I'm making a Stave bench for working on stave for the Classic Raffle table.
I need to get the finish at Lowes or Home depot because time is running out
What finish to put on it??? I've  googled it and getting mixed reviews, oil base, water base
I remember using Shellac on some coasters and it not drying
HELP

Osage shavings and a little moisture will turn it yellow if I don't protect it
This is a picture of a stave bench, mine will be  red cedar

This is a quote from Woodworkers Journal

Michael Dresdner: Eastern red cedar contains an antioxidant that can prevent oil-based finish from curing, so for that wood, I'd choose a waterbased exterior coating that contains UV blockers or absorbers. Which one specifically depends not on the wood, but rather the type of piece and what it will be used for. For example, I'd use exterior waterbased polyurethane for a patio table, but I'd use waterbased deck coating for a fence. By the way, the UV absorbers will slow the rate of color change caused by sun exposure, but will not stop it.

I have never finished any ERC, but I have finished RMC, which is supposed to be similar. Don't know if that similarity includes finishing, but I used oil base varnish on it without any problem. Seems like a thin wash coat of dewaxed shellac should seal it off for whatever follows?

Give tung oil a try...

I think water based poly should work or just an oil finish like Roy suggests. The ERC will jump with a finish on it. Actually I never thought about finishing a bowyer's bench, I just let time and whatever add character to it.

Quote from: Pat B on April 14, 2022, 10:02:26 AM
I think water based poly should work or just an oil finish like Roy suggests. The ERC will jump with a finish on it. Actually I never thought about finishing a bowyer's bench, I just let time and whatever add character to it.

I'm thinking Osage will stain it if I don't seal it

So, what's your point?     Like I said,, adds character.   

Quote from: Pat B on April 14, 2022, 11:53:09 AM
So, what's your point?     Like I said,, adds character.   

 

Zinser Bullseye Shellac Sanding Sealer should seal it and it is quick drying. May need 2 applications.

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Thanks guy's

I bought minwax polyurethane water clean up and did a test piece, all good, first coat is on

You have a picture Max?. I've not seen much construction with ERC, other than closets and chests.

Not yet
Next week, the piece with the vice has not been screwed on yet