suggested finish for mahogany plinth

[MarginWalker]

just remember oil is a lot of work and many coats with drying time inbetween.

Cheers, Grant. Time is not going to be a problem. I am still waiting for the new dustcover so the Thoirns will be remaining in its original plinth for the moment.

[struth]

our geoff uses satin a lot and this is kinda how it looks



stays light and fairly flat

[walpurgis]

our geoff uses satin a lot and this is kinda how it looks



stays light and fairly flat

I also did these KEFs with Rustins Satin Varnish, followed by a waxing.

[MarginWalker]

I also did these KEFs with Rustins Satin Varnish, followed by a waxing.

They look great but i'm terrified of using varnish and leaving brush marks everywhere. I feel my skill level is much better suited to a cloth application!

[walpurgis]

They look great but i'm terrified of using varnish and leaving brush marks everywhere

I don't use a brush. It's water based varnish and I apply it with a pad of damp household wipes. Very easy and no streaks. A little practise on spare wood will work wonders too.

[Svend N]

I don't use a brush. It's water based varnish and I apply it with a pad of damp household wipes. Very easy and no streaks. A little practise on spare wood will work wonders too.

Interesting option -- do you have any issues with it raising the grain, being water based? Needs sanding between coats?

[The Alchemist]

Hi Phil,

I have had good results with Osmo Polyx 3032 clear satin. It does take a while to dry but will produce an excellent finish. It has the advantage of being very easy to make good if you get any minor marks or blemishes at a later date.

[MarginWalker]

Hi Phil,

I have had good results with Osmo Polyx 3032 clear satin. It does take a while to dry but will produce an excellent finish. It has the advantage of being very easy to make good if you get any minor marks or blemishes at a later date.

Thanks, Richard. As i said im happy to take the time to get the right finish. I wondered if this stuff...

https://www.osmouk.com/sitechaptern....&page=253#1101

might work well.

[RothwellAudio]

My preferred finish is pretty similar to Svend's options 1 and 2. I like to use polyurethane varnish but thinned down with white spirit so it becomes an easy wipe-on oil. About 2 parts varnish to 1 part white spirit is a good starting point - a bit more white spirit if you want it thinner or a bit less if you want it thicker. I prefer it too thin than too thick. One part varnish to one part white spirit is very thin and easy to use. Just put another coat on (after it has dried properly) to get it thicker rather than put one thick coat on. I use clear gloss varnish. It actually doesn't give a very glossy finish at all once you've thinned it, but you can always knock back the gloss with fine wire wool if you like.

BTW, I don't like wax at all. It always feels slightly tacky to me.

[Svend N]

My preferred finish is pretty similar to Svend's options 1 and 2. I like to use polyurethane varnish but thinned down with white spirit so it becomes an easy wipe-on oil. About 2 parts varnish to 1 part white spirit is a good starting point - a bit more white spirit if you want it thinner or a bit less if you want it thicker. I prefer it too thin than too thick. One part varnish to one part white spirit is very thin and easy to use. Just put another coat on (after it has dried properly) to get it thicker rather than put one thick coat on. I use clear gloss varnish. It actually doesn't give a very glossy finish at all once you've thinned it, but you can always knock back the gloss with fine wire wool if you like.

BTW, I don't like wax at all. It always feels slightly tacky to me.

Another great polishing agent is Rottenstone, which sounds repulsive, but actually works great. It is extremely fine pumice-type material. Use it with a light oil for final polishing -- works exceedingly well.

As for wax, have you tried a fine furniture-grade beeswax? I find that it cures to a very dry, hard finish, not at all sticky or tacky. I use a product from the UK -- can't recall the brand but can look for you if you like.