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Oil-Varnish blend on cherry/sycamore bookcase

Oil-Varnish blend on cherry/sycamore bookcase (post #169661)

woodworker417 on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 21:05

Finishing

I will shortly be finishing a bookcase made of cherry with sycamore panels.... i'm planning on sanding everything to 180 and then apply perhaps 3 coats of an oil/varnish blend, sanding lightly only after the first coast, and then buffing everything with past wax. Does this process make sense? Should I be doing anything differently? thank you for any feedback...

What oil/varnish are you (post #169661, reply #1 of 4)

by HowardAcheson in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:46

What oil/varnish are you planning to use? One of the store bought brands (Watco, Minwax, etc) or one you mix up yourself?

The application schedule is to apply a coat of the oil/varnish liberally and keep wet for 15-20 minutes. Then wipe off all the excess finish. Come back every 15-20 minutes and re-wipe if there is any bleed back. Once wiped, let it dry overnight and then do the same thing the next day. This time, rub in the oil/varnish using 3/0 steel wool and rubbing in the direction of the grain. Let it set 15-20 minutes and wipe off all the excess. Now let it dry 48 hours before using. Paste wax adds nothing to the finish but if you want to apply it, let the item fully dry for a week.

The varnish in the oil/varnish mixture will effectively seal the surface and pores of the and more than two applications will lead to a soft, gummy surface. Two coats is enough.

Howie.........

Howie -- thanks very much! I (post #169661, reply #2 of 4)

by woodworker417 in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:23

Howie -- thanks very much! I am using a home made mixture, 1/3 pure tung oil, 1/3 mineral spirits, 1/3 P&L 38 satin varnish.

Can I use a synthetic pad instead of 000 steel wool?

do i need to sand at all between coats?

I will forget about the paste wax in this case.

Thanks again for your help!

Best, tony.

>>>> Can I use a synthetic (post #169661, reply #3 of 4)

by HowardAcheson in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Sat, 01/28/2012 - 08:45

>>>> Can I use a synthetic pad instead of 000 steel wool?

Yes, use a green Scotchbrite pad.

>>>> do i need to sand at all between coats?

No sanding is required. The Scotchbrite will slightly abrade and smooth the surface. Remember, an oil/varish mixture finish is used when you want to end up with the look and feel of the wood rather than a glass, plastic enclosed surface.

Howie.........

Hi Howie -- Thanks for all (post #169661, reply #4 of 4)

by woodworker417 in reply to woodworker417 [original] on Sat, 01/28/2012 - 19:22

Hi Howie --

Thanks for all the help... I now have 2 coats following the above process and it looks nice... exactly how it is "suppossed" to look, I believe -- but its leaving me a bit underwhelmed... Now i'm looking for a bit more sheen... so, can i follow up the 2 coats of an oil/varnish blend with a straight wiping varnish? if so, would that give the piece a bit more shine? I think i sort of anticipated this which is why i was originally planning on buffing the piece with paste wax... i guess i thought it would add a final sheen... but i know that wasn't correct... anyway, thx for any further thoughts...

thanks!

tony.