Finish for Quartersawn White oak Beds

[ben searight]

I am building matching twin beds for my two boys out of quartersawn white oak. To be quite honest I am having a hard time deciding how to finish them.

I want something durable as the boys are pretty rough on equipment so to speak.

I've considered danish oil, stain and varnish, using dewaxed shellac to seal to pores etc. but can't come to a decision. I want the finish to highlight the grain and figure of the wood.

I have an inexpensive HVLP setup so I can spray or brush.

I'm looking for any suggestions to make these beds turn out beautiful.

[Prashun Patel]

This look isn't for everyone, but I like it because it's durable and easy: pigment stain then a barrier of shellac, then a few coats of wiping varnish like thinned polyurethane or Waterlox.

You don't have to fill the pores or have a built up finish to get a lot of protection and a great looking product. Especially on something like a bed where 1/2 of the head and foot boards are not exposed, pore filling is a lot of work for not a lot of reward...IMHO.

[Kent A Bathurst]

. I want the finish to highlight the grain and figure of the wood.

I'm looking for any suggestions to make these beds turn out beautiful.

See Homestead Finishing re: highlight grain: http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/pdf/mission_oak_rev6-2010.pdf

[John TenEyck]

See Homestead Finishing re: highlight grain: http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/pdf/mission_oak_rev6-2010.pdf

+1 I've used this process and really liked the results.