Finish for Holly Bowl?

[Stuart Reid]

I am working with a piece of Holly that will be a bowl but I am not sure how to finish the project. The wood is so bright, almost white, so I don't want to stain the piece but it needs some type of finish. What works best with Holly? Should I wax it, friction polish, leave it natural, or what else? Thanks for your suggestions.

Stu

[Jim Burr]

Have a try at a water based finished Stuart.
Any pic's?

[robert baccus]

The water base is agood idea---a friend turned me on th S.W. acrilic laquer (really a clear coat type finish.) requires a special sanding sealer sold by S.W. however. works a lot like nitrocellose laq. but is totally without yellow. another try if you like a natural finish is to thin any good carnuba paste wax(imake my own) with laq. thinner to a wash and slosh 2-3 coats on it. that gives a flat finish but keeps the wood clean. add some buffed on carn. and have a gloss finish that does not change the white color. just rambling. --------------old forester

[Steve Schlumpf]

Haven't turned Holly but have used water-based polycrylic and it works well and doesn't discolor the wood.

Looking forward to seeing the photos!