Replies

1. 
   Steve_G | Nov 17, 2000 03:15am | #1

   *
   Use a finish with UV blockers. What do you want it to look like after its finished? do you want it to look just like it does now? stained darker? pickled, painted, pocked, polkadot or paisley? Sorry, got carried away, just give a little more info as to what you want the finished product to look like.

1. 
   pybas | Nov 17, 2000 04:45am | #2

   *Bill,May I suggest Waterlox. It is a tung-oil based product. I just finished several doug fir windows and a floor with it and they are beautiful. There are two species, one satin and one gloss. It takes 3 coats. Go to waterlox.com. (I don't have anything to do with the product, BTW)best,dave pybas

1. 
   Phill_Giles | Nov 17, 2000 08:08am | #3

   *For that olde-tyme look, can I suggest either spar or white-water varnish ? Use linseed oil if you need to darken it a bit more.

1. 
   Ron_Teti | Nov 17, 2000 05:06pm | #4

   *Not knowing exactly what look your trying to achieve. Ive used some of the bear water based stain color matched to the particular color i desired at the hd and went over it and went over it with a couple of coats of polyureathene(spelling) it came out pretty nice and its lasted about 5 years until i sold the place. i also used the same process on the window sill (it wasnt exposed to direct sunlight as it had a patio cover installed on the outside of the house) it also lasted until i sold the home.But again it all depends on 1) budget=time you want to spend and 2)the particular look/ period your trying to achieve.

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Nov 17, 2000 05:06pm | #5

   *There's nothin' like Watco Natural on DFir. Brings out the reds and oranges. If you want to protect it a little in high traffic areas, like on doors, you can go over it after it's dry with a poly (satin is my favorite).If you're concerned about toxins you might try "Meldos" by Livos. Very easy to work with and it's citrus based, so you don't have to deal with very many VOCs.

2. 
   Bill_H_ | Nov 17, 2000 05:53pm | #6

   *Bill, Dave is right on. Waterlox is good stuff. I used it over two coats of bioled linseed oil on some cherry. If you try it make shure the linseed oil is completly dry,(wait a week) befor you top coat. Bill

3. 
   Bill_Westervelt | Nov 18, 2000 02:16pm | #7

   *Dave - Thanks. Three coats? Ughh - I was hoping to get away with just one. Looking to darken it just a bit and bring out the grain a little. Dont really need the durability. Is this an oil based product? Brush or wipe application? I'm sanding to 220 before I put on any of this stuff. I'll check out the website. Thanks - Bill

4. 
   Dave_Pybas | Nov 19, 2000 12:09am | #8

   *Bill,It's a tung-oil based product. You can brush it on easily. You'll need at least two coats to get an even penetration IMHO. Light sand with 400 between coats to give the first coat some teeth. You're right about sanding to 220. Let us know how it turns out.Best,dave pybas

5. 
   Bill_Westervelt | Nov 19, 2000 02:14am | #9

   *Thanks Dave, just ordered it off their web site. Thats my kind of shoppin..

6. 
   b._c | Nov 19, 2000 08:28am | #10

   *I've found that fir will darken with time keep this in mind when you putty nail holes. I use colorputty mixed darker and reder than the freshly laquered trim I install. Or you can wait 6mo-1year to putty hope this helps.

2. 
   Bill_Westervelt | Nov 19, 2000 08:28am | #11

   *
   I recently made my own doug fir wainscote in my rec room and need to finish it. Suggestions? TIA