Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Apr 19, 2005 12:52am | #1

   Garlin

   I use General Finishes natural, with 4 coats of Crystalac sprayed over after a couple of days drying time, with excellent results.  It's a hard, durable water based finish that you can expose to reasonable heat, drink glasses, candle wax, etc... and not have a problem.

   Jeff

2. 
   DougF | Apr 19, 2005 01:03am | #2

   Garlin,

   Welcome! 

   I don't think Maloof's, which I use and really like, is the right finish for a fireplace mantle, particularly if you intend to burn logs.  I think the finish will discolor since the pores are not really as well sealed.  Since Maloof's would give you a very subdued satin finish, I would suggest using several applications of boiled linseed oil ("BLO") or tung oil, followed by a stain polyurethane after the BLO has cured - at least a week.  You can also use the Maloof's but after it has cured, follow up with a straight poly top coat and buff to a desired sheen.  Others may have some different suggestions.   If you use BLO, be very careful to safely discard your rags since it is highly combustible.

   Doug

   See the post in the Finishing section on ploys: http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-knots&msg=23190.1

   
   

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   Edited 4/18/2005 6:08 pm ET by Doug

3. 
   Garlin | Apr 19, 2005 06:49am | #3

   Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going for the polyurethane topcoat as you suggested.