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Waterproof Finishes

Joined
Apr 28, 2009
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I am going to make some "champagne glasses" out of walnut and would like to find out what type of finish I should put on them. These "champagne glasses" will also have some stenciling on them so the finish will need to cover and protect the stenciling.

Typically I use lacquer for most of my projects. However, I don't know if lacquer will stand up to constant contact with liquid. I am concerned that an oil finish may not hold up either and it may smudge the stencils. Any ideas?
 
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
105
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Location
Maryland
Marine grade epoxy would be my first suggestion. I have heard that some folks use a polyurethane based finish with good results.
 
Joined
Mar 24, 2006
Messages
64
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Location
Beresford, South Dakota
Eldon, I've made a lot of goblets and all were made for use. For the inside I used locktite 2-ton epoxy from walmart. Has a slow set up time so I was able to work it plus it pumps out equal amounts from each tube (no guess work). I use a wood handled foam brush, the plastic ones break. Just don't play with the epoxy too much or the brush will fill it with small bubbles. 1 bush one goblet then start over.

On my walnut pieces I would start with just a little mixed with crushed turquoise and put a small puddle in the bottom, just enough to form a 1/2 inch or so circle or dot (it'll flatten out). Let it completely dry before applying the rest of the epoxy. Anything light colored will work just keep it pleasant to look at. It will help reflect the light when finishing the inside and save you from having to put a second coat on after you find that small spot you missed!

Sand it smooth on the inside and use a tacky cloth to clean out the dust just before the epoxy, you won't see it, feel it or notice it even if you clean with a moist cloth but start pushing sticky epoxy around and the dust literally comes out of the wood work. I pull my epoxy up and onto the rim and a small amount over the rim. sand the outside smooth when dry. Then apply several coats of a spray spar varnish sanding between coats.

I have several wine glasses at home that have been in use for more than a few years and have no problems. The only failure I had was one that had a small spot the epoxy didn't cover, the wine bled through and lifted the finish on the outside, repairable, and that's when I started using something light in the bottom for reflection and no problems since.

Good Luck!

Frank D
 
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
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Thanks so much for the great information. I think I will try the epoxy coating. I have two sets of glasses to make so guess I had better get busy on them now that I know what to use.
 
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