Hard finish for ornaments

[tookiedoo78]

Hey y'all! I'm going to be setting up a table at a craft sale in November and I have some Christmas ornaments to cut out to sell. I'm looking for a finish that will "stouten up" red oak and poplar. Some of the ornaments are a little fragile, and I'd like to put something on them to make them a little stronger. I've never worked with shellac or varnish, mostly just poly and stain, so I don't know what the different finishes would do. I don't really need color, just a clear finish would be fine. I might do some gloss, some satin, and see what sells well. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Josh

[greatdane2]

I am lost when it comes to finishing but I use marine spar varnish. It gives a great finish and is very hard. after having a few Intarsia pieces scratched or dented I started using this. I first used it on my double cedar front doors, and after 10 years or so the cat could not scratch it trying to get in.
I find it a pain to use but the result is worth it.

Alan

[tookiedoo78]

Thanks Alan. My local store carries spar varnish, but not marine spar. Have you tried the regular spar, or do you know if there is a difference? Thanks!


Josh

[greatdane2]

Yes I have used the plain stuff. The marine has more UV(?) protection, but for me the harder finish of the marine oil based is better. No matter how well I wrap my projects when I get to a market or whatever I always had a scratch or ding. Not anymore.
I use 2 coats on the smaller stuff and the larger get up to 5. It crushes me when I unwrap a Bald Eagle with a 6' wingspan and I have to bring it home to refinish. I started with the regular spar on my front doors and had to redo it the next year.
The odd person does not like the high gloss finish but stuff I could not sell gets the spar varnish and then they sell. I have also tried the water based stuff and that did not work. The extra cost and effort is worth it.
Hope this helps. I must stress that I really don't do well with paints etc. so if anyone wants to jump in here and correct things feel free. you will not hurt my feelings.

Alan.

[Mick Walker]

Josh, I don't believe there is any finish that will strengthen wood. I always use either Formby's tung oil finish which contains little or no actual tung oil or Minwax wipe on poly. Both come in high gloss or satin. Very easy to apply with either a brush or wipe on. I like to use the Minwax spray water base poly which is a pretty fool proof finish. I usually apply 3 coats with just 30 minutes between coats. The water base poly will not turn the wood amber color as the the oil base products do. These are all interior finishes. I have used spar varnish for outdoor projects and it seems to take much longer to dry. I was told that spar varnish never gets real hard so that it will move with the wood as it expands and contracts with the weather. Most tree ornaments are fragile anyway so I would think a good interior finish would be fine. Just my 2¢ worth.

[tookiedoo78]

Thanks for all the advice folks. I'll give some spar a try and see if I like it. If not, I'll just keep on using my poly. Thanks,

Josh

[JohnB]

G'day Josh,
Just a thought........ yea I do have them now and again.

Giving the items a coat of Superglue (CA) may do the trick.
I've used it on some delicate cuts and it seems to help, mind you I'm not about to give the bits a good twist to find out