Does Purpleheart need to be stabilized ?

Keith Willis

Keith Willis

Well-Known Member
My friends dad has several feet of the stuff.I talked to his dad yesterday and we made a little trade,so I'll be getting some the next few day.

God bless,Keith
 
Just a note about Purpleheart....its a very opened grained wood, and tends to be brittle. It will check/crack easily in thinner cross sections.

I personally don't use it because of the open grain....no matter how finely you sand it, if it even comes near a buffer the grain will load up with compound. The best way I have found to finish it is to use MANY coats of Tru-Oil.... apply a coat and immediately wipe it off, let dry for two hours, light hand buff the finish with fine grade steel wool and then go through the whole process again, and again, and again....until the surface grain is filled. In my experience it usually takes several days and about 15-20 coats of Tru-Oil to accomplish.
 
Thanks guys.

Hey Ed,what about using several coats of CA? I have never used Purpleheart,so that was just a thought.

God bless,Keith
 
You certainly could use the CA.....I just don't like it on a knife handle...it never blends well with the wood, and tends to leave very glossy spots.
 
You can check Rockler (or other woodworking store) for clear grain sealer. That will fill the pores and help finishing. I've done a few picture frames and other stuff in purpleheart, and I like it once you fill the pores / grain.....2thumbs

Larry
 
Larry,I am not sure if it will work,but I got some MINWAX sealer from Lowes.That I hope will work.

God bless,Keith
 
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