fshenkin94
Member
I just started making bowls and need some ideas on finishes. I tried wipe on tung oil, but it doesn' produce the sheen that I'd like. Any suggestions out there?
bowl finish
- Thread starter fshenkin94
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Ron in Drums PA
Member
You didn't say what type of tung oil you used. Not all tung oil finishes are really tung oil.
I like Waterlox in the red can. It is a tung oil, resins and driers mixture. 1-2 coats produce a satin finish, 3-4 coats produce a nice gloss. Problem with this finish is that it gels in the can quickly. I decant the finish into small glass jars and fill up to the brim so there is no room for any air. Waterlox seems to last this way until I finish up the can.
I like Waterlox in the red can. It is a tung oil, resins and driers mixture. 1-2 coats produce a satin finish, 3-4 coats produce a nice gloss. Problem with this finish is that it gels in the can quickly. I decant the finish into small glass jars and fill up to the brim so there is no room for any air. Waterlox seems to last this way until I finish up the can.
rlharding
Member
It depends on what you are intending the bowl to be used for. If it's for food it doesn't need to be glossy and the finish should be food safe, e.g. Mahoney's walnut oil.
If it's to stand and admire you have a host of different options: wipe on poly, buff/poly, poly/buff' poly/buff/wax.
There really are so many finishes so you will need to experiment. There are many, many articles on finishing. Do a search on this and other sites.
If it's to stand and admire you have a host of different options: wipe on poly, buff/poly, poly/buff' poly/buff/wax.
There really are so many finishes so you will need to experiment. There are many, many articles on finishing. Do a search on this and other sites.
Dario
Member
I use and love Minwax "Tung" oil. Works great but you need multiple coats.
Try Beall buffing too...makes a whole lot of difference. Just make sure your finish is fully cured before buffing.
Try Beall buffing too...makes a whole lot of difference. Just make sure your finish is fully cured before buffing.
bobskio2003
Member
As much as I'd like to say there is a nice easy finish out there, that isn't the case. Each has it's pluses and minuses. I tend to like the salad bowl finishes (there are a couple needily available) as they do produce a nice shine after a few coats. My biggest problem with it is that it is very easy to get lace curtains (drip lines) so good lighting is definitely needed. I've also used shellac with some success but to get a really good finish is does require quite a bit of work. Oils are nice but require a fair amount of time to dry/cure before buffing to a sheen. So I guess what I'm trying to say is try different things and see what fits your style of finishing. Bob I.
R2
Member
I have used several different finishes on a variety of bowls, all to good effect.
Shellawax, cellulose nitrate (dries quickly and needs to be worked quickly), and CA but only on small stuff.
I have several friends who spray finish with various propriety finishes like the one and two packs.
Shellawax, cellulose nitrate (dries quickly and needs to be worked quickly), and CA but only on small stuff.
I have several friends who spray finish with various propriety finishes like the one and two packs.