finish for ribbon mahogany

[George Pell]

Hello,
I have some ribbon mahogany that has some really nice grain and color, and it almost glows in the right light. Can anyone suggest a finish that will add depth and emphasize the color and glow? I’m going to use it for a jewelry box. Thanks.

George

[Jim Becker]

BLO followed by shellac. The former highlights the figure and the latter brings clarity and sparkle. No need for the evil polyurethane, either!!

[George Pell]

Will the BLO darken the mahogany very much? I'm assuming it's best to use blonde shellac?

I've banished the dreaded polyurethane to the very back of my cabinet where it rarely sees the light of day! I shudder to think of how often I used it in my earlier days!

Thanks Jim, and Happy New Year!

[Jim Becker]

The BLO will darken it slightly as any oil will do, but not excessively so. I suggest you test things on some scrap to see what you like the best. Blond or super-blond shellac will impart the least color change, but you'll also want to test with Garnet to see what you like the best.

Happy holidays!