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Post by Rexton on Dec 26, 2015 18:51:27 GMT
I need help! I've been restoring a pair of Heybrook HB2's. All the hard has been finished I just need to fit new veneer. My question is quite simple. What's the best way to finish Zebrano, is it something like Danish oil or is it better to finish with a good quality high gloss clear varnish?
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 26, 2015 19:15:01 GMT
I think there are two considerations here really - your aesthetic preference and practicality.
My personal preference is not to use varnish on wood as I think it looks unnatural and rather 'manufactured'. High gloss finishes look like plastic to me! I much prefer the more natural look of an oiled finish, as it not only looks like real wood, but feels like it too. It is possible to get a shine on Danish oil if that's what you like, but you need to apply a lot of elbow grease.
On the practicality front, modern varnishes are much, much less hassle!
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Post by Rexton on Dec 26, 2015 19:28:56 GMT
I quite like the idea of Danish oil. It's cheap, cheerful and I don't mind the elbow grease. I should probably post some pics if the resto at some point.
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 26, 2015 19:51:23 GMT
That would be great!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2015 20:02:31 GMT
I used Ronseal Danish Oil on a Zebrano armboard but I was very diaappointed with the outcome. The contrasts were diminished and the whole thing took on a slightly warmer, reddish hue. It lost all of is appeal and I never fitted it. I'd recommend a test sample before committing to use it on your speakers.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2015 20:12:43 GMT
Straight waxing /oiling is one of my pet hates, it looks dull & is also a muck harbourer imho.. I believe people opt for this as they believe its a can't go wrong option + it's quick.. Certainly do not believe in performing it on Veneered surfaces, the edges of the finish piece are so suseptible to chipping, If the Veneered product is properly sealed the veneered edges will be encased to a certain degree under the finish..
Zebrano has a deep grain which needs filling.
However im with Chris with the dislike for Gloss/Piano finishes. A loverly proper sating finish looks best in my view..
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Post by MartinT on Dec 26, 2015 21:09:14 GMT
I used Danish Oil on the pair of Gales I restored because the surfaces needed restoring, including an unsightly mug mark (who would treat speakers that way?). I used the recommended method of very fine wire wool and lots of coats of oil. The finish is matt but very pleasing and has managed to hide virtually all the mistreatment.  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2015 21:37:06 GMT
Martin:
Do you use them much since you finished them?
What the Danish oil has done is stained the edge of the Veneer dark. One of the reasons i wont use anything with colour in it..
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Post by MartinT on Dec 26, 2015 23:27:58 GMT
I bring them out occasionally. They do sound good. One day, when I move, I shall use them in a second system.
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Post by Greg on Dec 28, 2015 23:47:35 GMT
Danish Oil is good stuff but it has quite a deep colour that darkens the finish, probably not wanted in a contrasting coloured veneer like Zebrano. I have oil finished several projects and now prefer Liberon 'Finishing Oil' which has all the properties of Danish oil without the colouration. Follow the instructions laying on coats and rubbing down with very fine wire wool in between and on the final coat, buff like hell to get the level of shine you want. Equally, you can polish with fine wire wool for a Matt finish. The more you buff, the more the shine. I love this method. Varnish/polyurethane is hard because it is difficult to get an even finish when brush or spray applied. Oil is an easy rag based application which overcomes this problem, especially as for each coat, you take off excess after each application. Finishing oil is impervious to water so you get all the benefits of protection that comes with a varnish/polyurethane lacquer. IMHO, this is the way to do it to get a very professional finish using a DIY process.
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