The Framers Forum

If I may tap into the collective knowledge again:
I want to make frames using natural wood finish moulding, (e.g. oak,ash,beech,cherry etc.) I presume that using bare wood is a bad idea because it would soon oxidise and loose its attractive appearance (or am I wrong about that?)
So my question is what to put on bare wood moulding to maintain or enhance the natural beauty (grain,rays,pips etc.)of the bare wood. Any tips on application would also be gratefully received.
My own thought is Danish oil. I used it a couple of times on things I've made from oak with good results. Is it suitable for frames?
Also I guess its much easier to apply the finish to the moulding before making the frame. Am I right about that?

Cheers,

Colin.

Hi Colin.

On some of the woods you only really need a coat of wax and a good buffing up. For a deeper shine a few coats of Shellac (French Polish) followed by waxing is easy. The more coats and the more attention you pay to rubbing back between coats the deeper the finish. But you get to the point where you are spending a lot of time to achieve a 'perfect' finish. Shellac comes in various grades. The unrefined 'Button' polish will shift the wood colour to give a warmer tone. There are other grades that are clear and others that are tinted to give darker shades.
Synthetic varnishes can look a bit naff compared with building up the finish with coats of shellac. Proper French polishing is quite a skilled job, but for your average frame moulding a few coats wiped on with a rag and cut back with fine steel wool dipped in wax and buffed up will give a nice result.
It's a big subject and everyone has their own pet methods. Personally I don't like to over-finish woods. I've seen some factory finishes on really beautiful verneers that have been polished to the point where they look like plastic laminate. Depends on what you consider looks good.

I think sealing wood is beneficial because it generally enhances the grain pattern and colour and it also gives some protection against ingrained discolouration from general dirt and handling.

I agree with the use of shellac as it won't materially raise the grain, any pips can be easily sanded off anyway as they are nicely stiffened and waxing afterwards adds a pleasing finish.

Danish oil is a nice product to use but over time the oil component will darken as it oxidises/polymerises.

Generally I would finish a wood frame after joining so that any necessary sanding can be done without going through the finish and it helps integrate the mitre cuts.

There are quite a few options to use that all give good results, Danish Oil,white beeswax,shellac sanding sealer followed by clear wax is my preferred choice.

Ok, Thanks chaps. Some top tips for me to experiment with. Colin.

I use Osmo polyx-oil its about £15 for a tin but is really good. It is what is used on hardwood flooring. Its hard wearing and gives a good shine. I also have a pot of the black for touching in corners of black frames works a treat.

could some1 point me to some of the products mentioned above in lions. i type in wax and get 500 results.
i did find shellac sealer though

I use Black Bison brand wax. Comes in various shades.