HELP: 135yearold Oregon Finish Suggestions?

Hi,

I have recently souced some very old oregon timber around 135 yrs which was shipped over from the USA in around 1880 for my towns (wagga wagga) first picture theater. All the timber i have selcted is quarter sawn, i have dressed one peice and it has come up looking great. Its a rich golden colour. I will try and upload some of the photos iv taken.

I was just wondering if anyone might have some expeience finishing oregon timber, or has any suggestions on what might look/work well. Also i would like to keep the original colour.

Thanks.
Russell.
Boothey.

Depends on what you will do with the oregon, eg a cupboard or box versus a coffee table and what sort of usage/abuse the timber will likely receive.

Also depends on what look you want for the finished item.

Most oil finishes tend to darken the timber
UBeaut's Shellac gives a wet look colour to the timber, ie what it looks like when wet
Wipe on Poly would be between the two above.

You can always try out a finish on a test piece first to see what you like most.

cheers
Wendy

Not quite 135 yrs in age, but only about 50 or so yrs old. Came from a 1960's Holiday shack that got dismantled here in Port Vincent,- All the Oregon framing went to the local tip, where I found it, and carted it back to my Port Vincent backyard, which is ONLY Five streets away from where it came from in the first place :U

Was originally the old 5 inch x 2 inch size, which I recut, ( after extracting ALL the nails ), down to 100mm. wide x 30mm. thick, sanded all surfaces, cut in the lettering then applied five coats of Marine Varnish.To complete I highlighted the lettering in Gloss Black Enamel, as the sign is now attached to a House Fasciaboard in the small coastal town of Point Turton, Southern Yorke Peninsula, S.A.

Probably NOT quite the info you are seeking, but the photo should give you some indication of the finish colour.
** Some years ago restored an old Oregon Meatsafe, ( 1920's era, or thereabouts ), and applied a Danish Oil finish, which from memory came up a similar colour.

Roger