What is a suitable finish for Blackheart Sassafras?

[I_wanna_Shed]

Hello Everyone,

I am making a pendulum clock out of Blackheart Sassafras, and am upto the finishing stage. What do people recommend for use on Blackheart?

I am after a glossy finish, but not too reflective (if that makes sense). That is, I want to highlight the black bits, but not have the clock reflecting alot of light off it.

All I've got at the moment is a tin of Cabot's Satin Gloss, Ubeaut Shellawax Glow, and EEE Ultra Shine.

Your help is much appreciated. I'll post some pics when its finished.

Cheers,
Nathan.

[RufflyRustic]

Hi Nathan,

I've found Organoil and Sass go well together. However, rubbing the oil in on a clock may be more difficult than it's worth.

Other suggestions:
UBeaut's white shellac
or
Wipe on Poly

cheers
Wendy

[rsser]

If the piece has strong colour differences IMO an oil finish will just exaggerate them and darken the light timber unpleasantly.

I'd go with Wendy's suggestion of white shellac, with a topcoat of wax. For Huon and other light timbers I use nitrocellulose sealer with wax over the top but that's mainly since I have the sealer already and because I like to start with a flat lustre and control the degree of gloss with the wax.

HTH.

[finishfaction]

I agree with earlier posts. Use either white or super blonde shellac. Good luck!

[rsser]

FWIW the pic is of spalted BH sassy ... finished with n/c sanding sealer and a light wax coat.

Anything more glossy in my view would just detract from the figure.

[ptc]

EEE and ubeaut traditional wax.
Why not ask the boss man ?

[Chesand]

I have used our sponsors Hard Shellac polished with EEE Ultrashine and Trad Wax.
Gives a great sheen and highlights the colours