Finishing Rimu

[sidewz]

Hi Guys

Im in the process of making a coffee table from recycled rimu, and Im looking for some help with the finishing.
I appreciate you dont see much Rimu in Aus, but hopefully some kiwis will see this, and im sure there are opinions regardless of the timber.

My previous Rimu furniture was finished with "Coopers Restore It" oil/wax stuff.
I dont have any more of this, but I imagine it is similar to other wax's, like Briwax.

The difference, this is a coffee table, and will see a lot of wear and tear, so Im looking for some opinions of how best to finish it.



I am not a fan of glossy "paint" style finishes, which I associate (rightly or wrongly) with polyurethane. They make it look like another veneer knockoff, which I definitely do not want.
I want a good lustre, with a bit of depth.
I dont mind a bit of maintenance.

My Briwax test piece did not handle the mug test well at all. It was 3 coats applied with steel wool, and buffed off.

I appreciate that a wax finish gives a nice finish, but forsakes durability.

Is there a middle ground, or an alternate product or method?

And heres a couple of pics just for interests sake.

Appreciate your thoughts and feedback.

Cheers
Dave

[KorDes]

Have you tried Haarlem Oil? I use that for my Rimu chopping boards and they come out really nice. Two coats applied with fine steel wool. Let it soak in for a few minutes before buffing off with a dry rag.
Easily restored down the track, just rub it down with fine sandpaper and give it another coat.
Available from Mitre10 Mega for just over $20 for 500ml, although I have seen it on trademe in larger quantities for abit cheaper.

I've also applied one coat of Haarlem oil, let it dry over night.
Then 4-5 coats thinned down polyurethane (30% turps) rubbed on. I usually wet the whole surface and then buff off with a dry rag.

This process takes some time, but because its rubbed on rather than brushed on, really gives it that hand finished lustre. Also gives it the durability of a poly finish.

[RufflyRustic]

I reckon Rimu would come up a treat with oil finishes and with Shellac as well.

As always, test on a scap piece first.

cheers
Wendy http://www.ubeaut.biz/kiwibird.gif