Mahogany

[trplbogie]

What is the best finish for Mahagony, I have considered Minwax natural and also teak oil.
Any suggestions??

[gbutler]

I really like the Minwax gloss.

[liquidguitars]

Read the can first as some water-base finishes do not like natural "red" colors..

[trplbogie]

I really like the Minwax gloss.

just the goss and no stain????

[JDPratt]

Is this project staying inside? What is the project? It makes a difference what finishes may be suitable. If it is an interior project that wont see water or heavy moisture. I would start with BLO instead of stain (it will give the grain more depth and natural color) then Shellac, and then top coat of choice. I am a big fan of lacquer, but it does have its issues if you have never used it before. How big is the project?

[trplbogie]

Is this project staying inside? What is the project? It makes a difference what finishes may be suitable. If it is an interior project that wont see water or heavy moisture. I would start with BLO instead of stain (it will give the grain more depth and natural color) then Shellac, and then top coat of choice. I am a big fan of lacquer, but it does have its issues if you have never used it before. How big is the project?

The plaques will be 17x11 1/4, there will be over 20 total. They will be for inside display, team awards for all female redfish rodeo tournament. I want to have the nicest finish possible as I have only done one in mahogany, and it came out ok...thanks

[JDPratt]

With smaller projects like you described I like the BLO to bring out the grain (POP), and then shoot or brush on shellac. I am a big fan of lacquer after that, but it only looks really good if you can spray it. Brushing lends itself to a multitide of possible problems unless you are experienced with it. I know Ike prefers a polyurethane and can give you more insight on its application. Either way, I think both look the best when sprayed. Do you have the ability to spray? If you want to go with a lacquer and don't have the ability to spray, you can always go the rattle can spray route. It would probably take about one can for every five plaques if you apply about 3-4 coats per plaque. What ever you decide, please show pics of the final product. As far as stain....I think you will find many (myself included) that say staining Cherry, Mahogany, etc is tantamount to blasphemy, So your asking the wrong guy if you want advice on staining.

[trplbogie]

With smaller projects like you described I like the BLO to bring out the grain (POP), and then shoot or brush on shellac. I am a big fan of lacquer after that, but it only looks really good if you can spray it. Brushing lends itself to a multitide of possible problems unless you are experienced with it. I know Ike prefers a polyurethane and can give you more insight on its application. Either way, I think both look the best when sprayed. Do you have the ability to spray? If you want to go with a lacquer and don't have the ability to spray, you can always go the rattle can spray route. It would probably take about one can for every five plaques if you apply about 3-4 coats per plaque. What ever you decide, please show pics of the final product. As far as stain....I think you will find many (myself included) that say staining Cherry, Mahogany, etc is tantamount to blasphemy, So your asking the wrong guy if you want advice on staining.

Thanks, the one piece cut, I did not stain but put an acrylic spray on it. I am trying to go to brush on poly, to save on costs. Out of ignorance, what is BLO?

Thanks again

[Kenm810]

Possibly -- Boiled Linseed Oil

[Icutone2]

I use a water base sand seal first to raise grain and splinters, after dry sand with 600 grit or a sand mop. Than apply the first of 3 top coats. WELCOME to the forum!
Lee