Help with cumaru table finish

[rizzoa13]

Hi all I just took delivery on a cumaru slab for a coffee/beer table for my basement. I've read so many different things about oily exotics and was hoping to get a little more info on my finish schedule. I really want to keep the wet look of the natural wood  when rubbed with alcohol. Any help in that regard would be appreciated.

So far I'm thinking to rub the wood down with denautured alcohol, then quickly apply a coat of dew axed shellac to seal the wood. I was thinking then that I could build up some light coats of lacquer as my finish. Any comments?

Sorry I'm so long winded I can never seem to stop myself  :-\

 

[peter halle]

I have read more about using acetone or lacquer thinner when wiping down oily woods because they evaporate a little slower than denatured.

That is all that I can offer - for what that was worth.  Would love to see some images both before and after your finish though.

Peter

 

[rizzoa13]

I was trying to include the picture in my op but my 5 month old daughter lost patience and I didn't have time to figure it out.

Here she is, I'm going to make a 3" unfinished steel skirt to go around the edges once it is cut to size and 4x4 solid square stock tapered for the legs.  It should go with the baseboard which is also unfinished 3" steel.

 

[dltflt]

that is a beautiful piece of wood.  Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[rizzoa13]

After thinking about it some more I seem to have a lot more questions. Sorry if they are dumb I'd rather ask then ruin the finished product.

The table will be in my finished but UN-insulated basement. The humidity changes drastically with the seasons, my wood stove will be kicking out dry air about 5 feet from it for a few months out of the year. That said should I finish all sides to protect the piece from the swings in humidity? Am I just trying the impossible putting a slab of wood down there?

 

[tiralie]

The table will be in my finished but UN-insulated basement. The humidity changes drastically with the seasons, my wood stove will be kicking out dry air about 5 feet from it for a few months out of the year. That said should I finish all sides to protect the piece from the swings in humidity? Am I just trying the impossible putting a slab of wood down there?

No finish, with the exception maybe of epoxy will prevent wood pores from moisture loss or absorption.

How thick is the slab and what is the current moisture content of the slab?

If the slab is dry (7-8%), it is unlikely that it will change much even in a high humidity environment. It will expand and contract across it's width, so as long as you don't restrict that movement it should be fine in the high humidity of your basement.

I would be more worried about the heat from the wood stove drying out the leading edge of the slab (where it is the closest to  the stove) and creating checks, rather than the high humidity.

 

[tjbnwi]

I would just oil this slab.

Tom

 

[ScotF]

I would just oil this slab.

Tom

I agree...I think oil would be a good finish on this piece.

Scot

 

[rizzoa13]

I'm not against using an oil finish I just worry about liquids being spilled on it and the minimal protection oils give. I'd also really like a high gloss finish as everything else is pretty rustic and the high gloss would stand out. I guess I could just polish an oil based finish to a high gloss right?

I'm making the steel frame for it into a shape that is going to work with the wrap around sofa and then using that as a template to cut the slab. I could cut it an 1/8th shy all the way around to allow for movement.

I really appreciate any discussion please keep it coming!

 

[rizzoa13]

No finish, with the exception maybe of epoxy will prevent wood pores from moisture loss or absorption.

How thick is the slab and what is the current moisture content of the slab?

If the slab is dry (7-8%), it is unlikely that it will change much even in a high humidity environment. It will expand and contract across it's width, so as long as you don't restrict that movement it should be fine in the high humidity of your basement.

I would be more worried about the heat from the wood stove drying out the leading edge of the slab (where it is the closest to  the stove) and creating checks, rather than the high humidity.

The slab is 1 1/2 inch in thickness. The edge wouldn't be totally vulnerable to the heat as I plan to cut it in a gradual arch and bend 1/4 x 3" cold rolled steel around it. The slab has zero checks at the moment and seems very stable.

Sorry I don't have a moisture meter to check the %. I should invest in one.

 

[tjbnwi]

The stool in this link is finished with Festool Surfix Outdoor oil, 2 coats then buffed;

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/found-this-while-cleaning-the-shop/

Properly oiled I would not worry about something spilled on the slab.

You could oil, let it cure then finish over with Zar UltraMax.

Tom

 

[rizzoa13]

Yea ill be messaging you, that seat has a great look. Does the suffix change the color at all?

 

[tjbnwi]

Deepens, enriches and highlights the natural aspects of the wood.

Tom

 

[tiralie]

I would just oil this slab.
Tom

I agree...I think oil would be a good finish on this piece.
Scot

I second that.
While I have never used it, I think Surfix would be a great solution and fairly easy to fix if you get any stains etc. on the surface.
Tim