Replies

1. 
   ring | Feb 01, 2006 11:09pm | #1

   I've had excellent results with walnut using water-borne polyurethane.

   DR

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 02, 2006 02:45am | #2

   Personally, and it is just a preference, I am afraid that the waterborne finish may leave a coldness that I find unattractive.  A little amber dye in the finish can solve that. 

   Shellac works particularly well on walnut, can be sprayed--two pound cut is what is usually recommended.  You can find shellac flakes from very very light to quite dark (garnet) depending on the look you like. 

1. 
   patrickk | Feb 02, 2006 05:39am | #4

   Steve, I've read alot about using shellac but was to afaid to use it, you put all that work into it and the finish can really screw up a nice job. How user friendly is it to use.  and is the different shades you talked about how you can get the color you want without having to use a stain.

                                                              Pat

2. 
   ring | Feb 02, 2006 07:39am | #5

   Steve,

   I agree that the walnut might benefit from a drop of color in the finish to warm it up. 

   I often notice in your posts a preference for shellac, which is a great material, but has a few drawbacks for me.  I see how our materials of choice are very much a function of the circumstances, of quantities, of commercial availability, etc.   In finishing, as much as any other aspect of woodworking, there are usually several ways to "do it right".  I think I'll drink a toast to that...

   DR

2. 
   patrickk | Feb 02, 2006 05:34am | #3

   Thanks ring, water based poly(minwax) is all I have ever used, never sprayed just brushed on with good results. I was afraid I was missing something with a other finish.                        

                                              Pat

2. 
   WesHighfill | Feb 02, 2006 02:37pm | #6

   For an entertainment center, I wouldn't expect it to see a whole lot of abuse like kitchen cabinets or a table.  Regular nitrocellulose lacquer would be a fine choice, I think.  It's easy to spray and easy to buff out and easy to repair later if something should happen to it. 

   Wes