Table finish

[bevans]

Hey Folks
I am a novice with all aspects of woodwork especially finishing and could use some advice. I am making a dining room table with 3/4 walnut bordered by white oak. The apron is walnut with 1/2 inch oak inlay and legs are oak 3x3 with 1/2 inch walnut inlay on all 4 sides of each leg. I have use BLO in previous projects using the same types of wood and have had mixed results when using water based poly vs wipe on poly. I am considering using Waterlox on this project as I have read some positive reviews. I want the grain to be highlighted and a satin finish that is not going to be a food hazard. Does anyone have experience with this type of finish on a dining table or...a different approach to take?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Bruce

 

[leakyroof]

The Walnut is not open pored like the White Oak, so a film finish may really highlight that difference unless you fill the grain of the Oak.
Try some sample pieces to see what I'm talking about with filled versus non- filled.

 

[jacko9]

Hello and welcome to the FOG site.  The first thing you need to decide is weather you want a penetration finish that's easy to apply but not very durable or a film finish that's harder to apply but much more durable.  Here are some links to with useful information the first is just a basic article on the different finish types and the other two are from the Wood Whisperer web site where you can find a lot of good information.

http://woodtools.nov.ru/books/Understanding_Wood_Finishes.pdf

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/oil-based-finish-basics/comment-page-2/#comment-827482

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/articles/how-to-finish-without-streaks/

Jack