I have to admit, since I finished with the actual woodworking part of my wife's box, and presented it to her, I’ve barely thought about it. But the box isn’t finished yet (literally), so I’d better press on to the end.
So here’s my question for you: how would you finish the box? I was considering a simple 1:1:1 blend of boiled linseed oil, varnish and mineral spirits, as recommended by Marc Spagnuolo in one of his podcasts. That’s the finish I used on my Good Friday Cross, although I don’t know if I did it right. I rubbed it on with a soft cloth, 3 coats I think, lightly sanded in between. I think I read somewhere that you only need to sand prior to the last coat. Is that a good way to apply it?
Fellow Jock Thuan suggested shellac or even a French polish. To be honest, I didn’t even know what a French polish was, and had to look it up (and it looks a bit complicated for a noob like me). From what I hear, shellac is nice and protective but is more difficult to refinish if needed.
So keeping in mind my limited experience and skills, how would you finish this box?
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
10 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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8398 posts in 256 days
posted 94 days ago
The finish that Mark described is a relatively easy one to apply. It is designed to be wiped on and the excess is wiped off after setting a few minutes. If you want to do a french polish I would experiment some with scrap since this is a learned technique that does take some time to master. But shellac is an easy repair since it readily redissolves in alcohol or another coat of shellac.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
teenagewoodworker
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1885 posts in 203 days
posted 94 days ago
I would go with a simple varnish, my favorite is Arm-r-seal by general finishes, and you could go before that with Seal a cell (also by general finishes) which the the “Tung Oil” that David marks always refers to in his shows. just put the seal a cell on and let it soak in, then when its dry go back with a few coats of Arm-r-seal. I like to wait until I have two coats of Arm-r-seal on until i start to sand. I usually sand with 600 grit because i only want to knock it down not remove the finish. then i buff with 000# steel wool after the final coat and i get a really nice finish that is smooth, protective, and looks really nice.
GaryK
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8392 posts in 423 days
posted 94 days ago
I have a habit of using water based poly for most everything.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Red Headed Merganser
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751 posts in 608 days
posted 94 days ago
Shellac is absolutely easy to renew/refresh if necessary. That is one of the great things about shellac – a new layer will easily go over an old one.
You don’t need a whole lot of protection from moisture and such with a box, which is good because that is one of the drawbacks to shellac – poor water resistance.
-- Ethan, http://www.merganserwoodworks.com, http://greystonegreen.blogspot.com/
Betsy
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1760 posts in 330 days
posted 93 days ago
I use Waterlox and then wax it to a high shine.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Karson
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12413 posts in 835 days
posted 93 days ago
I like shellac and use it all the time. It’s easy but does dry fast if put on with the french polish techniques.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Eric
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612 posts in 218 days
posted 93 days ago
Is shellac glossy? Or can you get a matte-type shellac?
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
marcb
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127 posts in 108 days
posted 93 days ago
I Highly recommend picking up a copy of Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner
This is, to me, the bible of finishing. If I have a question I flip through this and its in there. A bit technical at times, but only in the right places. Explains all the pros and cons for different finishes, plus a lot of the myths that float around.
Tom Adamski
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210 posts in 205 days
posted 92 days ago
For a keepsake box, you can’t go wrong with Tung oil… Take a look at my boxes and you be the judge. It is very easy to work with. 100% natural. No alcahol. and provides a durable finish that is easy on the hans and eyes…
-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.
Eric
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612 posts in 218 days
posted 92 days ago
Appreciate the helpful comments! Sounds like a lot of good options out there. Decisions, decisions…
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com