What Finish to Use on Basswood?

[Ron Ford]

Hi Folks - Looking for a little more of the great advice I always get here. I just finished turning a nice little lidded container made from a 16/4 piece of basswood I was given awhile ago. It turned out very nice, and I've sanded in down to a 1200 grit so the surface is very smooth.

Any suggestions for a logical finish to apply? I won't be staining or otherwise changing it in any way, but does a first coat of sanding sealer make sense?

As always, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ron

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

I don't use basswood for turnings but it is my favorite carving wood. I've always lacquered it but I am sure wipe on poly would work as well.
faust

[Mike Lipke]

I use a coat or two of sanding sealer. Sand,
Then as many as you want of either wipe on poly (gloss or satin), or Antique oil finish.

[Curt Fuller]

Another thing to consider...Because basswood is so light you might be wanting to preserve that natural blonde color. Most of the oil based polys or other oil finishes will yellow it significantly. A water based poly will give it a good finish, preserve the blonde color, and after a week or so of curing can be buffed to a nice shine. I have better luck with the brush on water based poly using a foam brush than the spray can stuff.

[charlie knighton]

sanding sealer, sand, johnson baby powder, acrylic paint or zig pen or burning or carving, or a combination