In article , Toller
wrote:

I have some extraordinary curly maple that looks great with mineral spirits
on it. How do I finish it to make it look that good when done?

A google search suggests the most popular method is tungoil/shellac/varnish.
But I saw a Fine Woodworking article referred to that seems rather more
complicated. Should I go to the trouble of finding the FWW article, or
stick to the TO/S/V?

If it matters, it will be on a turned bowl. Won't turn it until Monday, but
the wood is great.

Satin Minwax wipe-on poly does it for me.* Takes about 4-5 coats, but
they go on and dry quickly, and there are no brush strokes. :-) Finish
with sandpaper going from 220 to 400 grit, and then a final rub with
0000 steel wool and paste wax.

Here are some photos of cheese boards finished that way:
http://homepage.mac.com/heuring/Work...toAlbum20.html

And a curly maple and walnut hall table:
http://homepage.mac.com/heuring/Work...toAlbum20.html

Run the slide sow and check out img_0121 in particular.

*PS: Use Minwax, not Watco. Minwax is mostly solids, Watco has a fair
percentage of oil. Takes longer to dry and doesn't finish as hard.

--
Vince Heuring To email, remove the Vince.