Problems finishing w/ cocobolo inlay

[ewingda]

Hello all.

I have built a blanket chest from Lyptus (Rails & Styles) and Maple ply (panels) for a gift. The top is a mitered frame with the ply flush to the frame. I added a cocobolo inlay around the inside of the frame for an added touch. (3/8 wide inlay 3" inside of all edges - think if a rectangle in the top)

I have been trying to use arm-r-seal to finish the project. It has turned out great on the lypptus and maple..grain really pops.

My issue is on the top. around the inlay there is a visible area extending from the inlay onto the adjacent maple that looks like there is little finish. I started with satin and switched to semi floss to get a bit more shine.

So i whiffed on the oil in the cocobolo.


This problem are almost seems like the oil in the cocobolo is corrupting the arm r seal as it is wiped on.

I have sanded the top down to get back to basics. My plan is to refinish in these steps:

1 - acetone to cocobolo to get oil off
2- seal coat of cut shellac to seal cocobolo (will do entire top so there is not any imperfection from getting shellac on adjascent wood)
3- 3 coats of semi arm r seal.


Does this make sense?

Will arm r seal adhere to shellac?

Will color be affected?

Please advise.

Thx

Dave

 

[DaveO]

Your plan is exactly what I would recommend. You will have no problems with the shellac and Arm r Seal. Can speak much about the color, but if you're concerned I would first try it on some scrap.

Dave