huon pine

[pcwarner]

recently visited Tasmania. Purchased some Houn pine pieces which I want to turn into coasters and hot pot boards. How do I finish them off, and what do I use to stain and seal? Any advice?

[ptc]

You do not stain HUON!

[pcwarner]

how do I finish off the huon pine to that it will be preserved?

[ptc]

AS the owner of this forum would sugest :

PS I usually finish huon pine with our Dewaxed White Shellac and Traditional Wax. Won't stop the darkening or preserve the smell but initially it won't darken the timber any more than wetting it down with water, it will protect and enhanse the grain, looks and feels great, without giving a high gloss plastic look to the timber.
http://www.ubeaut.com.au/ubhome.htm

[rsser]

Huon is pretty soft and I'd guess wouldn't stand up too well to hotpots irrespective of finish.

With coasters I'd just use nitrocellulose sanding sealer. Not sure about the wax; it may show water rings.

[echnidna]

Don't use shellac on coasters.
It doesn't like heat on it or alcohol spilling on it.

Use lacquer or Cabots water based clear floor finish.

[Ashore]

how do I finish off the huon pine to that it will be preserved?

The natural oils in the huon is a natural preserver as to a finish I made some coasters years ago and used organoil and havent had to recoat yet
the advice on the hotpots is some to follow it doesn't need much heat to scorch huon