Finishing a television cabinet - which products to use?

[standby]

I am making a television cabinet which is currently nearing completion. If you take a look at the photos, the frame is made out of joinery grade plywood.
The drawer, raised panel sides and face frame is made out of Tasmanian Oak.
The base is Jarrah and the table top is Jarrah and Tasmanian Oak.


I wish to have a darker finish for the top and base while a lighter finish for the cabinet as to have a contrasting look. I want the plywood to look very similar to the Tasmanian Oak.

So really my question is which products to use to achieve my objectives and also what grits I should sand to etc.

I have gone to Bunnings and seen products by Cabot's however do I use a water or oil based product?

I have also researched U-Beaut products.



Thank you!

[Master Splinter]

I'll always say oil, unless the timber is radiata pine, in which case the finish of choice is turpentine followed by a match.

See damnfinefurniture for an oiling technique for the jarrah, and U Beaut's white shellac for the Tassie Oak and ply.

[standby]

Okay thanks for that. As for the oil finish - what sheen should I go for?

Should I use U-Beaut's traditional wax after using Cabot's oil based polyurethane?

Will a 500 mL bottle of white shellac suffice?

[LGS]

I'll always say oil, unless the timber is radiata pine, in which case the finish of choice is turpentine followed by a match.
.

That's just sooo precious.

[LGS]

Hi Standby,
Why do you need to use Polyurethane?
If you do the oil finish correctly (and it's not too hard) you'll get excellent protection from fluids and radiant heat. In addition, because the oil actually soaks into the timber, if you get light scratches, you can just rub over them with the oil and they disappear. If you get deep scratches, then no finish will prevent the need to redo the piece.
Also, with Hard Burnishing or Wattyl Natural Teak (Scandinavian) Oil, you don't need any further finishing. (e.g.wax or shellac. whatever)
This is the kind of finish you can expect.

Regards,

Rob