Sapele box finish

[Luis Reyes]

Hi All,

I am making my mom a box for Mother’s Day made from Sapele. I’m not sure how to finish it though. I read Sapele darkens over time so I want something that will protect but not darken the wood too much yet. Would some blonde shellac work (I have some unopened flakes I could mix.

thanks in advance!

[Alan Lightstone]

I've always liked the look of Waterlox on sapele. I've used it multiple times.

And spray lacquer is nice too.

[John TenEyck]

Yes, blonde shellac or solvent based lacquer would be good choice. Dewaxed shellac followed by most waterborne acrylics would work well, too, like this:

[Luis Reyes]

I've always liked the look of Waterlox on sapele. I've used it multiple times.

And spray lacquer is nice too.

I checked a couple of youtubes on waterlox and it looks great!

Yes, blonde shellac or solvent based lacquer would be good choice. Dewaxed shellac followed by most waterborne acrylics would work well, too, like this:

That is stunning! This is my first time using Sapele but I love the look!