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267322 "Cal Meier" <calmeier@s...> 2018‑12‑11 cherry picture frames
Hi, Speaking of cherry.  There is an article in the February, 2019 issue of Fine
Woodworking by the Timothy Puro.  The title reads:  Dark, Rich Cherry with
Household Products: Drain cleaner, roofing tar, and shellac team up for a
foolproof finish.
Since I have not found a finish I could not mess up at least a little bit, the
phase “foolproof” is enticing.  Has anyone experimented with these or similar
ingredients for finishing cherry.  It is interesting but when I get to the point
of applying a finish I tend to keep it pretty simple and just pray I don’t screw
it up.   I also have not used Behlen Wood Lubricant.  The author says to use the
lubricant in the final step with 0000 steel wool and mist of water to buff the
final surface.  Since I sometimes pray that the a final buffing with 0000 steel
wool will soften a sheen,  I am curious about a product that might enhance my
efforts.  The gallon can of “non-fiber, roof, fence, and foundation coating” in
“black” right next to a quart of shellac and a bottle of household lye does
catch the attention.

Note the author uses a powdered 100% lye drain opener.  This is not some liquid
plumber lye.  It may well be straight sodium or potassium hydroxide.  Adding
this powder to water will definitely lead to an exothermic reaction.  Not the
author’s words of caution and all will be well.

Thanks much to anyone who has experience with this approach.


Cal Meier
Central Louisiana
Wet and cool, minimal freezing, and no immediate flash flood threat in our area.

Recent Bios FAQ