Tassie Oak writing desk

[Photografiti]

I'm currently constructing a tassie oak writing desk for my HSC major work in Industrial technology and would really appreciat it if i could get a bit of advice with regards to finishing.

I recently spoke to a bloke who restores antiques and he suggested that I use a 1:1 mix of Feast Watson fine buffing oil and satin proof and rub that in with fine steel wool.

Will this be suitable? Are there any other finishes that would be durable and/or easy to apply.

Thanks.

[Christopha]

I would suggest that if you want a durable finish for your desk that you use a spray lacquer, while the oil finish is fine for some antiques you will find that it dulls comparatively quickly and will also darken the timber considerably. Spray lacquers are pretty easy to apply and equipment can be reasonably cheap and easy to use. Good luck with your project.

[Photografiti]

what kind of equipment would be needed for spray lacquering?
This is a project for school therefore I dont want to get equipment that i will only use once.

[ozwinner]

Steelwool is a real no no with raw timber that has high tannin content. like Tas Oak

It will make the timber go black in spots. Unless that is the finish you are after?
It is ok to use to smooth down a finish that is already there.

Cheers, Al

[Christopha]

Spray eqipment ? A "handy sprayer" works fine, maybe you have one in the family somewhere, failing that you could visit your local joineries and see if you can ga et any advice/ assistance from them.... Oh, and avoid the steel wool... :eek:

[Photografiti]

Is there anything that i could use as a substitute to the steel wool?
For a spray finish could i just use a finish in an aerosol spray can?

[ozwinner]

There are some sythetic steelwools around.
Try a good paint store.

Al

[Photografiti]

I'll do some tests and compare these two methods.

[Ben from Vic.]

Photographiti,

Cabots sell a lacquer in a spray can, it's called Cabothane (it also comes in tins), I've used it before, it works quite well. Satin would probably look better than Gloss.

It won't need to be rubbed in either. Spray it on, let it dry then give it a light sand. Next coat.

For sanding between coats I'd either use Wet/Dry sandpaper or a fine scotchbrite -type pad (just as good as steelwool. won't affect the timber).

Hope this helps.

Ben.