finishing for a cherry sculpture

tobraoin · #1 09-12-2007, 05:21 PM

Anyone have any ideas for reducing blotching for cherry. I am going to use a danish oil finish, but want to keep blotching to a minimum. Was thinking of using a washcoat to partially seal, then apply danish oil finish. Has anyone tried this before? any ideas/tips give us a shout. happy days

Mitchell · #2 09-12-2007, 06:37 PM

I'd try a test piece first.....I don't know if the danish oil will work very well over a washcoat (of what?).... I just use a polyurethane coat (or two) on the cherry that I use as bases.

BTW - moved it the the "Finishing" forum......

Alice in Wonderland · #3 09-12-2007, 07:13 PM

I have finished Fruit wood including cherry mostly with BLO. let it sit for 20 minutes wipe it off, and wait until the smell is gone and then finish with waterbourne varnish. Satin or what ever you like. Sometimes I will smooth it with steelwool( not the wirestuff) and wax , it all depends what you look for.Cherry witl naturally change color eventuel it dos not matter what you use it will turn a beautiful color.
Alice

tobraoin · #4 09-13-2007, 06:10 AM

Mitchell i was thinking of using a 5% polyurethane washcoat so it doesn't darken the piece too much. I think it is ok to apply an oil finish on top of a poly. wash but want to see if anyone has used this technique before Thanks for sticking it in the right forum, much appreciated

nadcarves · #5 12-02-2007, 09:45 PM

I have used Deft on cherry carvings for years. If a repair or touch up is required, the Deft blends in and forms a continuous surface/one coat. Urethanes make a lot of coats, one each time you spray..I also have had no problem with the cherry turning color differently or not blending...cordially NAD

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #6 12-03-2007, 07:41 AM

I have not done a lot of cherry, just a few handles for knives etc and didn't have a problem with "blotching", Cherry does get darker with age however. I use Deft lacquer spray for just about everything. If I am staining pine, or basswood....I use min-wax pre-stain sealer beforehand.

aulddiy · #7 12-03-2007, 05:12 PM

I've used cherry and steamed pear in ship modelling. I do n't know if ether can have the change in colouring as they age. Personally I like the ages look. But then I would.
I do n't know what exactly blotching is . If in a knife handle I leave it unfinished. On the models Danish oil but in small quantity just enough to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.