I’m working with some Flame Birch. Sanded it out to 220 then thought, ‘what the heck?’ and took it through 400 to 600. It shimmers. So now I want to apply a finish that preserves the brightness of the grain. Clear/blond shellac yellows it a bit more than I wanted. Clear polyurethane yellows it less so, but still doesn’t leave it as white as I’d like.
Is there anything that will preserve the silvery shimmer of the flame?
Replies
Doesn't look like you're getting much action on your post here, sorry. But, I have a suggestion which may or may not suit your needs. I don't know how much it will "Pop" your grain, but have you considered water based polyurethane? It comes out of the can milky white but dries water clear and will stay that way. I don't like the yellowing of certain finishes either for some projects, and have found this to be a great product. I use a brand called Polycrylic (If memory serves me right). Jeff Jewett's site, homesteadfinishing.com, may be another place for more suggestions. He often recommends some oil under some finishes to really bring out the grain before top-coating, and I know he sells some "Ultra-Pale" shellac too. Good luck!
Erich
Thanks for the help. Can I use oil under water based Polycrylic?
GJ,
Probably a no-to on using water over oil. But another suggestion is clear acrylic enamel. I have used the Krylon brand spray can to finish white pine and poplar with no yellowing. Test it first on a scrap piece of your maple. The Krylon is quick-drying and can be recoated in less than an hour. Three or four coats should do it.
Bert
Hello again,
I would have to agree with the above post that, no, you probably can not use the oil under the water based polyurethane, but you should get an opinion from somebody who knows more than I do about compatability issues (again, Jewitt's site would be a good place or here too). I had meant to suggest oil under something like the "Ultra-pale" shellac I mentioned might give you the "pop" you're after. Give the Polycrylic a try on a test piece and see if you like it as is, I'll bet you will. Good luck!
Erich
I am under the inpression that oil, followed by dewaxed shellac, can be coated with water based finishes. I know that Jeff Jewitt will know, and he carries at least 2 high end (Fuhr and Target) water based finishes, both of which have been the suject of discussion here. One way to get "oil" look is to thin varnish, rag on, sand in with 400 grit wet dry, wipe off. Leaves no surface film. I know that shellac on top of this is fine; let it dry for 3 days or so. I thinned mine with naptha. Quicker flash. Had to rewet a bit it flashed so quickly.
GJ,
Sorry, I meant try it on your birch.
Bert
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