Finishing suggestions

[Sinister1957]

I am almost embarrassed to post here some of the work you guys do is incredible...

Anyway ..I built a rocking horse from woodcraft plans...almost finished but before I glue up some pieces I was wondering how to finish..Instructions say to use 3 coats polycylic..but I don’t think it makes the wood standout enough...It is made from walnut , maple and cherry. I like the way tung oil finish darkens the wood, especially the walnut..but I know I would have to put dewaxed shellac over oil then finish with polycylic..I am wondering if I am just creating more work than is necessary or if there is a better simpler way.

 

[jollyred]

An oil based varnish would provide much the same look as tung oil.  It is the oil in the finish that darkens the wood.  Then you would not need to use all the different layers of finish.  As with all finishes, try it on some scrap wood before using on your project.

This is one example of an oil based varnish:

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-207008-Marine-Varnish-1-Quart/dp/B000C011CE/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=oil+based+varnish+for+wood&qid=1604941573&sr=8-5

Like the horse.  I have made several for my grandkids, and they are always well received.

Tom

[Sinister1957]

2 minutes ago, jollyred said:

An oil based varnish would provide much the same look as tung oil.  It is the oil in the finish that darkens the wood.  Then you would not need to use all the different layers of finish.  As with all finishes, try it on some scrap wood before using on your project.

This is one example of an oil based varnish:

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-207008-Marine-Varnish-1-Quart/dp/B000C011CE/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=oil+based+varnish+for+wood&qid=1604941573&sr=8-5

Like the horse.  I have made several for my grandkids, and they are always well received.

Tom

Hi Tom

Is this the product you used to finish your horses? Do you think a gloss finish is the way to go? I am more of a matte type guy...Will this need any other top coat or is this a one step process.

 

Thanks

Anthony

 

[flarud]

Rockler has a product that I would use.  It is an oil bases and can be applied with a foam brush or even a blue shop towel. 

https://www.rockler.com/general-finishes-arm-r-seal-urethane-top-coat-satin

[Bill WIlson]

I've used this before with decent results.  It's available in satin and gloss as well.  It's water based, but has some of the grain enhancing properties of an oil.  Test it on a piece of scrap before committing to your project.

[jollyred]

10 hours ago, Sinister1957 said:

Is this the product you used to finish your horses?

Actually I stained spots on one and painted the others.  I did put a clear coat over all of them, which was a polyurethane.  However, I have used the oil based varnish on a lot of other projects, and it is a one step process (although I would recommend more than one coat for durability).  It can be done in gloss or satin, but with kids, it probably won't stay glossy for long.

Tom

[amazingkevin]

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!!! Can't get any better than that!!! Your shop is like your work, nothing out of place!!. I'[[ bet you fold your dirty close before you put them in the hamper!!! Looking at your shop and then mine i don't know if I could stand it!!! Keep your projects coming. Seeing work like this I'm bound to get better

[Sinister1957]

13 hours ago, amazingkevin said:

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!!! Can't get any better than that!!! Your shop is like your work, nothing out of place!!. I'[[ bet you fold your dirty close before you put them in the hamper!!! Looking at your shop and then mine i don't know if I could stand it!!! Keep your projects coming. Seeing work like this I'm bound to get better

Your to kind sir ...

Thank you

[Dan]

Maple will naturally darken (yellow) just a bit with or without finish. Cherry will darken most over time to a rich color, with or without finish. Walnut will look great with any finish. I'd go with the polyurethane. It may be the easiest to work with and has low odor. Go with thin coats and avoid any runs.

Beautiful job on the horse. 

[Sinister1957]

On 11/15/2020 at 8:42 PM, Dan said:

Maple will naturally darken (yellow) just a bit with or without finish. Cherry will darken most over time to a rich color, with or without finish. Walnut will look great with any finish. I'd go with the polyurethane. It may be the easiest to work with and has low odor. Go with thin coats and avoid any runs.

Beautiful job on the horse. 

Thanks Dan...I finished it here's a picture. I was looking for an easy way out..But I did  a chess set and love the colors of wood the oil brought out.I used tung oil finish ..then zinssiner seal coat ..and spray on matte polycylic...It was a pain and took a while but nothing I tried sampling gave me anywhere near the same results...but I may have just got lucky lol

Edited November 17, 2020 by Sinister1957

[Sinister1957]

Finished used tung oil finish and wipe on satin poly...

 

[Scrappile]

That is a great looking steed!! Very nice job!

[dgman]

That came out great!

[Sinister1957]

Thanks guys.I was pretty happy with the construction of it. I was stressing over finishing it. Seems I was overthinking it, as usual. Turned out easier than I thought once I made up my mind. 

 

[Sparkey]

Wow Anthony that is beautiful. Great job.