finishing cherry

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by Joe Bottigliere Joe Bottigliere 8 years, 8 months ago.

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  • July 12, 2016 at 6:13 pm #1854
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    Roger Schroeder
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    Hi, Woodworkers,
    First, a thanks to all who offered advice on filling voids in elm burl. The “fill” consisted of shavings of good advice plus my finding the right consistency for the actual fill. The result? Drawer fronts with a solid consistency that looks natural. I couldn’t have asked for more.
    Now I’m looking to finish a small-scale cherry desk with a definite Arts & Crafts look. Reading back issues of Fine Woodworking, I learned that to avoid blotching, a wash coat of wax-free shellac (cut with denatured alcohol) is recommended before applying an oil or gel or water-based finish. I’m okay with that. I plan to use Watco Oil cherry over the wash coat. But the question I have is this: Can I then apply lacquer without a problem of compatibility? Why lacquer? It’s what I’ve been using for the last 25 years and I’m very comfortable with it. Any thoughts?
    Roger Schroeder

  • July 13, 2016 at 4:08 pm #1855
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    Charlie James
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    Roger, You got me on that one, I rarely use lacquer. Charlie

  • July 14, 2016 at 11:17 am #1856
    Joe Bottigliere
    Joe Bottigliere
    Participant

    Roger,
    When I first started using Watco, I contacted their customer service to see if I could apply water based poly as a topcoat. I wanted the Watco to deepen the color of a cherry table but wanted the poly for durability. They said I could topcoat it with anything provided the oil was thoroughly dried – 72 hours or more! Once cured, it was like any other solvent based finish requiring a light sanding for adhesion. So I would think you’re ok with lacquer. I do question sealing the wood before applying the Watco. My understanding is that this and similar products are formulated thin so they can penetrate the surface and add to the character of the wood as well as seal it. I would think the shellac will prevent this. I would use either/or not both. The shellac will add the depth and color you are looking for (especially if you tint it) and prevent blotching. Likewise, the Watco will add color and depth and seal the surface. You may experience some blotching but in my experience, that has always been minimal and helps to accentuate the figure.
    Hope that helps.

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