Thread: Ziricote scale finish

This is the first set of scales that I am making from start to finish. I decided to use a turning blank of ziricote due to the patterns that I seen on it, thought that it would make some good looking scales. Started by making the mirrored blanks. then cutting and sanding the basic shape. Now to profile them, finish sand and seal them. My question is what would a good durable finish that would also stay very clear so the natural look of the wood is preserved. I don't want the finish to darken or become cloudy. Thanks in advance for the help.

CA always works for me. It takes some time but the end finish is a thin clear coat. Well, more than just thin.

Nice grain in that. Good eye to find the grain.

Thanks gasman! I was looking at some blanks at woodcraft a little while back but all they had in blanks was for knives which were too short, then I saw the long turning blanks and the grain pattern almost jumped out at me. It started out as a 12"X1 1/2x1 1/2. I was thinking about using CA on them just wasn't sure of how durable it was over time.

Originally Posted by Paul76

Thanks gasman! I was looking at some blanks at woodcraft a little while back but all they had in blanks was for knives which were too short, then I saw the long turning blanks and the grain pattern almost jumped out at me. It started out as a 12"X1 1/2x1 1/2. I was thinking about using CA on them just wasn't sure of how durable it was over time.

CA has a tendency to crack, over time.
Not always, but 98% of the time.
One that stays clear is Polycrylic, by Minwax. It dries fairly fast, but doesn't give the depth to the grain, like Tru Oil.

True Oil, will bring that grain to life, and make them POP!! It will darken some, but the end results are worth it. And for durability... Ha! Its a gun stock finish.
Don't think your gonna find much of anything more durable.

Just a suggestion mind you, Renaissance Wax over the oil finish?


Mike

Outback those do look good. I was only worried about darkening since the ziricote is already a somewhat dark wood. I wasn't wanting the grain pattern to hide. In those pics it seems that the grain colors contrast nicely, and stand out very well.

Mglindo does the renaissance wax darken over time or cloud up? How often does it have to be applied?

Originally Posted by Paul76

Outback those do look good. I was only worried about darkening since the ziricote is already a somewhat dark wood. I wasn't wanting the grain pattern to hide. In those pics it seems that the grain colors contrast nicely, and stand out very well.

Mglindo does the renaissance wax darken over time or cloud up? How often does it have to be applied?

It will remain clear. It can be removed with mineral spirits and the wax reapplied. Great for all types of materials. I just ordered some from Amazon as it is sometimes difficult to find locally.

https://www.theruststore.com/Renaissance-Wax-P235.aspx

Mike

This is my favorite, for TruOil, and polyurethane, finishes.

I lightly sand the finish with 0000 steel wool, then the polish, followed with the Jubilee, kitchen wax.

I like this great project and it's looking awesome.

Here’s some more progress pics of the scales and tang covers. I decided to use the tru oil because it made the grain jump out better, then gave it a light sanding and started on the poly wash coats. I then went to just poly. I went with the polished nickel silver bullseye washers and stainless pinstock. The stainless pins were pretty tough to peen but seemed to turn out ok after taking my time.



Thanks for looking and also for all the help and advice!