Bottlehead Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: joralieu on September 30, 2021, 02:50:54 PM

Title: Finish
Post by: joralieu on September 30, 2021, 02:50:54 PM

What are you guys using for a finish on the wood base? Linseed oil tung oil urethane shellac?
Just looking for ideas.

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 30, 2021, 02:54:03 PM

Tried & True.

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: joralieu on September 30, 2021, 04:18:32 PM

Witch one? I would like something pretty clear.

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 30, 2021, 04:34:09 PM

If you want clear, the water based poly is the way to go.

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: joralieu on September 30, 2021, 04:38:27 PM

Thank you

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: Doc B. on October 01, 2021, 08:00:23 AM

Plenty of info here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S914VNYblOM&t=53s&ab_channel=Bottlehead

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: joralieu on October 01, 2021, 01:53:53 PM

just to be clear, is it the Tried & True Original Traditionnel I need for a clear finish?
Joe

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: Paul Birkeland on October 01, 2021, 02:47:11 PM

The T&T original is what I tend to use by default.   If someone asks for the clearest finish, I will use water based poly.

Here's a kit I built recently with the T&T original.

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: 2wo on October 01, 2021, 05:49:48 PM

Use the regular TT if you have it, if not Tung  or Danish oil. I always come back to these...John

Title: Re: Finish
Post by: Chris H on October 01, 2021, 11:30:47 PM

Unless you are using spray, consider taping off sections on the inside of the base and experiment with different finishes.
Inside can be a bit of a rougher finish so might need some extra work on smoothing to get an idea of how the outside will look, especially if using dye or stain.

I like to dye or stain the wood before finishing to fit in with current decor but care is needed as Alder is a soft hardwood and can have uneven absorption of the colour.
Can still top coat over dye or stain but here are further considerations around oil or water based, plenty on YouTube but it can get confusing.
That's why I now test on the inside before trying a new finish.
To get over the potential uneven absorption of alder, I tried a tinted beeswax the other day and really liked the finish - lovely satin smooth finish. Haven't tried clear but would expect similar outcome.
Have tried tinted varnish but it can hide the grain if too dark.  Tinted beeswax did not seem to suffer from this.
I have had good results with dye and poly but note the comment above about uneveness which can still look good (to me) with a deep gloss finish but depends what you like.

I'm determined to give french polish a go at some point but am working my way through the easier options first.