pumpkineater59

I'm in a need to make wood treads and landing for a spiral staircase. As the upper story will have solid prefinished 3/4", 5" wide Brazilian walnut - ipe, the idea was to purchase the same 3/4", 5" wide ipe unfinished and make the treads.

The question I have is; If I can make the treads and landing, how do I go about clearcoating due to the oily nature of ipe? I've read several comments about how hard this wood is to finish and I want to make sure I can do it before I start.

I also have a question of joining pieces together, but I'll post that on the Joinery forum.

Thanks in advance for your help.

/Peter

Jim Tank

There are several ways to seal exoctic woods before topcoating like thinning polyurethane 30-40% W/ mineral spirits. 2 coats sanding between coats, dry completely then top coat. As long as you have some samples completed so you know you method will work and the end results are what you wanted. I like to get supplies for that locally so that if a problem arises, a customer can get answers and products right away. Usually specialty paint stores like Sherwin Williams have finishing products just for specialty woods.

Rick Mosher

Oily woods need to be wiped down thoroughly with solvent right before finish. I usually use acetone followed by denatured alcohol. A quality oil based urethane floor finish should work. I really like BonaKemi Traffic. It is a catalyzed water based floor coating and VERY durable. They also make a sealer for oily wood. Check with the supplier for application specs. Here is a link which may be useful...

http://www.onlinefloorstore.com/askt...-floor-finish/

pumpkineater59

Thanks for your replies. I will check out the link/stores and follow your advice.

Thanks again.