnish or lacquer. If you do want to put wax over it, let it cure for a month or two first. Be sure and use a dark wax over a dark surface.
There is something else to consider. The oil finish you did lends itself well to repair or rejuvenation. If you feel a need to freshen it up at some point, all you have to do is re oil it. If you put wax on the surface, you will need to wash it off with mineral spirits first. Not a big deal really, just an extra step.
Peter
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