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Thread: Spalted Oak

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Hampton, NH
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    185

    Spalted Oak

    I just recently got a piece of spalted oak. It looks great, but I need some advice on how to finish it so it will stay that way and show off the spalting. I haven't made a project with it yet but I like to get all my ducks in a row before I start.

    Matt Newton

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    Finish like you would any other oak...the spalting "stops" when the moisture content drops below a certain point.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  3. #3
    So if you have spalted wood, it will remain spalted forever? I just bought some, I was thinking some type of clear coat etc, so the spalted look doesn't go away.

  4. #4
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    Mar 2003
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    Spalting is part of the decay process and is caused by fungus "consuming" the wood. It's permanent. BTW, be sure you use a good dust mask when you are working with and sanding this material. My understanding is that moisture can re-activate the fungus...and your lungs are a very moist place...
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Hampton, NH
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    Thanks for the info. So how long can this piece stay unused? Will the decay continue or since the board is kiln dried has it stopped?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Conway, Arkansas
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    13,181
    Matt,

    I have a piece of spalted maple in my shop and has been that way for at least 4 years now. I really need to do something with it.
    You should be fine with waiting for a bit. The key thing is making sure the wood is dry enough to stop the spalting process.
    Thanks & Happy Wood Chips,
    Dennis -
    Get the Benefits of Being an SMC Contributor..!
    ....DEBT is nothing more than yesterday's spending taken from tomorrow's income.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Angola,IN
    Posts
    119
    Take another look at the wood. I dont think oak spalts, only maple and a couple of other woods. Be prepared for the wood to soak up any finish you use like a sponge. I put a spalted piece in the center on top of a couple of boxes for the "center piece" and used poly gloss. The look was outstanding!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    Dave, almost any species will spalt given the right conditions and spore exposure...it's a decomposition process. I have some spalted oak in my shop...somewhere.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Edmonton, AB
    Posts
    246
    I know this is an old thread, but I came across it via search.
    For the record, Jim is correct. I just came across a very nice piece of spalted black walnut. I also have a large board of spalted zebrawood.
    Maple is the most common wood, but given the right conditions, any wood can spalt.

    Ryan
    Remember this when you work with wood:

    "I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business. "
    Michael J. Fox

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