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Finishing ideas for live edge "wormy" walnut?????

2K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  RichT 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just lucked onto an entire truck load of American black walnut that has been cut with all live edges and the edge is wormy. Need some ideas on how to finish the edge itself. I intend to make some live edge stuff and would like to show off and/or enhance the the wormy edges as much as possible. Right now the wood is nice and dry and ready to go. Just about all of the bark was gone and I used a hand wire brush to "clean" the edges. I didn't get too aggressive because I don't want to damage anything. It just looks like it needs to be cleaned up a little more. I was thinking about hitting it with a good dose of oxalic acid and seeing how that works.
Prior to this my live edge work was all done the way Charles Neil does in his video. I don't think I want to grind on this because I will loose the wormy look, but maybe just some stain? Light sanding the outermost part? I don't know. I have enough of this wood that I have extra to do a little experimenting on. Would like to hear any suggestions you all might have and as always it is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!! I can post a few photos of what I have so far if anyone would like to see.
 
#3 ·
I am hopeful that oxalic acid will serve to further clean and make the edge look more uniform in color. Right now the worm eaten edge appears "dirty". I have heard that some people really love and seek wormy edged wood….from what I see either something is missing I need to do or I am not as big a fan of it as the rest of the world. I am just not "feeling it". Pictures to follow after lunch, thanks for the reply.
 
#4 ·
Oxalic acid acts as a bleach so while it may help with the "dirty" look of the wood it may also change the color of the wormy wood too and if it gets on the darker heart wood it will bleach that too.
I would first dry cleaning the edges up with a flap sander and a fine wire brush wheel on a hand drill.
Or better yet, if you have an air compressor try sand blasting the edges with inexpensive hand held sand blaster (about $30) and a soft material like ground walnut shells or soda.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the replies. Here are some photos to help clarify. Maybe I don't need to do anything but apply the finish???
Natural material Wood Trunk Hardwood Wood stain


This photo is the woods edge untouched as I received it.

Wood Bedrock Automotive tire Formation Art


This one is a closeup of just the edge itself to show the worm work.

Wood Natural material Trunk Artifact Hardwood


This is panned back a little.
 

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