Finish for Walnut Desk

[SoreThumb]

I am in the process of building a walnut computer desk with hutch and return. I love the true beauty of walnut, and it's almost purplish natural hue, although I recognize that I should finish some how to protect it. I am trying not lose that purple hue, although I suspect I may darken it with any finish. What do you think would be a good finish?

[TDHofstetter]

OIl it, certainly, to begin with. Don't be afraid to darken it; walnut is one of the very few woods that lightens in color with age.

The work surface should be expected to be a hard-working surface. I'd go with a flat or satin polyurethane for that. Gloss would be (I think, for walnut) too gaudy, considering the project.

But... that's just me. :)

-- Tim --

Member of the
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International
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[SoreThumb]

Thanks, I have been experimenting with Danish Oil and BLO, both seem to darken the same, and then I also tried a coat of wipe on poly that seem not to darken as much. Can I do a poly over an oil?

[woodmannie]

Yep, just got to be oil poly, not water base.
I did this with walnut rockin horses. The blo makes the grain "pop". The danish oil I'm not so sure about. But I'll bet it would work. You have to let the oil dry before you put on the poly.

wm

[TDHofstetter]

Funny thing about Danish oil... it contains oil-based polyurethane, about 30%. From that you get the best of both worlds... and you can certainly apply an oil-based polyurethane over that after it's fully cured.

Likewise, oil-based poly goes on well over BLO after a full (FULL) cure.

Water-based polyurethane over any sort of oil, though, is a real "learning experience". It may or may not look like it's working, but with luck it won't even LOOK like it - because it won't last worth two puddles underfoot in the dark.

-- Tim --

Member of the
Robert "Limey" Bolton Memorial
International
Volunteer Mentorship and Assistance
Programme