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Posted: 3/18/2024 6:33:00 PM EDT
I have a hiking staff I made years ago that I was going to burn animal tracks into the wood along with the name for each animal and then finish the wood.  I think I've finally realized that the animal track idea, while cool, is out of my skill level and I should just put the finish on it and call it good.  It's red mulberry if that matters. I'm trying to figure out which product to use and I have ZERO experience in this field.  Anyone have a recommendation?
Link Posted: 3/19/2024 11:26:45 PM EDT
[#1]
I like the look and feel of pure tung oil, but you'll need to go at it with a few coats.

Linseed, shellac, even poly, all seem to get gummy after a while in humidity.

If you don't like one finish sand it and try another.
Link Posted: 3/21/2024 9:36:28 AM EDT
[#2]
What kind of look are you going for and how important is durability?

Fast and easy would be Danish oil
Link Posted: 3/23/2024 1:41:03 PM EDT
[#3]
I don't really have "a look" in mind because I don't know what's possible, I've read this wood turns reddish brown when finished but I don't know anything about that.  As far as durability, it would need to pretty durable.  It would likely get banged around a bit and get wet being used outdoors.
Link Posted: 3/23/2024 2:15:17 PM EDT
[#4]
In that case a Spar Urethane would probably be a good choice. I've not used a bunch but this one has decent reviews and isn't outrageously priced. No idea what the availability might be locally.

ETA: Home Depot does seem to stock Varathane and Behr brands of spar urethane for about $25.

Amazon Product
  • Ideal for use on exterior wood surfaces above the water line, including trim, railings and wood furniture

Link Posted: 3/24/2024 3:17:37 AM EDT
[#5]
Hmmm
As for the tracks idea. What about printing the tracks and the animals that made them on thin paper. Then sticking the printed paper to the staff where you want and using a wood burning tool to “trace” the tracks and letters.
Link Posted: 3/25/2024 5:06:16 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Hmmm
As for the tracks idea. What about printing the tracks and the animals that made them on thin paper. Then sticking the printed paper to the staff where you want and using a wood burning tool to “trace” the tracks and letters.
View Quote


Strangely enough that was my plan but I couldn't find any templates online to print. Granted I'm not the most computer savvy person and maybe there's something I missed.
Link Posted: 3/25/2024 5:08:57 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
In that case a Spar Urethane would probably be a good choice. I've not used a bunch but this one has decent reviews and isn't outrageously priced. No idea what the availability might be locally.

ETA: Home Depot does seem to stock Varathane and Behr brands of spar urethane for about $25.

www.amazon.com/dp/B000C011CE
View Quote


We have a can of some stain that says "gunstock" which I assume is the color, can I use that and then put the urethane finish over it to seal it?
Link Posted: 3/31/2024 8:52:40 AM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


We have a can of some stain that says "gunstock" which I assume is the color, can I use that and then put the urethane finish over it to seal it?
View Quote


Should be fine, just give it plenty of time to dry but I can't be 100% sure without looking at the cans. Test it on a piece of scrap first though.

ETA: Some of those products are a combo stain/finish so read it carefully.
Link Posted: 4/2/2024 6:18:03 PM EDT
[#9]
Will do, thanks.
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