Opinions Count - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Jim McDonald · 05-03-2009, 07:02 PM

I have my box cut (see WIP "Laminate Box) and sanded and now I look to the opinions of this group for a suitable finish. Choices (what I have on the shelf) are BLO, Formby's Tung, Gloss Lacquer, Satin Lacquer, polyurethane, and Johnson's Paste Wax.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated and will heavily on my decision.

BTW, this box will have a 1/4 poplar bottom and 1/4 hard maple top, so that might figure into your choice.

Trout · 05-03-2009, 07:35 PM

you can't go wrong with the Minwax's clear satin Polyurethane.
the only problem with that is you have to wait aleast 24 hours between coats and you want atleast 2 to 3 coats.
using steel wool between coats will give you a very nice finish...

that's what I did on my ring box....

Trout

jim_mex · 05-03-2009, 07:59 PM

Hi Jim - I haven't got Trout's patience! - only joking Trout! I usually use a proprietary brand two component polyurethane satin to mattish satin topcoat by a local company called Sayerlac which touch dries in 30 mins and can be sanded in less than a couple of hours. I usually leave it 4 hours before applying a second coat. But, before I apply the polyurethane I 'pop' the colour of the wood and grain with a light application of Tung Oil and leave 72 hrs to cure. This makes a world of difference to the appearance of your finished piece

I brush apply and usually get a very nice finish, especially after sanding between coats with 200 - 400's grade wet and dry paper

Trout - I've never tried steel wool but having seen your excellent finishes its on my list of things to try . Thanks for the mention!

wood-n-things · 05-03-2009, 08:16 PM

I agree with trout. I like using #0000 steel wool as a final smoother. Be sure and vacuum your piece after your done and the work area to remove the particles left behind. No air compressor as these are very fine pieces of steel wool..You don't want this in your eyes or lungs.

By the way your box is looking grand.

pat c · 05-03-2009, 09:45 PM

My vote is BLO and topcoated with lacquer. Pat

Haggard3230 · 05-04-2009, 12:57 AM

Jim, the best finish would be to send it to me. Chuckle. I went with the poly, but would go with the Blo mix first to bring out the color. I like the wipe on poly best for boxes.

jim_mex · 05-04-2009, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Jim, the best finish would be to send it to me.

- darn it Merle, wish i had thought of that - LOL!

Plaquerd · 05-04-2009, 04:14 AM

Jim
I voted Satin Lacquer. I use it a lot and the results are very good. I use many different finishes, BLO, gloss Lacquer, Poly etc., but my favorite for these atributes, speed, ease, final appearence and durability is the Satin lacquer. Sand to 320 paper before first coat, then with 600 between the next two coats. My overall favorite is Hand Rubbed BLO, but that takes A Lot of time and effort, not what you would call a fast or easy finish, just my two cents

smw6442 · 05-04-2009, 04:43 AM

try putting it in lemon oil then when it dries spray clear varnish or some kind of clear steve

View Poll Results: Which Finish for Jim
BLO	1	4.55%
Formby's Tung Oil	4	18.18%
Gloss Lacquer	2	9.09%
Satin Lacquer	4	18.18%
Polyurethane	9	40.91%
Paste Wax	1	4.55%
Something Else	1	4.55%
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll

05-03-2009, 07:35 PM	#2
Trout MrsTrout's Husband Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hayward Calif. Posts: 1,711	you can't go wrong with the Minwax's clear satin Polyurethane. the only problem with that is you have to wait aleast 24 hours between coats and you want atleast 2 to 3 coats. using steel wool between coats will give you a very nice finish... that's what I did on my ring box.... Trout __________________ Hawk G-4 *Jetcraft* Fish are food, not friends!

05-03-2009, 07:59 PM	#3
jim_mex 'Senior' member - no way! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pachuca, Mexico Posts: 1,788	Hi Jim - I haven't got Trout's patience! - only joking Trout! I usually use a proprietary brand two component polyurethane satin to mattish satin topcoat by a local company called Sayerlac which touch dries in 30 mins and can be sanded in less than a couple of hours. I usually leave it 4 hours before applying a second coat. But, before I apply the polyurethane I 'pop' the colour of the wood and grain with a light application of Tung Oil and leave 72 hrs to cure. This makes a world of difference to the appearance of your finished piece I brush apply and usually get a very nice finish, especially after sanding between coats with 200 - 400's grade wet and dry paper Trout - I've never tried steel wool but having seen your excellent finishes its on my list of things to try . Thanks for the mention! __________________ Jim in Mexico “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.” -Albert Einstein

05-03-2009, 08:16 PM	#4
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,478 Blog Entries: 1	I agree with trout. I like using #0000 steel wool as a final smoother. Be sure and vacuum your piece after your done and the work area to remove the particles left behind. No air compressor as these are very fine pieces of steel wool..You don't want this in your eyes or lungs. By the way your box is looking grand. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out!

05-03-2009, 09:45 PM	#5
pat c Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Woodbine,Ga Posts: 433	My vote is BLO and topcoated with lacquer. Pat __________________ Woodworking is Therapy.... some of us need more therapy than others.

05-04-2009, 12:57 AM	#6
Haggard3230 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Riverton, KS on Route 66 Posts: 2,714	Jim, the best finish would be to send it to me. Chuckle. I went with the poly, but would go with the Blo mix first to bring out the color. I like the wipe on poly best for boxes. __________________ Merle SSG US Army Retired. merlehobbs@yahoo.com

05-04-2009, 04:14 AM	#8
Plaquerd Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northwest New Jersey Posts: 1,371	Jim I voted Satin Lacquer. I use it a lot and the results are very good. I use many different finishes, BLO, gloss Lacquer, Poly etc., but my favorite for these atributes, speed, ease, final appearence and durability is the Satin lacquer. Sand to 320 paper before first coat, then with 600 between the next two coats. My overall favorite is Hand Rubbed BLO, but that takes A Lot of time and effort, not what you would call a fast or easy finish, just my two cents __________________ Dave "Tight's tight, too tight's broken" www.lakeviewscrollsawing.com Last edited by Plaquerd; 05-04-2009 at 04:17 AM.

05-04-2009, 04:43 AM	#9
smw6442 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 31	try putting it in lemon oil then when it dries spray clear varnish or some kind of clear steve

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