I’ve done several teak projects where I’ve polished the teak to a high sheen without any finish by sanding to about 1200 then using an automotive buffer to bring up the final shine. Can this be done with Iroko? I’m thinking about using it as a teak alternative on a bigger project.
Edited 10/7/2006 3:25 pm ET by Quickstep
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Quick, as a long term user of Iroko, see my web site http://www.collectablefurniture.co.nz, I do not beleive you can apply that technique to Iroko-this is because Iroko does not have the oiliness of Teak-in fact it has a very fine calcereous dust which is not at all helpful.
In theory Iroko should be grain filled, but I have never done that. I find it takes a nice natural sheen if you spray a shellac seal coat first, light rub down , then spray a catalysed wood lacquer, which can be built up as required and then steel woolled with wax.
Also, if you want it to look as near to Teak as possible, you need to use quarter sawn stuff.
I have tried other finishes like waxing on Iroko, and some Danish oils etc, but they do not bring out and preserve that honey glow that you should expect.
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