Best non oil based finish?

[DustyKnives]

Hi gang..

I'm looking for the best non oil-based finish for basswood projects.. I like the finished look of BLO and others, but need to steer away from combustible products for the peace of mind. Is there a good alternative that you'd recommend?

Thanks,
Dusty

[Goody]

We use JW Rightstep Varnish a lot. I have been experimenting with General finishes woodturners varnish and so far like it a lot. Both products raise the grain and brown bagging it smooths it right down.
Goody

[DustyKnives]

Thanks Goody.. I'll take a look? Quick newbie question.. What's the brown bagging process?

Thanks,
Dusty

[Claude]

Get a brown paper grocery bag, wad up a piece of it, then use it to rub the carving like you would a piece of sandpaper. There is just enough coarseness to the paper to remove the little dust specks and slightly raised wood fibers. Buffs the carving to a nice sheen.

Claude

[Tommy Taylor]

Thanks Goody and Claude,I needed that explanation too.

[Goody]

Originally Posted by Tommy Taylor

Thanks Goody and Claude,I needed that explanation too.

Sorry Us old timers forget stuff. Its just so second nature to me I forgot about newbies not haveing done it before.
Did I mention us old timers forgetting Stuff
Whats this CRS stuff.
I take pills for CRS
Maybe I need My dosage adjusted
Did I mention us old timers forgetting stuff
Goody

[DustyKnives]

LOL!!

Thanks for the input guys.. Your help is very much appreciated.

Dusty

[flyfisher]

For the past 2 years I have been using clear and/or amber toned shellac mixed 1:1 with alcohol. Multiple coats give a hard, shiny finish while a single coat sets the acrylic color. I have not tried shellac with oils, however.
Shellac cleans up easily and has a pleasant odor

[Bob K.]

I like polyurethene in either satin or semi-gloss, depending on the finish I am looking for. I also like Krylon clear matte acrylic spray finish for most of my caricatures.