Dovetail Box #18: Finishing the Box

The finish that Mark described is a relatively easy one to apply. It is designed to be wiped on and the excess is wiped off after setting a few minutes. If you want to do a french polish I would experiment some with scrap since this is a learned technique that does take some time to master. But shellac is an easy repair since it readily redissolves in alcohol or another coat of shellac.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

I would go with a simple varnish, my favorite is Arm-r-seal by general finishes, and you could go before that with Seal a cell (also by general finishes) which the the “Tung Oil” that David marks always refers to in his shows. just put the seal a cell on and let it soak in, then when its dry go back with a few coats of Arm-r-seal. I like to wait until I have two coats of Arm-r-seal on until i start to sand. I usually sand with 600 grit because i only want to knock it down not remove the finish. then i buff with 000# steel wool after the final coat and i get a really nice finish that is smooth, protective, and looks really nice.

I have a habit of using water based poly for most everything.

-- Gary - Never pass up the opportunity to make a mistake look like you planned it that way - Tyler, TX

Shellac is absolutely easy to renew/refresh if necessary. That is one of the great things about shellac – a new layer will easily go over an old one.

You don’t need a whole lot of protection from moisture and such with a box, which is good because that is one of the drawbacks to shellac – poor water resistance.

-- Ethan, http://thekiltedwoodworker.com

I use Waterlox and then wax it to a high shine.

-- "Our past judges our present." JFK - 1962; American Heritage Magazine

I like shellac and use it all the time. It’s easy but does dry fast if put on with the french polish techniques.

-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Appomattox Virginia [email protected] †

Is shellac glossy? Or can you get a matte-type shellac?

-- Eric at https://adventuresinwoodworking.wordpress.com/

I Highly recommend picking up a copy of Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner

This is, to me, the bible of finishing. If I have a question I flip through this and its in there. A bit technical at times, but only in the right places. Explains all the pros and cons for different finishes, plus a lot of the myths that float around.

For a keepsake box, you can’t go wrong with Tung oil… Take a look at my boxes and you be the judge. It is very easy to work with. 100% natural. No alcahol. and provides a durable finish that is easy on the hans and eyes…

-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.

Appreciate the helpful comments! Sounds like a lot of good options out there. Decisions, decisions…

-- Eric at https://adventuresinwoodworking.wordpress.com/