Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Oil Finish and Maple?
George Van
>I was going to use an oil/varnish mix that Russ had in his finishing pages on a maple bowl. I read that oil will make maple blotch grey.
Would the same be true of all tight grained whit woods?
Does anyone have experience to recommend before I make a mess?
TIA, George
I use oil everyday on maple...
TDaniel
>Oil will give maple a nice warm amber glow. I use Watco Danish and sometimes red can Waterlox. I did use the green can Waterlox but I had periodic problems with it not accepting thinner. The thinned product would sometime become dull and foggy. Some oils are too dark but I think the blotchiness you may be referring to is when someone doesn't put enough coats of oil on; patience is the key with oil finishes.
Re: I use oil everyday on maple...
JamieDonaldson
>I prefer to keep the natural whiteness of maple and other light colored woods by using Deft lacquer- rub it on and then polish to the desired sheen or shine. Most oil finishes will turn these woods an amber color, same as the oil.
Re: Oil Finish and Maple?
Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner
>I also use oil, but I use walnut oil, and have never had any problems with greying. If you do not sand fine enough you may get darkening of the cross grain but not grey. My last coat is with a mix of walnut oil and bees wax. Makes a nice glowing finish.
Good spinning and be safe
Bill
Re: Oil Finish and Maple?
George Van
>Thanks, I will turn a few bowls and try your suggestions on them. I am anxious to see the difference in the finishes. I will add a French polish also.
Terry, I have some of the green Waterlox we talked about that I mixed, I will give that a try.
Jamie, I will try the Deft to see the natural color. I have some Deft gloss.
Bill, I never used walnut oil but I will get some, I will make sure to get a well sanded surface. It sounds like a good food finish.
George