Finishing American Walnut

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C

carden

New member
    I have a grandfather clock, assembled from a kit in the 1970's, that has been stripped with methylene chloride and sanded down to bare wood with 180 grit sandpaper.  I want a natural finish on this clock.  It's not going to be stained.  I'm leary of using any kind of varnish as it has a yellow hue that I do not want.  I want a clear finish that will show the natural color of this walnut.  I sure would appreciate hearing from all who have experience with this issue.  Additionally, I have heard that an oil finish on walnut tends to make it too dark, which I also do not want.  I'm thinking of using the lightest and clearest shellac available.

                                                                Your thoughts please,

                                                                            DC


                                                                     
 
Depending on the walnut I like a bit of orange or garnet shellac to tone down the purple hue a bit, then just clear shellac. Use just clear if that is what you want. Try it some place where it doesn't show first.
Mike
 
I can only speak for myself. I take the path of least resistance which is shellac from the big box store. It only comes in clear and orange so I mix my own garnet. Either is fine, I have no trouble with either type.
Mike
 
I mix mine from flakes.  We have a member who supplies de-waxed shellac flakes.  He has an ad in the Summer/Fall Period Furniture Newsletter.  I think he has a good product. 

Jim Vojcek
 
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