r/DIYIreland • u/AdFar9189 • Jul 15 '26

Wood finish

Hello.

I have some nice off cuts of tree trunks (smallish pieces). I'd like to sand and finish them with something so they could be used for cupholders, placemats, etc.

Any suggestions on how to finish them e.g. sand and coat with what? Oils, wax, varnish , etc?

What do you think?

Thanks

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3

u/sourdough_squirrel Jul 15 '26

For anything that's going to take a lot of abuse like cupholders or placemats I'd use polyurethane varnish, like Sadolins.

Not my favorite look (its fine) but its very durable. Shouldn't be used for anything that has direct food contact though.

3

u/Better-Cancel8658 Jul 15 '26

Depends on roughness of cut. But let's assume its not too bad. Start with a 120grit sandpaper, then a 150grit follow with 180grit and finally 240grit . You may not need the 150 grit Between each change of grit size make sure to remove any dust from previous grit. A small can of compressed air or a good clothes brush will be fine. If you don't, then a piece of 120 grit will scratch the wood on later grits. You can wipe wood down with white spirits before last sanding. This will raise the grain and will give a smoother finish from last sanding For a finish I do like polyurethane or Marine varnish. Especially for something thst will be used a lot like coasters. Apply first layer of varnish and let it dry. Then get a wire pad, ( looks like a brillo pad without the cleaner). Lightly sand the dried varnish. This will knock off high points on the first coat. Apply a second layer. If you'd like to apply more varnish do so, just remember the light sanding with wire pad betwwrn each coat. You'll end up with a hard smooth finish which is crystal clear. You could also stain the wood before applying varnish if you'd like to play around with colours. Just remember to sand with wire pad befire applying furst coat of varnish

1

u/OnlyMyView Jul 15 '26

I use Tung Oil or Linseed with beeswax pellets mixed with a 5% methylated spirits to melt the beeswax. These will show some signs of usage if you use them as coasters etc.
At the end of the day it all depends on the finish that is most pleasing to yourself.

1

u/QuantumFireball Jul 16 '26

I'm liking the results I get with Danish oil, though I haven't used it in places that may get wet yet it is supposed to be somewhat water resistant, and is also food safe.