I have laminated Ipe for a kitchen counter top ( it will also have an inlaid granite slab). I am getting mixed views from old issues of FWW and adv. whether I should use a wipe-on like Min-wax, or Tung-oil or no finish at all because of the nature of Ipe. Any help out there?
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I've had rather poor results getting poly to even cure on Ipe - whether wiping first with acetone or not. I dont know for sure, but would think one of the water-based polys might stand a chance. Whatever you do, try it on scrap first.
If you build it he will come.
Ipe contains lots of natural oil. The oil will cause oil based finishes like varnish and poly varnish to have rather poor adhesion.
Of course, you would not want to use a high oil content finish like Danish Oil or Tung Oil Finish on top of an already oily wood. It would not penetrate or dry properly.
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