Thread: Finish for Red Silkwood

It's just because I'm a little embarrassed, must be something to do with those stains!

Cheers,

Originally Posted by maldotcom2

it's quite a softish wood and i would like a finish that's going to be durable enough to resist damage from knocks etc. .

The finish wont make the timber any harder, it will still dent or scratch through the finish.
Well, thats how I think it would work, I may be wrong.

Al

G'day Silkwood!

The finish will depend to quite a degree on how much wear & tear the item will receive.

For many timbers I prefer Danish Oil (eg Cabot's) followed by the forum host's excellent uBeaut wax. As an alternative, I also use either blonde or hard shellac (also from uBeaut).

Personally I try and avoid polyurethane for furniture or other 'better' pieces.

As Al says though, no furniture grade finish will eliminate the risks of major knock/bash damage, but the shellac finish does offer a pretty good level of protection and the hard type will also protect against (mild) heat and dampness.

Thanks for the comments, didnt really understand your post silkwood. I might get some of that Hard Shellac and do a test with that on a scrap peice. I'll also test polyurethane. Would i be correct in saying those would be my only options?

Being a table i believe i can rule out oils/waxes?

The finish will depend to quite a degree on how much wear & tear the item will receive.

The surface will need to withstand hot and cold glasses/plates and possibly spills. I believe shellac and poly will do this.