Burnishing two different shades of timber

[Bilge]

Hi,
This is my first ever post so I hope I get it right. I have made a coffee table using Jarrah and across it I have inlaid a "swirl" of Tassie Oak. The swirl ranges in width from 9 to 18cms. The other day I saw a demo of Organoil and I thought that this table would look really good using the Hard Burnishing oil that they have. However I am concerned that by following the burnishing technique of leaving the sanding dust on the paper, that the dark colour of the Jarrah is going to spread into the lighter colour of the Tassie Oak. Is this likely to happen and if so would I be better off using something like their Interior Clear Finishing oil which is, I believe, just brushed/ragged on?

Bilge

[ChrisH]

Hi Bilge

I can't answer your specific question, but I have found Organoil very good people to talk to. Go to www.organoil.com.au and click on the email link.

I have used Organoil Woodguard and Exterior Oil, and love the stuff. I'd buy it for the smell alone.

Chris.

[Bilge]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the info. I took your advice and emailed Organoil however they haven't as yet replied. I may just have to experiment with some offcuts and work it out for myself.

Cheers,
Bilge

[Neil]

Just my personal opinion but I think you would probably muddy the finish. Not only could you lay down a pink hue over the oak but you may also muddy up the Jarrah with the lighter coloured Oak dust. You may also find a problem with the sanding creating ridges between the 2 timbers, as they will sand down at different rates.

This wouldn't be a noticable difference under normal circumstances, but the extra sanding needed to make the oil work properly could cause a problem.

I think you have the right idea. Try it on a some scrap first. Also be aware if you use Organoil that you must follow the instructions to the letter or you will never get the same finish as they do in the demo's. If you haven't got a good random orbital sander or attachment for an angle grinder then forget it.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers - Neil.