Finish for platform bed- shellac vs. boiled linseed oil undercoat?
I’m testing finishes to use on a walnut platform bed. The platform extends about 3″ beyond the mattress on three sides. I have two dogs which constantly jump up on our bed and will undoubtedly step on scratch up the platform edges. For a finish, I’m looking at: 1. Two coats of shellac followed by 3 coats wipe on polyurethane; or 2. One coat boiled linseed oil (cut 50:50 with mineral spirits) followed by 3 coats wipe on polyurethane. Which finish will resist scratching more and which will be easier to repair once scratched? I’ve thought about using brush on polyurethane to increase resistance to scratching but I don’t want a plastic looking bed after investing in solid walnut. – Lyptus
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Why the first coats of shellac or of oil? Oil will darken the walnut, but not do much that wouldn't be done with an oil varnish. Shellac followed by an oil based varnish would have a bigger difference in appearance than varnish alone, with a big part of that difference being due to the color of the particular grade of shellac. Unless you have a compelling appearance opinion from your samples, the most durable, and most easy to repair, would be the finish with just a single top coat material.
Polyurethane varnish's best characteristic is resistance to abrasion. But, among it's bad points is repairability. It's harder to do spot repairs, and to get new finish to adhere well without fairly vigorous efforts at preparation. If the abrasion could resist the type of "wear" that dogs can impose then polyurethane is a great choice, but depending on the size of the dogs, I'm doubtful that polyurethane would resist damage that would call for periodic repair. I'd choose a phenolic resin varnish, such as Waterlox (your choice of sheens) or Behlen Rockhard. They won't resist abrasion quite as well, though for the most part they would be almost as tough as most single part polyurethane varnishes. But, they are less finicky about accepting recoating type repairs.
All finishes scratch. We made two little steps for our dogs to get up on the bed, and once they start to use it - they continue to use it - maybe that will keep them away from the woodwork.
We also file their nails often - my bitter half came home with this rotary tool for the nails and it works really good. I could have just given her my dremel - same thing.
SA
When you say Waterlox, do you mean their "original" Sealer and Finish or just one of their finish products (satin or high gloss)? Given that no finish is likely to stand up to my dogs, I like the suggestion of a more durable yet repairable finish like Waterlox. I also like the dog stair idea. I'll test a combination of BLO and/or orange tinted shellac, followed by Waterlox next before proceeding. I'm just not sure what Waterlox product to get?
You can choose among them by deciding what sheen you wish. The Original/Sealer is semi-gloss and come from the can at a consistency for wiping. The Satin has a bit more solids content, and would do with a good dollop of thinner for wiping. Remember to stir Satin WELL before using and to stir it continually while you are applying it to avoid having the flatting agent settle out. The Gloss is even more ready for brushing and could use more thinner if you desire to wipe it on.
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