Manzanita Burl Finish

[mike thomas01]

Can anyone recommend a nice finish for a small manzanita burl? It is about the size of a large Chesapeake Bay oyster (ummm!) Since it was already near that shape I cut it in half length wise, scooped out the inside and placed small barrel hinges in it to open and close. Gonna give it to the LOML when its finished. Actually looks kind of nice but I don't know what would be a good finish for it. Please help! (Pictures are forth coming...)

[Steve Schoene]

How about an oil finish to maintain the natural look but bring out the colors of the burl. The best oil finish is the one you make yourself with about equal parts of linseed oil, varnish, and mineral spirits. You can also buy ready made oil/varnish mixes such as Watco Danish Oil.