finish for ash

user-7323528 | Posted in General Discussion on October 28, 2021 02:39pm

Still working on one of my pandemic lockdown projects-learning how to cut dovetails.[the other one was reorganizing my shop. not sure which was harder]. I have been making a modified version of a serving tray plan by Chris Schwarz [excellent for learning how to cut dovetails!]. I have made them from cherry, pine, and chestnut. Now I am using ash. Any ideas or suggestions on how to finish ash? I normally use shellac and wax, but the surface feels like corrugated cardboard. Not a formal piece so I don’t want to get into grain filling.Sanding to 220. Help. [email protected]

Replies

mikefm101 | Oct 28, 2021 03:51pm | #1
I’ve used Armr Seal with great success.

Do not try a water based dye stain. The pores are of a size that the stain fluid is trapped in suspension preventing the stain from actually getting on the ash. There will be pinpoints of unstained wood.

I needed a dark walnut color for certain parts and ended up using a gel stain successfully.

Mike
joeleonetti | Oct 28, 2021 08:43pm | #2
Ash and dovetails, that much have been fun chiseling. I made a Roubo frame saw from a Blackburn tools kit and used ash. I didn't have the washboard issue you described. I finished it with blond shellac and wax and was happy with it. Then again, I like shellac over all other finishes unless extreme wear is a concern.
rob_ss | Oct 28, 2021 09:10pm | #3
I'm a water based poly fan. I usually use a gloss then apply wax with 00 steel wool to even out the sheen level.
_mj_ | Oct 28, 2021 10:27pm | #4
Parts of my moxxon riser are ash. I used Watco danish oil on it. Never really thought if it as "finishing", but it looks and feels pretty good.