Best finish for Jarrah

[SteveH]

Gidday all,

Looking at finishing a piece of Jarrah on an upcoming Wine Rack.

Main question is how do you get a mirror finish with Jarrah. I am mainly concerned with the top of the rack as it will serve as small table top for crystal wine glasses, so I would like the timber to match the sparkle of whats on top.

Looking at using shellawax cream - any other thoughts?

cheers - Steve

[This message has been edited by SteveH (edited 13 December 2002).]

[Mick4412]

Sand it properly - at least 1200 grit, then French Polish it, sanding very lightly between shellac applications
Mick

[Shane Watson]

WOW! 1200g?? Thats a bit over the top unless your used to using oil finish's.

If you plan on using Shellawax then just follow Neils directions and you can't go wrong. French Polishing probably isn't such a good idea as the likly hood of moisture being brough into contact with the finish will be higher than normal and lets face it shellac dosn't really like moisture.

CHeers
Shane.

[ubeaut]

There are probably better finishes for what you want than Shellawax.

You might do better using shellac and wax, or polyurethane and EEE-UltraShine, or lacquer and UltraShine etc. etc.

Cheers - Neil

PS you can use Shellawax if you like, it's up to you. If you do decide to use it, let us know how you get on.

[Mick4412]

Can't understand the reluctance to French Polishing.
Sure, it is not stain / water resistant, but, train the users -"Don't put that wet glass on my table"
or do what I have done, turned a multitude of coasters, stained them to match, and make the buggers use them
Mick

[SteveH]

Train the users eh Mick, that made me smile as I thought about the type of responses my users would give me - **** off, get ******, **** you etc..... But thanks for the tip any way.

Doorstops version of finishing would probably be better suited to my 'clientele', but as I'm in no rush I'll have to think a bit more. Any suggestions on the better brands of lacquer or polyurethane?

The shellawax cream still appeals to me as I haven't used it before, and all the hype I have read about finishes that will 'knock your socks off' with u-beaut products has me intruiged enough to want to see it for myself.

Keep the suggestions coming though as it will give me plenty to think about come decision time!

cheers - Steve

[Eastie]

I'd be inclined to go with U's hard shellac.
I've tried it over the last couple of months and given it a good test on a workbench top and a couple of small pieces. Stands up to all it's claims. If you are keen on shellawax cream try it over a base of shellac, similar to Neils recent wax/shellac article in the oz wood review mag. I've done similar with good results. I also opt to sand to 1200+ for pieces that I want to shine. Quoting from past advice I got(neil/shane?) "I've never had a finish fall off because of sanding to 1200+"

Good luck with it.
Eastie

[DPB]

Steve, when the man himself makes a recommendation to use a product other than one he makes himself, it would be wise to heed his words.

A finish is good only if it suits the application. Neil has suggested "polyurethane and EEE-UltraShine, or lacquer and UltraShine".

Either of these would be my choice.



------------------
Woodchuck Canuck
Good luck is the residue of good planning!

[Rich]

I built a solid Jarrah bar and finished the top with a 2 pack finish.
(bunnings) It is mixed together and brushed on the sides firstly to build up a "dam wall". This allows the top coat to be poured on to "self level". You then require Co2 (carbon dioxide) to remove any air bubbles (and there WILL be air bubbles)I used a small blow torch to remove and now have a "glass like" finish on bar top about 1-1.5mm thick! It captures everyones eye. It's very durable, long lasting and I've never finished a piece with the level of finish that this has! (Read instructions carefully as you only get 1 go at it!!)
From memory it was reasonably expensive (sold packaged together A + B pack) but after seeing the end result I would have paid 3 times that to get it!
Good Luck,
Regards Rich.

[DPB]

Rich, I think most of us prefer the beauty of wood not plastic!

[Mick4412]

Go for the French Polish
Mick
I have just completed two more Pedestal Tables, and have had clients / recipients ( even my relatives pay for the materials ) round for the Xmas cheer - they have no problem using coasters to protect the French Polish
Mick

[This message has been edited by Mick4412 (edited 16 December 2002).]

[soundman]

Mirortone have some realy funky lackers if you can perswade someone to part with the small quantities you need.

or common or garden automotive clear acrillic lacker sprayed of corse.