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Finish for a display bowl

M

Mark Motquin

Joined
Jan 9, 2012
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Location
Green Bay, Wi
Hello everyone, I'm a newbie, I've been turning for one year this month and am addicted. The question I have is what do you guys think of just buffing and then a coat of renaissance wax for a display bowl. The look is great but I don't know how it will hold up? I like the look of the natural wood, I've used tongue oil and on lighter wood like Box Elder it seems to darken the wood, I've also tried hand rubbed poly with good results but I still like the natural look.
I've got a ton more questions but I'll start here, thanks for any help
 
Hi Mark,

I am a big fan of Waterlox. I usually give a display piece 6 or 7 coats 24 hours apart. It will really build a good finish. But to me the trick is to give it time to really cure. I usually wait at least a month before I buff it with the Beall system.

I am like most turners, I want it to be fast and move on to the next piece, but I have found that this is the wrong way of thinking. The finish is the thing that takes the most time. And it will be the thing that takes a piece to the next level.

I have some pieces that are 7 or 8 years old that look as good as the day I finished them.

Here is one that is finished with Waterlox.

Dave
 

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Mark, My understanding from others is that a spray fixative will not change the color and pretty much all else will to some degree. I use a vast number of different woods. My darker woods like koa I want the depth that a thinned poly or varnish can give it. I use a thinned poly. Your prevoius poster has it right also. I use a kiln to dry my work then let it acclimate for a few days before I buff and wax. Some very light woods I just put up with the color change as a fixative wont give the protection in the wood pores I want. I figure they may get used. Also for me at my house mold growing on anything is a problem. The only piece we have that has had no problem is a Betty Scarpino bleached work with no finish. She did not neutralise the bleach.
I am adding a bit more as Dave let me know I also did not answer your direct question. It would hold up well in a dry climate. If you are the one to keep it and dont mind coming back to it now and again for a bit of a buff and wax give it a try. Thats why I mentioned the fixative. It will at least give a bit of better protection that just the wax. But the wax is a great idea also. I use it on almost everything I do. Holds up to fingerprints very well.
 
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I have several bowls that are 15-20 years old, where the original, and only, finish was paste wax. After only a couple years, the gloss disappears, and they turn into a flat finish...albeit a waxed one. Wiping a new coat of wax will bring back SOME of the luster, but not all. Bottom line, paste wax (whatever the brand) is a good, renewable finish that anyone can apply and can restore a bit of the luster.
 
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