How do you apply clear finishj?

[Gotrocks]

I cut a lot of 3/4 thick gifts.  Have not found a satisfactory way to get finish down in the narrow cuts.

Please provide some suggestions.   Thanks in advance.

[Bill WIlson]

There are a few options.  Some depend on what type of finish you are using.  A lot of scrollers use straight oil, such as Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO), or something similar.  Others may prefer a Danish oil.  I use shellac as my primary finish.  Oil or Danish oil lend themselves readily to dipping.  Shellac is best applied with a spray gun.  If you want to use lacquer or polyurethane, then I would suggest that spraying is probably the easiest application method.

For the project you posted, if I weren't going to spray with shellac, I'd probably dip it in Danish oil.  You don't have to immerse it completely, just have some finish in a container and you can work it into the nooks & crannies with an acid brush or something similar.  Pull it out, let the excess soak in a bit, then wipe/blow it dry.  Follow the instructions on the container.

Personally, I like sprayed shellac, because it dries extremely fast and I can hit it from all directions, making sure I get in all the inside cuts.  I don't have to worry about runs or ponding of the finish because it dries so fast.  The fumes don't linger long either, so I can spray in my basement shop without forcing my wife out of the house.  It's also very easy to clean up afterward.

 

[Foxfold]

I use Danish Oil. I use a small paint brush to get into the nooks and crannys.  I buy a box of 10 asst sizes for a £1 in our supermarket.

[Denny Knappen]

I use Shellac and dilute it with denatured alcohol 50% and dip the project in a tray of this solution.

[Scrappile]

[jerry1939]

I use Rust-o-leum crystal clear.  Give it 4 - 8 REALLY LIGHT coats at about a 45 degree angle, 10-15 minutes apart.  Been happy with it for years.

jerry

[Gotrocks]

Thank everyone that answered my question.

After I read the first post about Danish oil,  I checked and had a new can of tung oil.

I have given the pieces a good soaking coat.   Will wait to see what drying does.

[John B]

I use acrylic lacquer and a spray gun. Spray at an angle from 4 different directions, that way the inside cuts are covered. I give each piece 2 - 3 coats.

[pennster]

Gotrocks,   Just a warning about disposing of any paper towels or rags that have oil on them.   They should be placed in a metal container with water or spread out to dry to avoid spontaneous combustion.   Be safe.