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?

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.

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

I did a George Butler Shakespeare razor in Ziricote, and just sanded/buffed it up and buffed in several coats of paste wax. To be honest, I like Mike's results with Tru Oil much better! Gotta try that stuff.
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I admit that Mike's finish does work nicely and ive done this with great results. I've also done CA and havent had any cracking but my CA is not real old just yet. If your worried about darkening, do a test piece on one of the scraps.