dtjazz Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I'm putting together a table (3 x 8 foot) out of Brazilian Walnut. I've looked around a bit but need some help on how to finish it. With the wood having oil in it some methods are out I take it. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewoodwhisperer Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Hey dtjazz. With any wood that has a high oil content, you will want to seal that oil in. The typical way we deal with this is to give the wood a nice coat of dewaxed shellac (1lb cut). Then you can follow up with an oil-based varnish. You'll want to stay away from oil/varnish blends though as they will have trouble curing. You can also use water-based or solvent-based topcoats if you prefer. But the key is to seal off that oil first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtjazz Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Appreciate the response. I tried a test piece with Zinsser BullsEye Seal Coat, then gave it a try with General Finishes Seal-A-Cell Clear (3 coats so far). Everything looks good so far however the finish is turning out quiet reflective to light. Is there something else you might suggest that would give a more say natural look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewoodwhisperer Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Seal a Cell is really just gloss poly, so several coats will look glossy. You might just try a couple coats of Arm R Seal satin instead. or you can try rubbing out the finish with some steel wool to tone down the gloss. (null) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtjazz Posted January 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 I did another test piece with several coats of Arm R Seal satin wiping the excess off each time and boy does it ever look good. Virtually exactly what I was shooting for in terms of the finish. Thanks a bunch man!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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