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Jewelry Box Finish Suggestions

1K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Gantarris 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hoping to get some suggestions from people that know more about finishing than I do. :)

So…I picked up some nice spalted cherry that I'm using to make a new jewelry box for my wife. Have the case itself pretty much done, just need to do the edge profiling. Also making a few insert trays out of walnut that will hold her watches, rings, etc.

What I'm wondering about is what should I use to finish the box and the trays with. I usually use lacquer on most of my boxes, but since this is an anniversary gift, I want it to really look nice. Looking for something that will really make the grain pop in both the cherry and the walnut while also highlighting the spalting in the cherry.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
 
#3 ·
I had this same debate recently and bought my first can of dewaxed shellac. I looked all over for articles on how to bring out the figure in curly Maple. For me, it brings out the figure in wood well, more forgivable to mistakes by a light sanding than shellac seems to be, and you can top coat it with lacquer that you know and love already. Tried the Tung Oil too but I didn't receive the 3D effect I wanted plus i didn't want to have to wait for WEEKS for it to dry before spraying it with lacquer.

This was one of the articles:
http://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/woodworking-101/tips-tricks/awesome-wood-finishes-curly-maple/
 
#5 ·
My "go-to" finish is the equal parts mix of BLO, Mineral Spirits, and gloss poly. The BLO helps pop most grains, the thinned poly makes it a wipe on finish and gives some protection. Also, it dries quicker than straight poly or BLO. Leaves an "in the wood" finish at 2-3 coats, but it can be topped with my other favorite, Shellac for a smoother look.
This is a light use project, so heavy duty protection from straight lacquer or poly seems overkill.
 
#6 ·
Sorry for the late response, been a really busy week…wanted to say thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Hoping to get the trays cut and assembled this weekend if it doesn't storm (don't have an actual shop area since I'm in an apartment and just do my work on the balcony) and should get to the finishing sometime next week, hopefully. Will post the completed project when I get it done.

Thanks again, guys, your help is much appreciated….
 
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