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Handy
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Some
Finishing Ideas
Oil Finish :
This sort of finish is ideal for articles that are regularly in contact with food, such as
salad bowls and bread boards. It is a finish that should be regularly reapplied but which
enables the product to be repeatedly washed. The main problems are that it fades with time,
and that the woodware not regularly used attracts dust. This particularly obvious when
using Linseed Oil, as it soaks in leaving a tacky fatty residue. I find Soya Bean Oil or
Peanut Oil the most suitable oil finishes.
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Make your own Oil Finish! |
Shane
Hewitt, of Northland NZ, finds this mix to be a good home made
timber finish that can be applied easily with a rag and then
polished off. |
| Recipe |
1/3 Semi-Gloss Polyurethane Varnish 1/3 Boiled, or Raw Linseed Oil 1/3 Teak Oil, or Tung Oil Mix all this as one, then add 15% Mineral Turpentine. All these compounds are available from the local paint store. This finish can re-applied over the top later on, if required |
Oil and Soft Wax Combination :
This is a finish that I often use, as it gives a warm satin finish which can be
re-applied
easily. I normally apply a coat of a loose oil such as Danish Oil while the work is still
revolving on the lathe. After leaving the oil to soak in for a few minutes I then apply an
excess of soft wax (Mirotone or John Crossley's) and buff this off while the piece is
still on the lathe. This is a pleasant looking and durable finish which is suitable for
most applications, although it can tend to speckle when in contact with liquids.
Carnauba Wax :
This wax gives the highest gloss finish of any of the natural oils and waxes I have used.
It is generally mixed with twice the quantity of bees wax to make it soft enough to apply
without scratching the wood surface. It is best to apply the wax whilst the work is turning
on the lathe. By rubbing the wax cake along the revolving work, the wax is applied evenly.
Then, using the reverse side of fine grit sandpaper apply heat through friction, and melt
the wax. This spreads it and works up a high luster. It is advisable to use steel wool or
shavings as pad between your fingers and the sandpaper in order to prevent
scorching your
finger prints off. This finish is ideal for ornamental work not in contact with liquids,
such as lamp stands and fruit bowls, as it is resistant to finger printing and is semi
durable.