wood sealer question

A

asmith80

Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Messages
49
I have a Fallkniven S1 that I rehandled in ironwood. I put three coats of minwax fast-drying polyurethane on it after the gunstock wax I tried didn't hold up. I'm noticing that drawing and sheathing the knife from the kydex sheath I made for it is causing the poly to chip and rub away near the choil where the kydex grips the knife and holds it.

Anybody know of another product I could try that would be more durable but also protect the wood from water?
 
It is probably failing because of the wax you applied first. It would need to be clean and void of any wax or oils for the poly to adhere and last. Don't know how to un-do what you have done so far. Maybe someone else will chime in with suggestions. Good luck!

Blessings,

Omar
 
Might have to find a way to sand and/or remove any trace of the wax, before attempting to re-seal the wood. Sounds like the wax might've prevented the poly from absorbing deeply into the wood. Ordinarily, I'd think it should be pretty durable, so long as it can sink in a bit.

This is quoted from the Minwax site, in the usage directions for the Fast-Drying Polyurethane:
( from site -->: http://www.minwax.com/wood-products...ctive-finishes/minwax-fastdrying-polyurethane )

"DIRECTIONS:

Surface must be dry and free of old finishes in poor condition, paint, wax, grease, polish, dirt or other foreign matter.

Sand to obtain a smooth uniform surface. Remove all dust with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. (...) "
Click to expand...

Some woods are naturally oily, and may not take finishes as well. In a lot of applications, I think ironwood is left unfinished, OR sometimes might be stabilized (impregnated with resin under pressure). The ironwood might hold up pretty well on it's own, perhaps if oiled occasionally.


David
 
Might try acetone on the finish and just totally strip it down and sand a little if possible. I've never heard of a kydex sheath rubbing a finish like that off.
 
Ironwood is a very dense wood. Not much penetrates it. I don't think that wax is anywhere but the surface. I wonder if you might get some real expertise posting a question in the knifemakers forum where guys work with ironwood regularly. Just a thought.
 
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