Finish for walnut

Dan_Shade · September 15, 2018, 08:47:06 AM

I'm about finished building a crib for the wee one out of walnut (I'll attempt to post some pictures this evening).

Do any of you have a recommendation for finishing walnut? I'm leaning towards using garnet shellac.

Dan_Shade · September 15, 2018, 09:26:04 AM

Ok, I'm piddling instead of working:

rjwoelk · September 15, 2018, 09:41:05 AM

Very nice. I like that slightly lower front.

bwstout · September 15, 2018, 11:21:36 AM

That is assume build. I use Pre-Cat Lacquer very hard finish. I use satin on the table tops makes the blues come through on walnut. I use the gloss on most of my bowls it hold up nice under heavy use. But like any finish that is on something that is use a lot over time will need to be refinished again.

WV Sawmiller · September 15, 2018, 11:50:48 AM

Real pretty work. I am envious.

The only thing I ever use on my walnut is tung oil. Whatever you use I would suggest you check to make sure it is safe around children. When the wee one starts teething he/she may chew on whatever is handy.

Dan_Shade · September 15, 2018, 01:47:30 PM

I thought about the teething, my beautiful walnut will be all chewed up!

Shellac should be safe if he eats any of it. One reason that I'm leaning towards it.

Southside · September 15, 2018, 02:02:10 PM

In this instance could you call that "cribbing"? :D

bwstout · September 15, 2018, 05:39:39 PM

Once Pre-Cat Lacquer is dry it is food safe

Brad_bb · September 16, 2018, 09:32:45 AM

It's furniture, so most any finish will dry and shouldn't be a problem. So then it comes down to what you want the finish to look like. Oil, poly, Lacquer, water based Urethane. Water based urethane will have a true clear finish giving the walnut a true chocolate color without any orange tones. I like General Finishes products. Consider the amount of gloss you want as well. A water based flat finish looks good. Don't let the "flat" fool you, it does have some gloss. You do have to keep the product stirred as you use it or the flattening agent can settle out and you'll get a glossier finish. Just stir well each time before you use it. Finishing is a whole art in itself besides woodworking. It takes patience. Expect the finishing to take as long as the build did.

tule peak timber · September 16, 2018, 10:28:02 AM

Use a non toxic finish

gunscrew · September 24, 2018, 09:00:36 PM

I use Teak oil on most of my walnut gun stocks ,but don't know about a baby chewing on it.

low_48 · September 27, 2018, 10:38:43 PM

Shellac doesn't give the greatest moisture resistance. And by moisture, it can come in a lot of forms in a crib. There could even be the case when a liquid disinfectant will be needed when feces, urine, and vomit hit the walnut. Shellac will not hold up to that! A couple of thin coats of satin poly would be my choice. Unless you can get conversion varnish at a pro store. That would be my first professional choice.

Dan_Shade · November 13, 2018, 10:00:22 PM

I decided to use lacquer.

I'm happy so far. The back has the final coat.

FLPINERAT · November 14, 2018, 08:13:22 AM

Very nice, I like it!

Friend built one once for a couple, don't recall wood species....but the couple required it unfinished and they used the "salad bowl/cutting board" finish oil on it!

thecfarm · November 14, 2018, 08:51:57 AM

That looks nice.
And the crib is for what wee one? Yours?

bwstout · November 14, 2018, 09:52:24 AM

looks great, I like lacquer finish it is easy to repair and will take abuse.

tule peak timber · November 14, 2018, 10:29:59 AM

Your finish looks great !

Dan_Shade · November 14, 2018, 10:42:33 AM

Thanks, my technique is improving. I realized that I was not using a wet enough coat and was having a rough finish, so I sprayed a thicker coat.

I used some ngr stain thinned with acetone to even out the color.

Dan_Shade · June 14, 2019, 07:50:36 PM

I entered the crib in the woodmizer personal best contest.

123maxbars · June 14, 2019, 10:03:53 PM

nice work, I use waterlox on my walnut, turns out great,

Dan_Shade · June 14, 2019, 10:35:31 PM

I didn't realize that I didn't post the finished crib. Things are busy at my place.

WDH · June 15, 2019, 07:38:41 AM

Love it.

doc henderson · August 17, 2019, 07:29:49 AM

I assume this is done already, just ran accross it. i like Watkins danish oil. for a child item, might then go with a minwax satin urethane. spar for uv protection and water proof.