I am making a kitchen island that has a section of the counter made of wenge. I have several concerns. First, the color and density. Any oil will turn Wenge so dark you cannot even see the wonderful grain pattern. I would like to keep the color as light as possible, like a wax finish would produce but not completely obscure the feel of the wood like a built up varnish would do. Also, being in a kitchen I am concerned with the durability and resistance to water. I know I’m asking for a lot.
Also, in the same project I have cabinets with highly figured eucalyptus doors. I would like to produce a satin finish that makes the most of the figuring.
Thanks for any help.
Tim
Replies
Tim,
To keep the wenge fairly light, seal the wood first with either shellac or any of the oil based sanding sealers. this will become a foundation for your finish coat. If you put a varnish or urethane over this keep the coats thin. You can then sand them back to give a nice thin protective surface that is not that far removed from the wood.
I saw a show by a master guitar maker and he remarked of his finish " It's not how much I put on, it's how much I leave on."
Concerning your doors; if you have access to a spray system or can have some one do it for you the CAB lacquers are quite clear and non yellowing. First coats should be gloss and the final coat whichever sheen you desire.
If doing it by hand, with a urethane or varnish, the same rule applies. If you want to go the extra distance, rub out your coating after it is cured with a medium grit rubbing compound and a grey scotch pad. This will give you a soft and dull glow.
Be sure and test whichever method you want on a sample board first.
Peter Gedrys
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