In the attempt towards a romantic valentines gift, I'm making my girlfriend a picture frame. The real effort end of things is that I'm in the process of making this from douglas fir- specifically the sawed off stump of a christmas tree we got together (kinda makes you want to gag, I know). Sawing and sanding has taken approximately forever since I'm attempting to avoid the use of power tools on this one. I really would like to make sure the finished product shows off the beauty of the natural grains in the wood and don't know the best way to go about finishing it. Any suggestions would be quite apreciated.
2007-02-01 13:28:51 · 4 answers · asked by Kelly G 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
If you go to the website Woodcraft.com they have a finish called General finish. That is the brand name, it comes it two parts, Arm-R-Seal, and Seal-A-Cell. The Arm-R-Seal is the top coat, and the Seal-A-Cell you put on first. Between each coat you want to rub it down with 4-000 steel wool, get the kind with no oil in it, the steel wool that is. The Seal-A-Cell you want to put down one coat. The Arm-A-Seal put down as many as you like till you get the finish you want. This is a clear finish, and it really brings out the beauty of the wood. And by the way, that will make a really really nice gift. I do woodworking for a living and I know how much work you have put into in. Good job, and good luck,
If you have other question, just ask. ldbetts2002@yahoo.com.
Doug
2007-02-01 15:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by ldbetts2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I don't know what the first responder is speaking of because there is not a product that is a clear stain. The word stain itself means to leave an indelible mark. As for your question, practice some different techniques with some of the scrap pieces of wood. Put some water-based polyurethane on it to see if you prefer the natural look and/or put a transparent stain on and checkout that look. Solid stains would not be a look you're after I'm sure. In conclusion, the stain color is optional and then seal with a coat of polyurethane, lightly sand, and apply a 2nd coat of polyurethane to complete. Good luck with your project.
2007-02-01 14:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, nice source for your project. (Many brownie points to come from that one!) As for your question, I'm not familiar with douglas fir, but if it is any harder than pine, I would recommend a product called Waterlox. It's a tung oil product with resin suspended in the oil. Originally made for gym floors, I absolutely LOVE this product. Hard to use on soft woods, but excellent for harder projects. Check them out at www.waterlox.com.
2007-02-01 16:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by Shane M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a clear stain allows the nat grain/color to remain and come out. then apply a good quality poly to protect that and it should look real nice.
2007-02-01 13:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by dicky d 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋