Finishing basswood

To all,
As I have said earlier I am working on a Lora Irish pattern Cane topper. Well, it looks like it will avoid a trip to the fireplace so I need to start thinking about finishing. I have not used basswood before so I have a couple of questions.
1) Basswood seems to sand funny ... fuzzy. I saw somewhere that 'Wet' sanding solved the problem. How is this done.
2) I have been looking at a can of Wood Hardner on my hardware store shelf. Would this help prevent the dents and dings that a cane topper will get in use? I plan to wash with a acrylic pearlecenct wedgewood blue.
Thanks for the input.
Ah Chip
PS: Yes Colin when I get done I will post a picture.

That wood hardner will deinitely help with the denting. It puts a hard, finish resistant layer on, and has to be thoroughly roughed up with sandpaper before painting or otherwise finishing. I think it pretty well eliminates the possibility of a good oil finish, though.

Al

as to the sanding problem? I have never experienced that, I usually use a sanding stick or a foam sanding pad and have had no problems... ???

I've had very few problems with fuzzing when sanding basswood, and I think it's due to some not-so-good wood. a good grade sanding sealer, either solvent or water based will solve that problem. Lay on a coat of the sealer, let it dry, sand lightly, and if it needs, add another coat, and repeat. Those sanding pads Hi Ho mentioned work great!

Al

[patshwigar]

an idea for basswood, after carving and before a finish is added. try washing the carvig with dish soap and water and a brush, it takes all the hand oil off, gets rid of the fuzzies found on a lot o f basswood, and makes it nice to finish with either paint. or oil.
i usually dip my basswood carvings in lineseed oil. wipe off, let dry then fininsh, makes a nice undercoat for your finish.

[KettleKarver]

Another option is to apply a spit coat of shellac, then sand. It dries extremely fast and hardens the fuzzies so sanding removes them rather than flexing them back and forth. You can use most any finish afterward although the wood won't absorb stain or oil finishes as readily.
I've used it on basswood before using acrylic washes. It helps keep the wash from raising the grain.