Finishing Soft Maple

[Larry Rose]

I recently built a small table out of soft maple. Since this is my first try at using it, I'm not sure about the best finish to use. Any suggestions?

 

[DaveO]

I have used blond shellac with great results. Top coated with wipe-on poly for a little more durability. See the Maple desk in my Photo Album.
Dave

 

[NCPete]

I have used blond shellac with great results. Top coated with wipe-on poly for a little more durability. See the Maple desk in my Photo Album.
Dave

Dave, I have looked at that desk a bunch, and thought just how neat an idea that is. Do you have drawings or plans you made?

 

[Travis Porter]

Dave's suggestion is a good way to start out IMO.

 

[DaveO]

Dave, I have looked at that desk a bunch, and thought just how neat an idea that is. Do you have drawings or plans you made?

I have the drawings somewhere :roll: :roll: I looked the other night for them with no luck, but I never throw stuff like that out, so they are somewhere :eusa_thin

Dave

 

[Gillie]

My prefered finish for maple is:

Sand to 180 grit.

Apply Ipswich Pine stain (this is to "warm up" the tone of the wood so the shellac/varnish doesn't make it look yellow). Allow to dry overnight.

Apply 2 coats blond dewaxed shellac (Zinsser Seal-Coat)

Sand w/220 grit.

Apply Waterlox semi-gloss w/ foam brush and allow to dry overnight.

Sand w/400 grit

Apply final coat of Waterlox semi gloss w/foam brush.

Gives a beautiful finish!