How do you properly finish walnut wood projects?
I am making a walnut sewing box for my dad for christmas and need some suggestions on how would be a good way to finish it with either stain or varathane.
Stains provide no protection or gloss to bring out the figure of the walnut. My prefered finishing technique for walnut is to apply two layers of Watco Danish oil natural color according to the manufacturers instructions, then after drying for 72 hours I apply one or two coats of High Gloss Polyurethane Varnish. After the last coat of varnish has cured for 5 days I apply a thin layer of clear Briwax, paste wax. This procedure will provide the ultimate beauty and durability for the finish. The danish oil brings out the figure of the wood, the polyurethane protects it from moisture and scratches, and the wax provides a wear surface over the polyurethane that can be easiely renewed. It is likely the most complex finishing process that you will be given, but I find it to be well worth the effort. I have developed this procedure over the course of several walnut projects.
Also, I know that you won't be able to complete the entire procedure by Christmas, but you will be able to get a good start to it and it is worth it for your dad.
I like to buy supplies from Woodcraft http://woodcraft.com
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