Finishing/protecting wood

[Scott Holmes]

Sean,

Your not far from where I hang out. Give me a call @ Tomball Bowl... 281 351-1831

[Scott Holmes]

Shellac is a lot more durable than most people think. Use a de-waxed shellac mixed from flakes... fast drying, color fast (it never yellows) Super blonde shellac will add a light straw color to pale woods it will pop the grain of most woods.

As mentioned Walnut will lighten to a mellow reddish brown some even bordering on a tan color after a few years. If you want to keep the dark brown color add a dye to the wood before you finish it. Orange does a nice job; so do some of the dark walnut and antique walnut dyes.

My favorite "color" for black walnut is de-waxed garnet shellac. If you want a bit more protection one of the water borne finishes will not add color nor yellow.

Test your entire finishing process on scrap; prepped just as you prepped the project.

[Kent A Bathurst]

Give me a call @ Tomball Bowl.

OK - You got my attention, Scott.

You there bowling? Or, is it your place? Or, are you always at the bar so they know where to route the calls?

Whatcha carrying for your avg?

[Ethan Melad]

I'd recommend Target's WB alkyd varnish, EM2000, flat. Wont fill the pores too much, and the flat finish (15º, although it used to be 10º...) is very nice. Also useable for exterior pieces.

[Howard Acheson]

>>>> have always put a polyurethane on it since we live in Houston tx

Not the best choice. Urethanes are attacked by th UV in sunlight. The finish will quickly begin to get cloudy, then yellow followed by cracking and peeling.

Best to use a non-poly clear coat for the best long term protection.

[Jerry Olexa]

I reco: oil, garnet shellac and then your choice of a topcoat......The oil dramatizes the walnut grain before the sealing..