Aussie Burl Finishing?

[David Rive]

So having solved the shearing wood screw problem, I am on to the next dilemma! My Australian Red Mallee winged bowl turned out fairly well, but I am having trouble finishing it. After sanding, I sealed it with shellac (Zinsser Seal Coat), scuffed it lightly with 0000 steel wool, (it looked fine at this stage) and then Beall buffed it. At that point I am getting waxy streaky bits on the surface, which I can't seem to buff out. I have a theory ... since the shellac sits on the surface of the wood, unlike oil, and since these burls are so HARD (they get quite hot when sanding), I think the high speed buffing is generating heat that is melting the shellac film, which leads to the ugliness I am seeing. So ...

a. Does my theory make any sense? What is causing the gummy streaky bits during buffing (Yes I am being very careful not to overload the buffing wheels with compound or wax)

b. How you you guys and gals finish your aussie burls?

Thanks

David

 

[Stacey S]

I am not sure about your streaking problem but to you second question. i finish the aussie burls that I have done with danish oil. I sand to about 400 grit(or finer) then put some danish oil on it. after the danish oil has dried then I take it to the buffing wheel and buff it. This way it finishes off with a gloss like finish that really brings out the figure of the wood.
Stacey

 

[Mike Cunningham]

Same

I do the same as Stacy, 3 coats or more of Watco Danish oil with drying time between coats, followed by the Beall

 

[Keith Burns]

Depends on the finish you want. Antique oil and buffed will give a high gloss. If you want a nice soft sheen all you need is the 3 buffing steps.

 

[David Rive]

Thanks everyone. I resanded the piece down to bare wood and used Watco Danish Oil - end of problems! Cheers.

David

 

[David Somers]

Thanks everyone. I resanded the piece down to bare wood and used Watco Danish Oil - end of problems! Cheers.

David

David,

Even though Shellac dries really fast, you do need to give it a modest amount of time to cure completely before subjecting it buffing, or you will get the results you describe. Also, check your buffing techinique. You may be bearing down on the buffing material, or staying in one place to long. Or overloading your buffs.

Hope this helps!

Dave