Curly cherry finish

[pan]

I just built a bed headboard out of curly cherry. I was going to go with a clear finish but I'm hesitating. I'm looking for a warm reddish tone not too light and not dark. Any suggestions as to how to Finnish a bed headboard?

I'm looking for suggestions in term of stain and a recommendation of durable final finish. I'm a little worried about the impact oil from hair.

 

[CharlesWilson]

You may find the information you are seeking buried in this thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/finishing/help-preventing-blotches-with-cherry-and-dark-stain/

 

[bullieblue]

Natural Cherry is by far my favorite wood. Love the color and working with the Cherry. The method that I like to used is to take an oil such as linseed or even Mini Wax natural stain (clear) wipe on one coat and let it dry and then buff any raised grain with 0000 steel wool. Using the oil will bring out the figure of the wood. Once that is done I spray it with multiple coats (5 or 6) of semi-gloss Deft lacquer.

The piece will age to a beautiful color, if it is exposed to sun light it will get the aged color quicker.

 

[tjbnwi]

Oil (I've used the Surfix oils, really like the kit), wait a week or two, spray Kem-Aqua satin over the oiled cherry.

Tom