Hello, <!—-><!—-><!—->
I’m building a coffee table out of mesquite. I have a few boards that are blemished; and am considering filling these blemishes with epoxy and turquoise. I’m very new to finishing, and was wondering if someone could provide some guidance on the proper finishing process and what kind of finish I should use. <!—-><!—->
Also, will any epoxy do, or is there a special kind of epoxy I should use? <!—-><!—->
Thanks In Advance.<!—-><!—->
Tom <!—-><!—->
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Replies
Tom,
The best advice I can give you if you are new to finishing is to read some of the books out there on finishing. It will shorten your learning curve dramatically.
Since you are making a coffee table you will want the finish to resist liquid and heat. I would recommend a varnish such as Behlens Rock Hard. You can also use a polyurethane. Just remember the KISS method. Keep It Simple. For some reason finishing is made to be way more complicated than necessary. When using new products, read the directions and follow them.
Make some samples and finish them. This will give you some hands on experience before touching your table.
Concerning your turquoise inlay. I would do that AFTER I did my finish. This way the coating will not affect the color of the stone. I would carefully scrape or chisel the finish in the depressions before gluing or epoxying in the stones.
Concerning the epoxy, I would do a little research and see what jewelers use. Also check out the previous post on epoxy. I also think yellow glue would work. You would just have to add some weight to the top of the stone until it sets.
Good Luck,
Peter Gedrys
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