Hi All,
I am somewhat new at this, I have built some small usable pieces in the past, but I am starting to get interested in building something that will be more than just functional. I have selected a blanket chest for this first project. I plan to build it out of solid 4/4 maple and 1/2 cherry ply. I would like to try a new finish on this, but I am unsure of what to use. In the past I have always just used poly, however, I don’t always get the best results. I have played some with shellac, and I am leaning in that direction, but I am also interested in oils. I don’t have a HVLP system and it isn’t in the budget anytime soon. Does anyone have any suggestions for other finishes to try.
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
Scott:
I have used Watco Danish Oil(Natural) on both Cherry and Maple furnature. Came out great. You can put on numerous coats but need to wait a day between coats and use 400 grit between coats.
Bob
Scott
I for one, don't think oil finishes alone (I assume you mean danish oil or linseed oil) look good on cherry. I think cherry needs a built up finish. My first choice (as a hobbyist) is always shellac. For one thing it is reversible. But I've not had good success with shellac on maple, unless it is blonde shellac. I am guessing you are looking for the conrast between the maple and cherry, so I would consider a dark cherry dye on the cherry, and BLO only on the maple, then using blonde shellac for the finish on all.
By all means try it out on test pieces to begin with.
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