I plan to finish a large trestle table made of reclaimed oak(base) and reclaimed walnut(top) as follows. 1st coat of thinned(with mineral spirits) boiled linseed oil(warmed), then three coats of shellac (2lb cut) 5 parts blond, 1 part garnet (to make the color richer), and then finish the top with a coat of Briwax. Does this make sense? Anything I should watch out for when using any of these products. Thanks in advance.
Edited 5/15/2008 4:32 pm ET by rcatlin
Replies
Are you planning on using this table as a dining table?
The basic problem with shellac in this instance is not being heat and alcohol resistant. An oil based varnish would give you more basic protection.
Now, having said that, I've done shellac and wax finishes to tables that I use for dining occasionally without problem.
If it will be used and used hard as in a family situation, with kids, I would definitely consider a varnish.
Concerning the shellac mixture; one part garnet will not change the color much in five parts blonde.
On samples try a 5050 mix, try garnet by itself. How about button shellac? It will have a more carmel color than the garnet. You can buy small bottles of button and garnet shellac already in solution. Liberon products sells them. Check around for a supplier in your area.
Another thought to enrich the blonde shellac is by using TransTint colors. A very little goes a long way.
Prior to waxing let any finish cure for at least a month. The newer version of Briwax is better than the old because it doesn't contain toluene as a solvent. Besides that I always found the colors of Briwax to be somewhat over powering. One of the waxes I like to use is Fiddes. Woodworkers Supply carries them You may also check Homestead Finishing Products to see if Jeff carries them.
Let me know how you do.
Peter
Thanks, Peter!!!I have already done the linseed application and the walnut came out as dark as I would like...the wood originally came out of an old walnut orchard and has a ton of character (including bird shot that must have buried itself a long time ago..all of which I am leaving in...)I, too, was concerned about the shellac and am now thinking a waterborne poly. What do you think about that? It will get just a bit more then occasional usage...5 grandchildren, but not on a daily basis. I have used waterborne poly before and don't know how to tone down the shine even with the satin. Any ideas.
Again thank you for your feedbackRichardPS Yes it is a dining table
Edited 5/16/2008 11:56 am ET by rcatlin
Richard,
Water borne poly is an option but I feel an oil based varnish would be a better aesthetic choice.
Consider one like Pratt and Lambert 38. You can thin it down a bit for brushing or cut it significantly, 6040, to make a wiping varnish out of it. This varnish or something like satin Waterlox will produce a look that IMO, is superior to water poly.
Good luck.
Peter
thanks again, Peter...sounds good, will doRichard
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