finish question on exotic woods

[jared]

my question is i'm having trouble getting polyurethane to dry on some exotic woods. i bought a good brand called helmsmans spar urethane and it dries just fine on local species, but wont dry even in days in a dry climate on some exotic woods. someone told me that these exotic woods are more oily and thats why it wont take polyurethane. any ideas fellas?

 

[Ernie Swanson]

As far as I know yes some exotic wood is more oily.

For them a rubbed oil finish is best from what I understand, like tung oil.

 

[jared]

thanks ernie, but what about using tung oil if knife might be around water or blood in case of field dressing. would tung oil still work

 

[Ernie Swanson]

Tung oil does penetrate the wood pretty good. I would think it would be fine!

Hopefully some guys that would know for sure will post in here!!

 

[Bill T]

Hey Jared , What is the wood exactly ? Some won't take anything at all , for example cocobolo . Thanks , Bill

 

[jared]

thats exactly the one ive been having trouble with,it is beautiful but i cant get anything to dry on it specifically polyurethane. i dont think i have to worry about this specific exotic because im pretty sure ive developed a nasty little allergy to it. gives me the sneezing fits.lol

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

My recommendation is to not use any finishing product on exotic woods...it generally causes more issues than it solves. For the cocobolo, finish it down to 600+ grit, lightly buff, then give it a good coat of high quality paste wax.....it will look better and be more durable in that configuration than with any type of "finishing product".

 

[arrow-360]

I have used CA glue on cocobolo and it turned out very glossy after 5 or 6 coats, sanding, and polishing.
Dave

 

[Silversage]

I also ended up using CA on cocobolo and so far so good. This after trying several other finishes like you.

 

[HELLGAP]

Ed is right I just bought some renisaunce wax. I spelt it wrong jantz sells it. 15 bucks for like 3 oz its used in museums around the world.

 

[John Andrews]

I finally gave up on trying finishes and now have all my wood stabilized. The best finish for untreated wood I did find is the Birchwood Casey (SP?) stuff in the small bottle.