Sapele and American White Ash finish

[Tian Coulsting]

Hi all!

I am currently working on a teabox hand made box which I intend to give as a Christmas present. This is my first woodwork project and I'm really enjoying it. I seem to be getting a bit stuck with what finish to use on it. There are so many out there and I'd like some tips from you seasoned pros...

I only really have next week to finish it and have yet to do some planing/shaping/sanding/gluing (see attached photo). The lid will be white ash framed by a sapele border. So I would like something I can use that will be quick and easy to apply but give a finish that will bring out the beauty in the wood.

I am using a combination of sapele and american white ash and would like to keep the white colour of the ash (don't want any yellowing). I would also like a finish that would enhance the richness of the red in the sapele. What finishes would you advise in this situation?

Tian

 

[JustBen]

Hi,
I'm not an expert in finishes and there are 100s of different types of finish out there.

However, I have used both lacquer and finishing oil on sapele and ash before with a very nice outcome.
I'm lazy and hate long finishing processes.
Finishing oil and lacquer are both pretty quick finishes and easy to do.

Using finishing oil on sapele brings out a wonderful shimmering/glittery effect in the wood.
Well at least it did on mine.

FYI, I use Liberon Finishing Oil and Chestnut Acrylic Lacquer.
I sometimes use Liberon Clear Bison Wax over the top too. (I think it's by Liberon)

Hope this helps.

Edit... I'm not sure about the ash yellowing though. Try your finish of choice on some offcuts first.

 

[RogerS]

Oil yellows ash. Think about an acrylic finish seeing as how you have a predominance of ash in your design.

Although surprisingly Rustin's Plastic Coating is also pretty good at non-yellowing. Or a blonde shellac of some description or other.

But avoid oil.....spawn of Satan.

 

[custard]

Oil yellows ash. Think about an acrylic finish seeing as how you have a predominance of ash in your design.

Although surprisingly Rustin's Plastic Coating is also pretty good at non-yellowing. Or a blonde shellac of some description or other.

But avoid oil.....spawn of Satan.

+1

Oil would look right at home on the sapele, but I'm another of the growing band who really dislikes the "fake tan" look that oil gives with pale timbers.