Need finish idea

I'm going to tackle making some grinders with Spectraply blanks. I'm not sure of what finish to use, friction polish, some kind of poly like Deft, or ???? I would appreciate some ideas.
Thank you
Danny

 

I use and recommend Bartley Clear Stain/Varnish.

https://woodworker.com/gel-varnish-mssu-875-212.asp

I see they are out of stock for the time being, but the product is easy to use and reliable. Wipe on, wipe off, buff by hand, let cure 6 hours, and repeat for a total of 3 coats. No sanding needed between coats in my experience, and my shop is not particularly dust free. The finish is a fully curing film which is satin sheen. I believe it is a mix of alkyd resin and polyurethane.

 

Mark.... Thank you, unfortunately they can't ship to the wonderful state of Cali.

 

I don't consider any friction polishes to be an appropriate finish for anything with hard use. Can you get any varnishes in California?

 

Yes HD has some. I've used spray on Urethane on some wood projects.

 

Danny, I don't know if Ace Hardware is doing business In CA, but here they carry finishes that the big box outfits don't carry

 

YES they are, I buy some of Traeger Smoker needs there. Do you have a recommendation?
THANKS
Danny

 

With your limitations in Cali, I'd probably go with a clear coat acrylic. Krylon is one to look for. Sometimes these are marketed as acrylic lacquer, but they don't have any lacquer (nitrocellulose) in them. These are "water" clear finishes that won't yellow with age.

You could go with an oil modified poly (water based), but they will impart an amber tone that you may not be happy with on the spectraply.

 

Danny, that is the only place that sells Antique Oil. It should do a job on the grinders but you probably need 5-6 coats depending on the look you want. Allyn

 

THANKS to all for the help. Decisions decisions decisions......

 

For something handled as much as a grinder, a film finish is my choice. I use a "regular" gloss polyurethane, diluted 1:1 with mineral spirits, and apply as a wipe-on. I buff with 0000 steel wool between coats, and find that 3 coats provides a nice finish, without it looking plasticized. If you want a crystal clear film finish, water based poly will do the job. I've never used it as a wipe-on; I don't know if it can be diluted.

 

Ed... THANKS. I think I will try the water based poly. Hopefully I can do it right.

 

Time for a trip to Nevada ;-)