Ash HF with some sort of staining

[Bill Bolen]

Ash HF 9X6 with 2 coats of DO. Can’t decide if I should just buff it out and leave it alone or maybe a coat of Satin Poly? I don’t think a high gloss finish would fit this piece well. What do you folks think? I’ve not seen Ash with this dark tan coloring so predominate in the wood. I usually see just small patches of color. Any idea’s where this coloring comes from? Kind of reminds me of spalting without the dark inky lines….Bill..

[Jim Becker]

I like that a lot, Bill. Wonderful character and an excellent form.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Very nice HF Bill! Great form! No idea about the coloring but it sure is pretty! As for a finish - looks great just the way it is! Nice work!

[Dave Bureau]

Make it shine baby!!!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Bill another beauty. Myself I would add one more coat DO and leave it. Great color. I have not seen ash that color either.

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Another nice HF Bill, I find that any larger White Ash has the coloration, and would find it very unusual if it didn't, I have had one log that was very white, and was about 10 to 12 inches D and had grown fast that was without any darkening.
It is not a spalting, it is more like normal heartwood staining that doesn't stain equally, just look at a couple of pictures I include, you can see the stain going off to the side and sometimes not.
Anyway I think polishing will look better, if you don't like it you can rough it up with sandpaper quite easily :D

[Jim Kountz]

Love the form Bill, another fine job!! How bout another coat and kind of shoot for a semi gloss finish, not real shiney but enough to cast a small glare??

[Richard Madison]

Beautiful shape Bill. Agree with Bernie and Jim, could use a little more "flash" but maybe not a full, high gloss finish.

[David Christopher]

Bill that HF is beautiful, I think I would polish it and see what it would like

[Bill Bolen]

Leo,, thanks my friend,,,heart wood staining it is. Looks just like the big blanks in your pic..OK folks, another coat of oil and a buffing we shall go...Bill...

[Gary Kvasnicka]

Excellent HF, I can't wait to see it post buff.

[alex carey]

Thats some great work. I'd leave it natural. I'm not into high polishes.

[Dewey Torres]

Go with the high gloss (my vote)!