spalted chestnut - best finish?

[SimonT]

Hey guys,

Just in the process of turning a chestnut bowel as shown below.



im just in the process of sanding the bottom and wondered if anyone has suggestions on a good finish? Would like not to darken it too much if possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sgian Dubh]

Blonde or super pale shellac ragged on as the lathe is turning slowly (by hand even) might be suitable. There' also friction polish which is shellac based and available from various retailers at about £26 per litre plus VAT. These kinds of shellac have limited darkening effect, certainly much less darkening than any of the oil based finishes such as Danish oil, oil varnish or linseed or tung oil. As to durability and stain resistance, shellac's pretty good as long as you avoid things like fruit that goes rotten before it's eaten and suchlike, standing water or alcohol. Slainte.

 

[SimonT]

Blonde or super pale shellac ragged on as the lathe is turning slowly (by hand even) might be suitable. There' also friction polish which is shellac based and available from various retailers at about £26 per litre plus VAT. These kinds of shellac have limited darkening effect, certainly much less darkening than any of the oil based finishes such as Danish oil, oil varnish or linseed or tung oil. As to durability and stain resistance, shellac's pretty good as long as you avoid things like fruit that goes rotten before it's eaten and suchlike, standing water or alcohol. Slainte.

Great thanks, i had considered a light shellac also due to the nature of the spalted wood, its a little soft in areas. The shellac i believe will help harden it a little too.

thanks again.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Cellulose sanding sealer......VERY light sanding (max 400g) afterwards and then Micrcrystalline wax to finish after linishing with wood shavings (after the SS).

It'll give a beautiful hard wearing finish.