Finish for Red Silkwood

[maldotcom2]

Hello

This is my first post on these forums. I'm hoping for some advice from you professionals. I'm currently in high school doing a prelim HSC course in wood tech and one of my projects is a small table made out of Red Silkwood.

In the way of finishes, what would be my best bet? To use one of the schools finishes like instant estapol type products, oils etc. Or should i go out and buy something in particular? As you probably know it's quite a softish wood and i would like a finish that's going to be durable enough to resist damage from knocks etc. I'd also like something that will be easy for an amateur to apply and get good results. I'm not interested in paints or stains either.

Could anyone recommend something? Thanks.

[silkwood]

It's just because I'm a little embarrassed, must be something to do with those stains!

Cheers,

[ozwinner]

it's quite a softish wood and i would like a finish that's going to be durable enough to resist damage from knocks etc. .

The finish wont make the timber any harder, it will still dent or scratch through the finish.
Well, thats how I think it would work, I may be wrong.

Al

[Auld Bassoon]

G'day Silkwood!

The finish will depend to quite a degree on how much wear & tear the item will receive.

For many timbers I prefer Danish Oil (eg Cabot's) followed by the forum host's excellent uBeaut wax. As an alternative, I also use either blonde or hard shellac (also from uBeaut).

Personally I try and avoid polyurethane for furniture or other 'better' pieces.

As Al says though, no furniture grade finish will eliminate the risks of major knock/bash damage, but the shellac finish does offer a pretty good level of protection and the hard type will also protect against (mild) heat and dampness.

[maldotcom2]

Thanks for the comments, didnt really understand your post silkwood. I might get some of that Hard Shellac and do a test with that on a scrap peice. I'll also test polyurethane. Would i be correct in saying those would be my only options?

Being a table i believe i can rule out oils/waxes?

The finish will depend to quite a degree on how much wear & tear the item will receive.

The surface will need to withstand hot and cold glasses/plates and possibly spills. I believe shellac and poly will do this.