Not sure what to finish with?

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Automaton539

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So, all my old beard combs have broken, mostly due to age, so I got some inspiration and though, I have wood, I have tools and I have time... Why the heck not. But I've no idea what would be the best finish to use on it. And while I know the one thing I don't want to use is paint, I have no idea what would be best. Oil, lacquer or varnish. It's gotta be hardy as it'll see a lot of use, preferably clear, and hopefully cheap as I'm on a budget. :ROFLMAO:

Tl;dr

Need advice on best product to finish a beard comb with.
 

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Hello automaton, welcome to the forum. I’m struggling to recommend a finish, but I think I’m leaning towards Danish oil. Make it yourself. One third each of tung oil, linseed oil and yacht varnish.
 
Hello automaton, welcome to the forum. I’m struggling to recommend a finish, but I think I’m leaning towards Danish oil. Make it yourself. One third each of tung oil, linseed oil and yacht varnish.
Cheers.

Well, that's the second suggestion I've had for the Danish oil, making it myself would cost me more than just buying a small tin as I don't have any of the parts, haha. But so far I'm 2/2 on advice between lacquer and Danish oil. :LOL::LOL:
 
I didn't know there was such a thing, but then I've had a beard for only fifty years without combing it.:ROFLMAO:
All kinds of stuff mate. Balms, oils, specialised shampoos etc. Pogonotrophy by name - the act of cultivating or growing a beard - but that's an entirely different conversation for an entirely different forum. 🤣
 
The act of growing a beard is much the same as the act of growing old
Not exactly. Many people shave, you don't *have* to grow your beard out. Same as people who shave their head/legs etc, you wouldn't say they were cultivating or growing their hair now, would you? :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:

And sure, it's simple enough to get along without the products. Doesn't mean they aren't useful. I mean, I can get around without a motorised vehicle, doesn't mean I ain't damned glad buses exist.
 
Go with danish oil. I'd let it soak for an hour in the oil and then give it a week or two to really dry hard, or use some of that stuff for hardening rotten window sills (can't remember what it's called but it was in a can very thin and made the wood quite when I last used it about 20 years ago.
Cheers
Andrew
 
Go with danish oil. I'd let it soak for an hour in the oil and then give it a week or two to really dry hard, or use some of that stuff for hardening rotten window sills (can't remember what it's called but it was in a can very thin and made the wood quite when I last used it about 20 years ago.
Cheers
Andrew
Isn't there a chance it'll just become brittle if I do that though?
 
Maybe the beard oil, its going to get covered in it anyway.
Or go for the full plastic coating approach and polyurethane it.

Ollie
 
Isn't there a chance it'll just become brittle if I do that though?
I think brittle is the problem, so anything that soaks into the wood will help to strenghten it. Come to think of it you could use really thin super glue to strenghten it. It can get a bit messy and you have to have plenty of acetone to hand for any spills and hand cleaning. Wipe it on with a piece of sponge and let it soak in a few seconds and wipe of quickly (practice on a scrap of wood to get a feel for it) different sponges react differently to super glue regarding how quick they start to set. Also do this in fresh air as the fumes from super glue make fresh mixed colmans mustard smell like perfume !!
Cheers
Andrew Ps get some activator spray if you want to speed up drying times, it all depends on what brand superglue you use.
 
Thanks for the responses folks, I've gone with the Danish oil for now.

An oil bath would probably be the best way to get best coverage then, due to not being able to rub in between the teeth. I saw a video where someone, between coats, was wet sanding to help fill the pores in the wood with oiled dust for a smoother overall finish. Is this something I should do with my comb, or is that entirely an aesthetic choice?
 
Stick with the oil alone no dust. Soak it first then blow off as much as possible wipe with a kitchen paper towel , let it dry and then thin coat again blowing off as much as possible. 3 or 4 coats should do it.
Cheers
Andrew
 
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