Thread: Wood finishes?

I recently started making scales from wood and, as I haven't done this sort of stuff at all before, need to know what to finish it with.

So far I know of the cyanoacrylate finishing that gives it that nice glossy look. I had some CA around so, this is the one I'm trying at the moment; but, I was wondering what else you guys recommend for finishing/protecting/polishing/whatevering woods?

I've been poking around the finishing category of the Lee Valley tool website, and they seem to have various finishes. I'll probably get one, but I just don't know exactly what the results are like, so I am yet undecided.
From the descriptions, the Tung oil sounds nice. Is it? Also, there are 3 different types, which one would be best?
Also the Polymer coating sounds neat too. Sounds like it would leave a finish similar to that of CA. 1L is more than I need though, and a little pricey.

I use dutch oil, maybe two coats, buffing in between with #0000 wire wool. Then I use Briwax high quality wood wax to finish to a glossy sheen.

On Cocobola I only use wax, the oil won't soak in to the wood.

I don't bother with super-glue.

Gary

finishing wax is another
regards peter

I think Vlad mentioned in his wood blanks thread that he uses polymerized tung oil sealer.

Use the Polymerized Tung Oil Sealer for one or two coats. Then you can use the straight Polymerized Tung Oil (not the sealer version) for a very glossy finish. You can also mix the Sealer and Oil together in certain ratios for certain finishes. (Matte, semi-gloss, full gloss). Lee Valley will give you an info sheet with all the info and ratios.

Do not get the pure tung oil unless you have experience using it. The polymerized versions are much easier to work with. They will give you a good finish which is stonger than schellac and just as resistant to water/oil/alcohol/abrasion as a good quality synthetic.

Thanks shavethebadger. I think I'll be heading out to lee valley again tomorow, so I'll probably pickup one of each... wallet is perpetually becoming lighter.

With Cocobolo you can seal the wood with Shellac first. then I have used Rennisance Wax as a finish. I believe Bill Ellis has also used this wax. It is very good. Just be sure to let the wax harden before you buff it.

What do you do if you want more of a satin finish?