Best finish for memory boxes???

[Kevin Wells]

Hi all,

I am working on a series of eight memory boxes that I was asked to build (well I was asked to build 7 but the first is my prototype and test piece). As each of the bases were clamped up this weekend, I began to think about what finish to use?

These are the first boxes that I have made that will be used. I need something clear and durable. I have thought about Poly as well as Shellac, but not sure which would be better for the long haul. I imagine most of the boxes will get filled and then placed on a shelf or table as a display.

I've never used shellac though its been on my "list" for quite a while. The boxes are made of red oak and Baltic birch with red cedar & walnut inlays.

What is your recommendation? Would you use one of these two or something else entirely?

Kevin

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Kevin Wells
Chuckin' Wood
www.chuckinwood.com

[Harry Brink]

The music boxes I made out of oak, I used BLO and then used a rattle can of Lacquer. The BLO made the grain pop and the lacquer made it shine and protected them.

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Harry Brink
Bulldog Woodworking
Montana

[Mike Davis]

If you finish the inside it really needs to be shellac so it won't make the papers smell like solvent. The outside could be just about any finish. I like the 1/3 BLO, 1/3 Varnish and 1/3 mineral spirits mix because I can wipe it on and let it set in the shop while I work on other projects. Just about anything else I have to keep in a clean, dust free place while it dries. But, anything that will be handled a lot I use polyurethane. 

[Gene Howe]

+1, Mike.

A couple or 3 coats of the wipe on formula you cited is what I use. Seems to hold up well. The Varnish I use is McCloskys "Man O War" It's pretty tough.

Mike Davis said:

If you finish the inside it really needs to be shellac so it won't make the papers smell like solvent. The outside could be just about any finish. I like the 1/3 BLO, 1/3 Varnish and 1/3 mineral spirits mix because I can wipe it on and let it set in the shop while I work on other projects. Just about anything else I have to keep in a clean, dust free place while it dries. But, anything that will be handled a lot I use polyurethane. 

[John Moody]

I use Shellac on a lot of things as a sealer and then spray General Finishes Enduro Var. It comes in semi-gloss or gloss and puts a nice hard finish on the outside. Enduro Var was used on Bowling ally lanes when they were actually maple. For small projects, you can get Shellac in spray cans at BORG stores and I have also used DEF to spray them with out of a can.

And of course you can use the Poly but as Mike said, I would think about just the Shellac on the inside so it doesn't leave an order that things might pick up as it dries.

I have also done as Harry mentioned and used BLO and DEF over the top of it. Give is a nice clear finish. I think the BORG stores carry DEF and I know I have gotten it at Hobby Lobby.

If you are going to put a top coat over the Shellac, get the unwaxed Shellac.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

[Kevin Wells]

One question...what's DEF?

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Kevin Wells
Chuckin' Wood
www.chuckinwood.com

[Mike Davis]

I think he meant Deft, it is a brand of spray finish.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deft-1-Aerosol-Gloss-Interior-Clear-Wood-Finish-Lacquer-01013/100204936#.Ui4zfEY-l_4

http://www.deftfinishes.com/trade/products

[John Moody]

Thanks, Mike, my bad. You are correct. Sometimes my mind and fingers are not on the same link.

Mike Davis said:

I think he meant Deft, it is a brand of spray finish.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deft-1-Aerosol-Gloss-Interior-Clear-Wood...

http://www.deftfinishes.com/trade/products

[DRAGON1]

WATERLOX!!!!