finish for cocoblol frame - Woodworking Talk

Dvoigt · 09-22-2009, 04:46 PM

So I'm going to be putting some finish on my cocobolo frame this weekend (at least that is the plan). I remember seeing a post somewhere... but I can't remember where... about the problems finishing cocobolo. My plan was to just use a rattle can spray lacquer. Any objections?

Thanks!
Derek

Julian the woodnut · 09-22-2009, 05:47 PM

If it is an oily wood then I would wipe it down with naptha, then wipe on a thinned coat of dewaxed shellac. This will seal the wood and give you a good surface to spray the lacquer topcoat.

phinds · 09-22-2009, 06:45 PM

I can only speak about polyurethane and cocobolo. Problems range from minor to severe. I had one piece that required multiple applications of an oil killer (can't remember the name of it offhand) and I still was just barely was able to get the wood to take the finish.

The Everyman Show · 09-23-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dvoigt

So I'm going to be putting some finish on my cocobolo frame this weekend (at least that is the plan). I remember seeing a post somewhere... but I can't remember where... about the problems finishing cocobolo. My plan was to just use a rattle can spray lacquer. Any objections?

Thanks!
Derek

I just used the Sam Maloof finish for the first time and it is primarily an oil based finish - 1/3 linseed oil, 1/3 Tung oil and 1/3 varnish. On my project it took several coats (5 to 6) to get to an even luster but I am happy with the results. It was kind of expensive at $25.00 for a quart, but it goes a LONG way. I would still take the advice of Julian and wipe it down with an agent that will cut the natural oil in the wood, but the oil based wipe on finish should be a much more cohesive finish than the spray on lacquer.