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22nd October 2005, 02:52 PM #1
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Finishing and grain filling red cedar
Hi. I'm about to finish a project in Aus. red cedar and am wondering about the best way to finish it. In the past, I have just put on several coats of varnish, sanding back between each one. I am quite happy with the gloss level going this way, and I also prefer the way it darkens the timber as this is the effect I want. My problem is that the grain is fairly porous and this is showing through - the top coat is dimpled where the grain is (I presume) sucking up the varnish.
I did a search (of course) and saw that others have recommended using shellac. My questions are:
1. does the shellac have grain filling properties. If not, how do I fill the grain. Because of the shape of the object, doing a large number of coats and rubbing back between is not practical. I dont mind doing two or three coats, but not more.
2. should I put varnish over the shellac. If I dont, will the shellac finish be durable? Also, will the shellac finish darken the wood -I want it quite dark so it matches other furniture.
3. is there any other recommendation for finishing cedar?
thanks
Arron
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23rd October 2005, 07:14 AM #2
Hewer of wood
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You really need Neil's bible on this, but here goes:
1. Not much. You do need multiple coats. A grain filler like Timbermate could be used after the first wash coat of shellac.
2. Ordinary shellac will darken the wood - spray on a bit of water and then imagine one shade darker to get an idea. Hard shellac is reasonably durable, esp. when finished with a quality wax over the top.
3. Some pro's spray on varnish (or lacquer, not sure which) - must be quicker.
Shellac is the trad. finish for our cedar. I find it easy to use but not so easy to get a good finish with - but then I only brush it on.Cheers, Ern
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23rd October 2005, 08:46 PM #3
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So if shellac doesnt fill grain, changes the colour of the wood, isnt very durable and isnt very easy to apply then what advantages does it have over varnish ? Doesnt sound like it has any ?
I assume a product like timbermate would change the look of the timber substantially - giving it a muddy look - is that so ?
thanks
Arron
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24th October 2005, 08:40 AM #4
Hewer of wood
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Timbermate can be diluted a bit and used as a grain filler. Wipe across the grain so very little is left.
Although if you're prepared to build up with a finish as you suggested you shouldn't need it. You might need to brush across the grain or wipe on a few coats to help fill it.
Advantages to shellac? If it was an antique you wanted to restore, I guess it's the expected finish. It can be made quite durable with a ubeaut hard shellac top coat or two. In expert hands it can produce a deep lustrous finish.
But it's a lot of work. Go for varnish by all means. If you wanted to deepen the colour of the cedar, a coat or two of dilute shellac will do it and make your piece look more like people expect cedar to look.Cheers, Ern
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24th October 2005, 09:35 AM #5
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Great, thanks for clarifying that.
Arron
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24th October 2005, 09:58 AM #6
Originally Posted by Arron
For fine work, I would choose shellac over varnish any day. The look and feel of shellac is far more interesting.Have a nice day - Cheers
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