Finish

[Dave Monk]

As a newbie at scrolling, I have been trying all types of finishes. About the only thing I have not tried is BLO. This is my favorite. You can buy is at Depot or Ace Hardware for about four bucks. I have been using the matt. After two coats it has a nice low shine. Give it a try you might like it. dave

[LarryEA]

BLO mixed with mineral spirits 50/50 - I use this on fretwork for the first couple coats. 

                                                            gives a finished look inside the cuts.

BLO mixed with mineral spirits & poly - Never tried it but want to and will soon.

BLO mixed with poly                           - Never tried it but want to and will soon.

 

The two poly mixes may be the easiest to get a nice finish on fretwork.

 

Meantime I've been using   $3.77 at Walmart

Edited March 7, 2016 by LarryEA

[orangeman]

I haven't tried this but heard about it from a fellow woodworker.

 

50/50 tung oil/mineral spirits; then add 20% Behlen varnish.

 

bb

[Lucky2]

I've been told that by mixing blo with mineral spirits and poly or varnish, you end up with a wop mixture. It's pretty much the same mixture, that you would buy as premixed wop.

 

Len

[lawson56]

I haven' tried nether of them,I have used a brush on minwax clear coat,got to costly.then I started using a spray.I have heard a lot about this blo,may have to give it a try.

[NC Scroller]

I have used the equal parts of BLO/POLY/MS and the TUNG OIL/MS/POLY mixes.  I have also used BLO/MS 50/50.  I do not see a lot of difference in the first two except the price.  If doing the Tung Oil mix you are suppose to use pure Tung Oil which is pricey.  The Tung Oil you buy at Lowes, Home Depot, ACE, etc is a mixture of Tung Oil, MS, Poly and other "stuff".  You can get pure Tung OIl at Woodcraft, Klingspor, and other such places.

 

BLO/MS works fine for projects that do not get handled a lot.  It does not create a hard protective finish.  You need varnish or poly for that.

[Bill WIlson]

I routinely bang the drum for shellac when it comes to discussions on finishing scrollwork.  I've heard of folks using it for dipping, but I've never tried that.  I spray it, either out of a can or with a spray gun & compressor.  It's my go to finish for scrollwork.  Dries very fast, easy to spray, easy to clean up, no lingering odor, nice classic look.

[FranMike Harley]

Great thread. I'm taking notes !!  

[daveww1]

I also have been using shellac for most of my projects, however during the warmer weather I also use lacquer. I spray it outdoor, wouldn't use it in the shop since it's in my basement.

[Denny Knappen]

I use one or two coats of Tung Oil Finish and when dry, follow up with either spray poly or shellac depending on the desired results.

[bandaideman]

Len what does wop stand for. I don't remember seeing that term

[Rob]

I think he means Wipe On Poly(eurothane).

 

Rob

[MrsN]

Dave.

I also use the spray that you pictured, and I love it. It really is clear so it is great for any projects that have been painted or otherwise colored. Shellac and most poly is Amber and yellows paint

[Clayton717]

I have used that spray on many things. It is my preferred finish when spaying something. I also use the matte finish.

[Rob]

I have just bought a can of that Rustoleum 2X to try.  It costs $12.95 here or about $8.75 USD  

 

Rob

[Travis]

As a newbie at scrolling, I have been trying all types of finishes. About the only thing I have not tried is BLO. This is my favorite. You can buy is at Depot or Ace Hardware for about four bucks. I have been using the matt. After two coats it has a nice low shine. Give it a try you might like it. dave

 

I'll have to give that a try.  I personally use Deft Spray Lacquer.  I like the satin finish.  I usually put on 2 or 3 coats, then buff it with a 0000 steel wool.  Then one last coat.  Gives it a nice silky feel.

 

[RangerJay]

Everyone has their own tried and true method.

 

The finishing is pretty much my favourite part of every project.

 

My own is a bit of a marriage between Denny's and Travis's posts.

 

It starts with a single brushed on coat of Tung Oil - followed by at least 3 and often 4 or 5 coats of spray on Minwax Semi-Gloss Polyurethane - gently sanded between each coat - and finally finished with a gentle rubbing of 0000 steel wool that has been impregnated with a quality furniture wax - then polished.

 

The end product has a soft lustre, smooth texture and is about as perfect as you can expect - it turns minor blemishes into the art of a craftsman.  Patiently done this is a finish that is ALWAYS commented on in glowing terms.  Takes a bit of time - but on those special one-of-a-kind pieces it is well worth the effort.

 

 

Jay

Edited March 8, 2016 by RangerJay

[amazingkevin]

As a newbie at scrolling, I have been trying all types of finishes. About the only thing I have not tried is BLO. This is my favorite. You can buy is at Depot or Ace Hardware for about four bucks. I have been using the matt. After two coats it has a nice low shine. Give it a try you might like it. dave

That's the one i use for years .i like it !

[danny]

CHECKED AT HOME DEPOT FOR THE BRAND DAVE MENTIONED....RUST-OLEUM PAINTERS TOUCH 2X. 

 

WAS ....DISCONTINUED....   CRY....   WAS GONNA GIVE IT A TRY....

 

I PERSONALLY LIKE MINWAX CLEAR GLOSS LACQUER....              

 

Danny  :+}

[stoney]

For projects that I use a rattle can spray finish on I like KRYLON crystal clear acrylic.   It is available in gloss, satin, and matt finish.   One feature I really like is the fast drying time 10 minutes or less and the odor seems to be less offensive than lacquer.   It provides a very durable finish and you can complete a finishing job in much less time than some of the other spray finishes.

 

This is not a commercial I just thought I would share what I use that works very well for me.  

Edited March 9, 2016 by stoney

[heppnerguy]

Finishing is a big 'crappy part' for me. I love to cut but don't enjoy finishing. I have tried a lot of things but I almost always displeased with my efforts. i am going to try  some of the above ideas. took notes and we will see what happens next

 

Dick

heppnerguy