Finishing baskets

[Millwab]

I thought I’d give basket making a try. For those of you who cut them, how do you finish them?  Do you pre finish the rings before gluing them up or apply your finish after it’s together?  Appreciate your input. 

[WayneMahler]

I have assembled mine then applied the finish. I use an oil finish on them and seems to work out for me.

[OCtoolguy]

What Wayne said. Here's a pick of the only bowl I've made to date. It's been watco'd. I also shot a coat of Zinnser's shellac at it but after the pic was taken.

[Denny Knappen]

I always finish after glue up.

[Millwab]

Ray, I could see where that type of bowl would be a pretty straight forward finish. I was thinking more along the line of a "basket weave" type pattern. 

[Dan]

I agree with everyone else, glue up first then finish. 

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Millwab said:

Ray, I could see where that type of bowl would be a pretty straight forward finish. I was thinking more along the line of a "basket weave" type pattern. 

I'd still do the glue-up first. I'm not sure how well the glues we all use will stick to the finished surfaces. Most of our finishes have oil in them and the glues depend on soaking into the wood fibers.

Edited July 16, 2022 by OCtoolguy