Finishing secondary wood

[radhak]

I am finishing up my study table made of mainly Mahogany and RO. I am finishing these with BLO followed by non-waxed shellac, and finally water-based polycrylic.

The table also has secondary wood for the drawer runners, kickers, dividers etc. None of these will be visible casually. The wood used is a mix of poplar and pine.

How should I finish these? Would just the poly do?
What should be my consideration - protection from moisture? Wood movement - can any finish protect against that, or should I not worry about it?

[JR]

I'd apply whatever would spray easiest and dry quickest. This would help assure the whole piece would tend to move together when experiencing moisture and temp changes.

Whatever choice you make, I'd suggest applying wax on the runners and drawers.

JR

[Tom Miller]

For drawer parts (anything that'll see friction) I'd slip 'em into my finishing schedule right after the BLO. The more finish they have, the better they'll hold up. Otherwise, the BLO doesn't really add to the finish other than looks, IMO.

Regards,
Tom

[radhak]

Thanks for the ideas.

I was planning to brush the Slip-It Compound from rockler on the friction areas - they claim it'd make for smooth movement. Dunno how long it stays effective though.

[Mr__Bill]

For drawer parts (anything that'll see friction) I'd slip 'em into my finishing schedule right after the BLO. The more finish they have, the better they'll hold up. Otherwise, the BLO doesn't really add to the finish other than looks, IMO.

Regards,
Tom

I would add a good liberal coating of wax on any of the moving surfaces. I will soften a hard candle and use that wax rather than expensive wax or use canning wax. The hard wax lasts longer, just be careful the drawers don't slip our too easily and fly across the room

Bill, who would wax poetically if he were a poet.