Huon Pine finish

Hi all,
I have a large Huon Pine slab that i am making into a coffee table, I am sanding it down with fairly fine sandpaper to bring the oil out but was wondering if someone could tell me what would be a good finish for it. I like the natural finish coming out with its own oil but don't know how durable it would be. Should I use a wax or something else?
regards
John

Following this one with interest as I'm about to tackle a mantelpiece with huon and don't want to block the aroma....

Better post a few pictures once you're done John.

Hard shellac or feast watson oil varnish would be my suggestions. If you look up pat skeen/Huntboard on the aus woodreview 2015 student competition you will be able to see what feast watson oil varnish looks like on American Cherry. Note I have no affiliation to either companies I am just a happy customer on the products that they offer and the finish that they provide.

A couple of members have given their views on finishing Huon pine here

This may be touched on in the link above, but I have heard of people putting methylated spirits on it before applying anything. I think this helps whatever finish you choose "take" to the wood, and reduces any interfering effects of the natural preservatives in the wood.

I, personally, have had good luck with Liberon Finishing Oil. I've also used OrganOil Hard Burnishing Oil, but I would save that for direct food contact items, as the finish is fairly lacklustre.

Cheers,
Luke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke Maddux

I, personally, have had good luck with Liberon Finishing Oil. I've also used OrganOil Hard Burnishing Oil, but I would save that for direct food contact items, as the finish is fairly lacklustre.

Cheers,
Luke

Hi Luke,
How did you apply the HBO, "lacklustre" is the exact opposite to my results. unless of course you want a high gloss finish.

Regards,

Rob

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGS

Hi Luke,
How did you apply the HBO, "lacklustre" is the exact opposite to my results. unless of course you want a high gloss finish.

Regards,

Rob

Rob,

I applied it like any other oil. I've heard that you get better results if you apply it with a power sander of some kind, but that's not really my style.

I probably did it wrong, for what it's worth.

Cheers,
Luke

If you haven’t yet found a suitable product...and there are many....You may like to consider a natural penetrating oil such as the Livos Countertop oil. This is not only certified food safe but heat resistant to 50 degrees too. But, the surface should not be sanded too finely as the oils are penetrating and need to connect with the pores of the timber. Too fine a sand glazes the pores over. You can actually bring up the “fine” furniture feel and gloss level by buffing in-between coats. this flattens the wax crystals in the oil/wax/resin mix.