Hey guys. Question for all you finish gurus out there. I'm a newbie in general to woodworking so any advice would be huge!

I'm currently working on a piece in the play by play section -> Link http://www.thomasjmacdonald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1894 Of quilted maple. I included an image below as well. I Plan on pre-finishing most of this before the glue up. Any recommendations for that as well as general finishing for quilted maple would be great!

P.S. I don't have, or have access to a spray finish system. So if possible I'll stay away from that. Thanks!

I recommend BLO followed by a super blonde dewaxed shellac. Just make sure you let the BLO dry completely.

Rat took the words right out of my..a...fingers!! If not oil then a aniline dye of your choice. I've had good luck as well with using a darker dye and sanding the wood so the color mainly stays in the grain to get a bit of extra depth. It depends on what you're after I guess.

I'd apply the shellac via a pad by hand. Nice straight strokes. Or brush it if you feel comfortable. No matter what rub it out by hand and wax it for the nice soft glow without being shiny look. That's the key. Get there however you choose but finish it with hand rubbing and waxing.

Hey guys I really appreciate the responce so quick! I think I will sample the two ways you guys are mentioning on some scrap. Gerr. Might have to buy another piece .

What would be some suggestions for possibly pre-finishing the case, doors, back panel. Is that even a good idea? Do u tape off areas that will receive glue?

Thanks again!

RaDioAcTivE,
Is BLO and Anyline dye an either/or or can both be used. I have maple also and want to darken it some.
John

You just have to be sure that the oil has fully dried. I usually just go with a dye first and skip the blo due to drying issues.

I say this in almost every post but make a test piece first out of a scrap from the same wood and try out what you're thinking of doing so you have the process down prior to working on your main project.

By all means, mask off the areas to be glued (if you want the glue to hold.)

Paul
the little guy