Walnut Mantel

[Bill Gaiche]

I am getting ready to cut a 5" x 12" x 68" mantel for a friend. The tree has been standing dead for about 5 years. How would you go about getting it ready for a finish. I know it will have a lot of moisture in it. Also what would U prefer to use as a finish when the time comes, thanks in advance...bg

[low_48]

If it's wet, I would rule out any film finish. I'm no fan of oil though either. It just takes too much maintenance for oil. I guess waiting till it's dry is out of the question?

[Bill Gaiche]

I figured that just go ahead and put it up and when the time is right, finish it. bg

[WDH]

That is what I would do.  No instant pudding when it comes to drying very thick wood. 

[firefighter ontheside]

I would say mill it and let it dry a few weeks so that it can be planed, then put it up.  Let it dry until moisture is around 10% and then finish it.  For me, walnut looks best with BLO or oil based poly.