Finishing stabilized wood?

Woodtroll

Woodtroll

Joined
Oct 15, 2001
Messages
193
All right, folks, I know that this is probably a repeat topic, but my search function for this forum is not currently working. I'm trying to finish off a very nice piece of stabilized maple, and have wet sanded it through 600 grit. When the wood is wet it has a terrific three-dimensional figure and depth that dulls out when the wood dries. It almost looks as if the fine sanding dust is getting stuck in whatever pores are left in the wood. I have no power buffing wheels or slack-belt polishers, just hand tools (I do have a Dremel, but I'm afraid that that tool would create ripples). This knife will be used in the rain and wet often, so I want a fairly permanent and water-resistant finish.

Any ideas on how to seal the wood, or bring the polish up enough so that the depth remains when the wood dries? I've considered using Minwax acrylic gloss sealer, but really don't want to mess this up before talking to y'all.

Many thanks for your consideration! Regan
 
if its been professionally stabilized and you sanded it to 600, a good buffing with either green or white compound and a soft wheel and it will shine like a new dime.

if you have an electric motor, ( like one from an old washing machine) go to the local hardware store and get a wheel arbor that will slip over the motor shaft. buy a buffing wheel attach to the arbor, compound it a little and buff away. I've used an old washing machine motor for my buffer for 8 years and it still does the job.

Good luck,

Bill
 
Wet sanding may not be such a good idea.You don't have any grain to raise in this wood.Try dry sanding before you get to buffing.Buff with white compound.Use light pressure and low speed,don't burn it.Finish by hand buffing.It should shine like glass (almost).
 
the cheap bench grinders work well too
just get the buff wheel and shim up the stone washers with a few fat washers

I agree with the guys above

I never sand wood with water, stable or not..
if you are not sure about the stablizing try unsing water based urathan
by Minwax it won't discolor with time..you can sand it
I don't use it on knives because I know what I have to work with..
but I have used it on other projects which worked great..
 
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