Finish for bradford pear?

just Ren wax?

GaryG in MD

I've tried various surface finishes, but not been happy with the results.

I'd use an oil of some sort -- many different ones out there with different properties.

But if you really don't want to use an oil, here's another suggestion.

I do this on some really hard woods.

Although Bradford pear is not a particularly hard wood, try sanding it to at least 800 (I'd go to Abralon 4000) and then just apply a couple coats of Renaissance wax. I did that recently with osage orange and was quite happy with the result.

Let us know what you do and how it turns out! ...GG

Re: just Ren wax?

John K Jordan

Thanks, GaryG. Some bradford pear has a lot of character in the figure, some is almost holly-white, but this particular chunk is boring! I've had some that went blotchy with oil so I'm a little afraid to try.

I may try the straight wax idea - I used that on an eastern red cedar piece a while back and I loved the sheen. I have also used pure beeswax (melted into cedar with a heat gun) which greatly enhanced the color. I think I'll turn a test piece out of the same bradford pear stock and experiment.

JKJ

Re: Finish for bradford pear?

Bruce Pratt

Try water-based polyacrylic, comes in flat, satin, semi-gloss, gloss. Looks like milk in the can, but is water clear when dry. I use it for light wood, maple, Bradford pear, because it does not yellow/darken the wood.

Re: Finish for bradford pear?

john lucas

Krylon Fixatif It looks like no finish at all on most woods. However it hardens and can be buffed up to a nice satin. Of course you could just buff Bradford Pear it polishes wonderfully.