Name that finish

[Twist]

I'm working on a project and the attached is the sort of finish I'm after. I'm pretty sure the ends are HBO burnishing. But I'm not sure about the sides, too me it has a finished look with out a wet darkened oiled look. Everything I've tried (Tung, Danish, HBO) seems to darken/wet the wood.

Any thoughts?

[Christos]

Thats quite a contrast in finish.

I am wondering if the surface is actually finished as it might be left raw?

[Twist]

hmmm, I think you might be right.

I guess it survived as a wharf post for over 100 years so there is no real reason to add a finish just because it is coming inside.

Thanks.

[pictureman]

It looks as though it may been lightly brushed and then 20% matt nitro lacquer applied.

[Ubernoob]

Osmo may give a similar appearance, I have never used it but I'm keen to give it a whirl-
Timber Finishes Osmo Austalia

EDIT- A local timber hipster type timber upcycler/reseller uses a product that keeps the wood looking untreated, he won't give out any details though, I believe he imports it.

[turpene]

Not sure, but something like baking soda will age wood quickly for the grey look. Some people use vinegar and steel wool. I think it has to do with the pH of the solution applied reacting to oxidise the wood.

[LGS]

hmmm, I think you might be right.

I guess it survived as a wharf post for over 100 years so there is no real reason to add a finish just because it is coming inside.

Thanks.

I agree with Christos. To me it looks like the wood has been blasted with high pressure water to remove stubborn crabs and mussels, then allowed to dry in a shed somewhere.

As far as HBO goes, the wood seems to be right in color and (from here anyway) smoothness that HBO offers.

Regards,

Rob

[takai]

HBO? Can't finish with a syndicated media station (thats all that Google turns up)

[Ubernoob]

HBO? Can't finish with a syndicated media station (thats all that Google turns up)

Are you asking what Hard Burnishing Oil is? If not, I have no idea what the next bit is about.

[Chesand]

HBO = Hard Burnishing Oil usually Organoil brand

[takai]

Are you asking what Hard Burnishing Oil is? If not, I have no idea what the next bit is about.

Yes. Because HBO gives this HBO

[Ubernoob]

Ahhhh Home Box Office, I do find myself searching for quite a few acronyms used on here, kept seeing SCMS and didn't work out what that was for a while.

[Twist]

I've had some success with HBO and love the look it gives, I seemed to get good results when I did it by hand. But when I try it with the orbital sander a weird thing seems to happen.

1. Sanded to 400g with orbital
2. Applied oil
3. Let dry for 2 hours (very hard wood)
4. Applied another coat oil, let sit 5 min
5. Sanded with same 400g paper (with dust on orbital) I don't seem to get a big slurry but it seems to work
6. Removed excess with paper towel
7. Tried sanding with 800 grit but it goes cloudy, seems to remove the oil
8. Tried sanding with 1200 grit in different spot got the same cloudy effect

You can sort of see it in the attached photo
400g on the left, 800g and higher on the right.

Any thoughts whats going on?

cloudy.JPG

[LGS]

Hi Twist,

WHere did you get your method from? The problem you have is that you wiped the oil off before you had really given it a good burnish. Also, why are you using an orbital sander. no method for Hard Burnishing oil says use an orbital sander. A Random Orbital Sander is specified. In addition, you are leaving the oil for erratic times for no apparent reason.

If you are interested, maybe you could come to my workshop and we can set up the method for you. Send me a PM if you are interested. In the short term maybe you could use this method, without your individual modifications and see if that works.

[Twist]

Hey Rob

Sorry, I should of specified I am using an random orbital sander. I'm following what I think are the manufactures guidelines:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YG5uF5HB7s

I might sand back what I've done and give it another whirl with your technique. The technique I used did work but I feel it could have more of a luster look like in the original photo I posted.

Thanks for the photo's and steps I'll give it a crack and let you know how it goes.

Some mighty fine pieces on you site, well done.