Advice on finish for osage orange

[bash]

I am finishing up a keepsake box out of osage orange (hedgeapple) and wanted suggestions on the type of finish to preserve the yellow color as much as possible. From what I have read I am leaning toward a clear water based lacquer, but thought I would ask the experts. I have several short rough-sawn osage orange boards, so will likely start another project with it soon.

Thanks

 

[DaveO]

A water-based finish is going to give you the truest color with no ambering from oils as with an oil-based finish. But nothing is going to keep Osage Orange from turning brown short of keeping it in a dark closet. With UV exposure OO will turn to a boring brown. If you can find a good water-based finish with UV inhibitors that would be your best best. And tell the recipient of the box to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Dave

 

[bash]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the input.
-Bruce