What finish for huon pine?

[huonpiner]

Hi.
I have just finally finished a queensize bed out of Huon that has taken me a long time to make and really want to give it the best finish I possibly can. I really want something that will resist the huon from going dark/orange. I think this is called 'yellowing'???

I was going to use Intergrain Ultraclear but thought I get everyones opinions before I did.

I'd also like to retain the beautiful huon pine smell. So does anyone know of a finish that keeps huon from darkening and losing its aroma?

Also, I've been sanding it with wet and dry but have recently been told that this will make the wood come up black when finish is applied...is this correct?

[ubeaut]

I haven't used it but I believe there is a product called Huon Pine Oil. In theory this should be the best thing for keeping the colour and smell, initially. The colour will darken and the smell will go in a short time and to my knowledge there is nothing that will stop it.

You may find it better to use white or cream aluminium oxide or silicon carbide abrasive on the huon to be sure you don't get any greying of the timber which is usually made not so much by the wet & dry but because the timber isn't cleaned down properly prior to applying the finish.

I have fine sanded lots of Huon over the years with wet & dry and never had a problem with blackening the timber. Don't be tempted to do like many do and use steel wool. You will get a lot worse than blackening if you do.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers - Neil

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

[behindblueeyes]

Huon,

From what I understand, Intergrain Ultra clear wont yellow too much, but you will most likely lose that aroma.

[huonpiner]

Thanks for your help guys. Keep the tips coming.