During the lock down I have been making scales from old hardwood decking. I have no experience in doing this or any wood work. The wood is Jarrah (eucalyptus) and is exceptionally hard. I have been dressing the wood with Teak oil (suitable for hard woods, plus I had it hand) between sands, so the oil really soaks into the old dry wood. So far the scales look nice, quite dark and matt.
I'm waiting for the brass washers and rods to arrive so I can peen the scales. While I wait I'm thinking about the final finish. Teak oil is nourishing the wood, but I want something more protective and water proof. I'm thinking of using bee's wax (never used it) or a clear urethane. I wonder if urethane will look to glassy or like plastic and be slippery when wet.
Also while waiting, I'm making 3 other sets of Jarrah scales and will opt for different finishes so they all don't look identical. When sanded the wood has a light golden colour. What can I do to keep the wood looking pale (urethane)?
What do people usually finish wooden scales with?
I'm waiting for the brass washers and rods to arrive so I can peen the scales. While I wait I'm thinking about the final finish. Teak oil is nourishing the wood, but I want something more protective and water proof. I'm thinking of using bee's wax (never used it) or a clear urethane. I wonder if urethane will look to glassy or like plastic and be slippery when wet.
Also while waiting, I'm making 3 other sets of Jarrah scales and will opt for different finishes so they all don't look identical. When sanded the wood has a light golden colour. What can I do to keep the wood looking pale (urethane)?
What do people usually finish wooden scales with?