finishes for burr chestnut

vinnie_chip · 21 Oct 2012

Hi everyone, I am going to be making a couple of coffee tables and mirror surrounds from some lovely burr chestnut. Would anyone be able to advise me of the best finish to apply to give protection and retain the natural colour? Any help would be great, thanks.. Vinnie.

CHJ · 22 Oct 2012

Well in turning I use a cellulose sanding sealer and Microcrystalline wax. for items that don't have a lot of wear or handling.

For a stuff that is subject to harder use and I would consider a Table as such I would personally use a Melamine enhanced Lacquer and the wax as that is what I have to hand and the lacquer is quite moisture and abrasion resistant once cured.

No doubt the members from the flat world will be along with various other preferences and pointers based on their experiences.

vinnie_chip · 22 Oct 2012

Thanks for your reply.. is the lacquer easy to apply? I haven't put a finish of any description on wood before so really don't want to mess it up..

vinnie_chip · 23 Oct 2012

Mirror surround..

vinnie_chip · 25 Oct 2012

Anyone want to give any more advise??

vinnie_chip · 26 Oct 2012

Please???

MARK.B. · 16 Nov 2012

Would love to see the finished result Vinnie,some sort of oil finish to bring out the beauty of the figuring,as its a mirror its not going to require a rock hard finish ,imho a satin finish would look great.

vinnie_chip · 18 Nov 2012

Hi Mark, thanks for your reply. Think I will go for a Danish or Osma oil. I haven't got round to making it yet due to family and work commitments. I have just ordered a router bit so I can surface plane both pieces to get them perfectly flat.. will upload photos of my progress after the weekend. Should be able to see the figuring a lot better then.