Glossy Red Gum Finishes

Hi,
I’ve just finished turning a potpourri holder out of red gum as a Christmas gift. Aside from the evident dents from it spinning out of my hand when I parted it (very frustrating), it looks ok. However what I’m a little disappointed with the finish. I used Danish Oil. And aside from giving it to many coats and it came up quite dark, it also had no gloss at all. I sanded to wet sanded to 1000 grit, but I think that the particular piece that I was turning was just to porous. Does anyone have any recommendations for future turning? I have used wax before, and while getting a wonderful gloss it does need to be reapplied every few months.

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Which danish oil? Oils ain't oils you know! :doh: :U

I don't really like glossy finishes. So I quite like just the danish oil. Some silly questions though! At which grit did you apply the oil and then start burnishing? :hmm: I only sand to 320 # then let it dry for a bit then apply more and then go up the grits so the finish is burnished. (I only go to 500 or 600# or so though. Cos I am slack. :rolleyes::D ) I quite like the satin luster. :cool: I use Rustins Danish oil! Have also used Organoil hard burnishing oil, which is a bit more matte! But I still like it! :cool:

Have tried using Ubeat's shellawax on red gum and it goes on a bit weird if you use EEE as well. It doesn't sink it very well. Could be just me though! :C

Haven't tried other finishes. Although has used sprayed laquor at work. That looks OK! Not sure how you could apply that with just a home set up. Think it is available in expensive spray cans at real paint shops. :hmm:

Rustins Plastic Coating

I find DGI country oil works well on small pieces of dry redgum eg wood carvings, I just wipe on wipe off evry 48hrs for about a fortnight and it builds up a clear tough [semi gloss] urethane finish. Its not cheap though,:) $40/litre.

These were sanded to 600, then waxed with Ubeaut's cedar wax. They have a hard, shiny surface, and when they get dull, a quick buff with a soft towel brings the shine back. Not all redgum is the same, go for the very old, dry, heavy pieces. The denser the material, the better the finish.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sjm

These were sanded to 600, then waxed with Ubeaut's cedar wax. They have a hard, shiny surface, and when they get dull, a quick buff with a soft towel brings the shine back. Not all redgum is the same, go for the very old, dry, heavy pieces. The denser the material, the better the finish.

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They look great, that is exactly the look I'm after. Will have a hunt for the cedar wax, and for some denser redgum. Thanks to everyone the replied I'll be looking into all of your suggestions.