A Question About Bottlehead Base Finishing

[ScottAstroNut]

I have a simple question that I haven't been able to answer by searching the Bottlehead forum.

All the wooden bases in all the Bottlehead product pictures show the same light finish, a look that I very much like. What, exactly, is the "official" Bottlehead method of finishing the alder wood bases in these pictures? Are any stains or oils used? What is used as a finish coat?

Thanks!

Scott

[Doc B.]

Sand with 220 grit paper and coat with an oil finish like Seafin, Watco Danish natural, Birchwood Casey Tru-oil, tung oil, linseed oil, etc. Repeat until happy, using 0000 steel wool between coats.

[ScottAstroNut]

Hi Doc,

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated!

[pfontana]

If it's not too late... try using some wood conditioner first.  Definitely if you are going to stain!  I used walnut gel stain and finished with a couple of coats of Danish Oil.  0000 works great too for final smoothing.
Philip

[Doc B.]

Wood conditioner is good before staining, but not necessary for the clear oil finish discussed here.

[OverAnalyst]

man, I wish I saw this post before I stained my case. I wasn't familiar with the different color stains and thought cherry finish was what I wanted. Boy was I wrong. So I have this somewhat of an eye-sore of a case. I do like the natural finish I see on the website, but not sure if its salvageable. Or is it? Any suggestions?

[kgoss]

Sandpaper and a little time will get you through your finish and back to raw wood so it is definitely fixable.  Personally, I like to use a palm sander.  When it comes to sanding out the rabbit you should hand sand with the sandpaper on something hard and flat.  Just use a small piece of wood if you don't have a commercial sanding block that fits.  You won't be able to maintain the 90 degree rabbit without a sanding block of some kind with flat sides.

Of course, the low effort option is to order another base from Bottlehead!

[OverAnalyst]

yeah, I saw the option to buy the wood. I guess I'm being a cheap skate. And I tend to make things complicated so I may go the sandpaper route. Or just live with it. Thanks for the tips!