Tree Bookshelf Finish

[james glenn]

I am in the process of building a bookshelf for my newly born daughters nursery which is designed to look like a tree.
See this thread in the Design Forum:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?186614-Tree-Design-Bookshelf


I need to start thinking about finishes for this and wanted to get some recommendations for people with much more
knowledge in this area than myself. I don't have the ability to spray at this time, so please keep that in mind.
The wood is Walnut and I would like to show the beauty and imperfections of it, since this is a 'tree'.


I appreciate any and all help with this.

Jimmy

[Scott Holmes]

Use an oil/varnish blend. Almost fool proof finish. You can make your own by mixing equal parts of varnish, boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. You could also buy a premixed oil/varnish blend (AKA danish oil)

Application is simple wipe it on let it soak in for a few minutes then wipe it dry. 3 coats is plenty.

[Jay Jolliffe]

Do you have a pics of what's done so far ?

[james glenn]

Scott: Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into that more, as I was thinking something similar before. Do I need to sand between coats?


Jay: I will get some pics up in the next day or two. I have most of the branches rough cut to length and the laminated boards glued together.

Jimmy

[Ryan Wood]

What i have used for a finish on walnut before has been mineral oil. I think that it makes the grain look realy good and is easy to put on.

[Scott Holmes]

One draw back to mineral oil is that it never dries and hence is a dust magnet. Offers little to no protection should someone set a glass on the self. Oil itself could wick up into a book or something on the shelf.