Oil finishes

Re: Oil finishes

David Hammond, in Powder Springs GA

>Usually, if you like oil as a finish, it isn't really a question of whether or not the wood will "take" the oil, I don't know of any woods really, that wouldn't take an oil finish (maybe some of the exotics). The descision, in my mind, of using laquer or an oil, is a color choice - all of your oils will darken to considerably darken the wood. Laquer on the other hand offers a much clearer, transparent finish.

David Hammond

My Dad & Me, Inc.

Re: Oil finishes

Sam Simpson

>Hi Y'all,

Brad, I doubt that there is any wood that will actually reject an oil finish. So as a practical matter it is impossible to list woods as being suited to one finish or another.

The big differences in oil finishes and polished film finishes has more to do with their perception of formality.

For example. Across many centuries of furniture design, one rarely sees oak being used in highly polished pieces, or mahogany on rustic rough hewn pieces. Consequently each are often selected specifically to convey the characteristics that we have come to know as acceptable of these woods. The fact is that these two woods would perform technically very well if their rolls were reversed.

Cherry, Walnut and maple have been equally conspicuous in both formal and informal settings. So either approach seems appropriate for them. What seems to matter more in this case is the form. Utility as opposed decorative for example.

There are some woods that are rarely chosen for utility purposes. These would be rosewoods and other exotics. And again, this is because of our familiarity of these species being used in formal settings. In their own environment they are often used as utility woods.

Some woods are chosen specifically for their utilitarian nature. Teak springs to mind, as a wood that is chosen world wide for it's ability to withstand exterior locations. Consequently Teak is rarely seen with a polished film finish. With the exception of it's home land, where it is used as a general purpose furniture material.

What complicates this even more is the fact that we are discussing this on a turning forum. Turners are notorious for taking these common perceptions and turning them on their head. Using the contrary position as an expression of the art. For example, buffing burls to a high shine and taking ebony to a dead flat finish when it naturally wants to shine.

The art of finishing is just another tool to have in your bag-o-tricks. You should try to become familiar with several methods, and use them to accentuate your art. You will then be able to dictate some of the perception with which you want your art received.

Regards Sam Simpson.

Re: Oil finishes

RonZ

>Excellent write up Sam. The only woods that one might not put a finish to is lignium vitea, palo santo and other woods that exude their own oils.

Re: Oil finishes

Brad Bittle

>Thank you for those great responses.

Brad