Waterproofing Wood Handles, advice please.

[Argonaut]

I am in the process of making my first brush handle. The wood is Bolivian Rosewood, I am down to the final sanding stage, but I am unsure as to what to use to protect the wood from water damage. I do not want to paint it or stain it, the wood has wonderful grain and color that I would like to preserve. I do not have a lathe, and I have many hours of sanding and shaping invested in this thing, I do not wish to see it swell and crack. Any advice from some of you experienced wood workers would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[malocchio]

clear marine varnish is one thought

 

[xraygun]

clear marine varnish is one thought

That's 7-10 coats. Beautiful but a lot of work.

Teak oil would be nice, but requires some maintenance occasionally. It would give you a very nice finish.

Modern acrylic sealers are easiest, but feel plasticy in my opinion.

 

[Malacoda]

Here are some discussions you might find helpful and interesting:

http://straightrazorplace.com/brushes/65983-homemade-shave-brush.html

http://straightrazorplace.com/brushes/59151-finishing-wooden-brush-handle.html


http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Making_a_brush_with_no_lathe

 

[deruitem]

If you are turning the handle on a lathe you can use CA glue.

 

[malocchio]

That's 7-10 coats. Beautiful but a lot of work.

Teak oil would be nice, but requires some maintenance occasionally. It would give you a very nice finish.

Modern acrylic sealers are easiest, but feel plasticy in my opinion.

acrylic is easier,but since the handle is so small,you could give it a coat (I would dip it and hang it) every other day for a couple of weeks.That would keep it sealed and gorgeous for a long time..and you are right,acrylic is too plastic looking...

 

[cooncatbob]

Cut the spar varnish in half with turpentine, this will allow it to penetrate into the wood easier, you can also add a small amount to "Japan Dryer" to the mix to speed up the drying time.
Bolivian Rosewood is a dense water resistant wood, unfortunately I had to quit working with it as it gave me a rash.

 

[Argonaut]

Cut the spar varnish in half with turpentine, this will allow it to penetrate into the wood easier, you can also add a small amount to "Japan Dryer" to the mix to speed up the drying time.
Bolivian Rosewood is a dense water resistant wood, unfortunately I had to quit working with it as it gave me a rash.

I remember reading that post, I may have the same problem myself. My face around my nose and cheeks kept breaking out in a rash off and on while I was working with it. When I read your post, I put it down for a week. The rash went away and hasn't come back, yet. I still have to do some fine grit sanding before finishing. Have you had any problems with Guayacan wood? That's the other block of wood I have for my next project. Also, I am unfamiliar with spar varnish. Is that a brand or a type of varnish?
Thanks to all for the advice, the only wood I've really worked with is briar for pipes, so this is a learning experience for me.

 

[cooncatbob]

I remember reading that post, I may have the same problem myself. My face around my nose and cheeks kept breaking out in a rash off and on while I was working with it. When I read your post, I put it down for a week. The rash went away and hasn't come back, yet. I still have to do some fine grit sanding before finishing. Have you had any problems with Guayacan wood? That's the other block of wood I have for my next project. Also, I am unfamiliar with spar varnish. Is that a brand or a type of varnish?
Thanks to all for the advice, the only wood I've really worked with is briar for pipes, so this is a learning experience for me.

Spar varnish is exterior boat varnish, I use McClusky's Man of War Spar Varnish.
As for wood allergies, here's a site with a wood data base, many wood are sensitizers once your affected by a particular wood it will effect worse in the future.
With the Bolivian Rosewood the kiln dried pen blanks didn't affect me but the larger air dried blanks gave me a rash like poison oak.
It's caused by the oils in the sawdust, you can use a barrier cream and nitrile gloves, I wear a full face shield now and wash up right away with soap and cold water, hot water will open the pores.
http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

 

[Argonaut]

Spar varnish is exterior boat varnish, I use McClusky's Man of War Spar Varnish.
As for wood allergies, here's a site with a wood data base, many wood are sensitizers once your affected by a particular wood it will effect worse in the future.
With the Bolivian Rosewood the kiln dried pen blanks didn't affect me but the larger air dried blanks gave me a rash like poison oak.
It's caused by the oils in the sawdust, you can use a barrier cream and nitrile gloves, I wear a full face shield now and wash up right away with soap and cold water, hot water will open the pores.
http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

Thank you very much!