Finishing rough stuff

I'm currently makign a small hollowed-out box from an piece of an old fence post that has naturally split to give me a nice box&lid. I've done the hard work and finishing the outside shouldnt be a problem.

The real dillema is how to finish the inside.

When the post split all those years ago it's covered in raised black gum lines and other rough bits. They two pieces mate together perfectly and i dont want to lose the character on the inside of the box. So no sanding, scraping or planing!

Should I just slap on some poly-u?

Maybe someone who has finished a rough waney edge would know.................................

I have used OrganOil for this and had good results. Do a number of coats seperated by days if you have time.

I use OrganOil too for most things. I didn't think it would work for this. Maybe I'll have to apply it with a brush, rather than a cloth.

I brushed it on.

White Shellac. Brushed on it will seal but won't change the colour of the timber any more than wetting it with water. Use it for inside and out.

Cheers - Neil :)

G'day.

I'd use a Danish Oil applied with a brush.

It takes longer to set than shellac but I reckon that lets it soak in further.

What sort of timber is it? (red, brown, yellow, light, dark, pronounced grain etc)

I should just get a bloody picture but, it's either jarrah or redgum. Very straight grain.

One of these pine brushes is great for getting a nice finish on textured timber

Pine Brush