Finish

[Guest]

[b][b]

I have completed a stylized blue heron, 8' high made of butternut, the
base will be of bass wood. I intend to keep it natural and want to keep
the beauty of the wood showing.
What finish is recommended for butterwood? What is a good brand
name?

Thanks,

Jim





for

[Rando]

[Captain_Bandaid]

Re: Finish

butternut looks good when finished with soft gloss oils like Tung oil. It won't create glare that hides the grain.

[Bandaid]

Re: Finish

I have not, as yet, tried using tung oil as a finish so I am not familiar with it's characteristics. Is it a thin oil that soaks right into the wood or does it compare lets say to linseed oil? How about drying time?

I am wondering how it would work on bark carving. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Captain_Bandaid]

Re: Finish

Tung oil is a very light oil that is usually clear but I think I have seen it with a bit of stain to darken it. It is a rubbing oil that looks best on smooth surfaces. It leaves a very low gloss while bringing out the grain in wood. I usually use several coats. It will protect the wood like linseed oil and should be recoated occasionally, especially in dry climates.

[Bandaid]

Re: Finish

Thx. Captain - Have you ever tried tinting tung oil with oil paints? I have done that with a clear Minwax stain to achieve the tint I want, but I would like to try tung oil to compare the end result.

[woodpecker]

[Bandaid]

Re: Finish

Hi Woodpecker - Thx for the input.

[Harold]

[Captain_Bandaid]

Re: Finish

I think you may want to use oil-based burnt umber rather than acrylic. The acrylic is water based and may not mix with the oil.