ryanthefloyd Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any experience working with driftwood. About a year ago I collected some small pieces from a local beach and think they would make awesome handles for drawers or boxes. The problem is, however, that they are really fragile. Lots of really soft, mushy spots. Its so soft that it is even very tough to sand. Thankfully, it came out of the ocean really smooth. Any ideas on how to preserve the wood so it stands up over time? Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Sounds like this might work for you. It's the very thin epoxy. CA glue would also be a possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 i have heard of soaking soft spongy wood in super glue to stabalize it. and they do the same thing for pen blanks that are usualy softer woods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trip Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 lots of driftwood washes-up on our beach daily.. from twigs to pier pilings... the main issue around here is the salt soaked-up into the wood. it leaches-out over time, so you need epoxy/ca/cpes/etc to really get it sealed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoboMonk Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Know-say vs. Hearsay: Simple shellac will seal the driftwood. I use Zinsser SealCoat, a two cut of dewaxed shellac. I also use a solution of tung oil, spar varnish and VM&P naphtha to soak some driftwood. It seals and finishes. Yesterday we collected an SUV full of driftwood along the banks of the Ohio River in Warsaw and Carrollton Kentucky. Although the fresh water driftwood doesn't have an absorbed salt problem, there are problems with various river pollutants, including mini-oil slicks that coat the wood. I try to avoid pithy wood and only select pieces that are solid. Blessings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suiciedchild Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 I've heard of useing a small vacuum jar filled with thinned poly, the vacuum causes the air bubbles out of the pcs of wood, then the poly really soaks in , remove the piece and let dry, I believe I saw this done for pen blanks to stabilize them, but I have no experience with this method myself , at least not yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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