silky oak and achieving a smooth finish

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum and would appreciate some advice for finishing silky oak.

I have an old wardrobe that was finished with varnish. I sanded it back (not sure if this was best). It was an unattractive and stubborn finish but I am finally back to the bare silky oak timber.

Looking closely I can clearly see the silky oak surface has lots of little holes and grain depressions - it is not a flat surface.

What is the best grain filler to use for silky oak timber? Should I use a home made mix or something commercial premade? And finally how do I apply it?

Cheers guys and happy woodworking.

Dan

I was hoping somebody else would answer as I am going through the same exercise and have a lot of Silky Oak small slabs and furniture that I will be working on.

Because I am a complete novice do not take too much notice of what I say. My thinking at the moment is because I am making a small silky oak Mantle Piece clock that has to be stained and finished. It is a good learning curve for finishing and if I stuff it up, no real harm done, just more wasted time.

My thinking is that I have purchased some Feast & Watson Interior Stain and Varnish which according to their literature is : A traditional timber stain combined with a highly durable clear polyurethane. Transforms interior furniture and woodwork with rich classic tones.

Gloss & Satin. Suitable preparation products. I have purchased the sanding Sealer ( Open grain timber ) but rethinking the Prooftint Pine Sealer ( porous timber ) might be the better option.

On Monday I will give Feast & Watson technical team a ring. ph 1800 252 502 .

The reason I went for Feast & Watson was because the Red Mahogany looked the right colour for a small project I am about to attempt and I have just tried a small sample on some timber ( not silky oak ) and the colour looks like I want.

Like you, it is now the correct sealer that I am after.

It is all a big learning curve.

Try Luxury Paints "Luxseal", quick drying sanding sealer that works a treat on silky oak, on most woods in fact.

You can sand it generally in 1/2 an hour or so, used it under polys and lacquer, and recently used it on a few silky oak projects, stained and plain.