How to treat nude wood?

[tactikal]

hmmm...
I have a distinct feeling that even clear wax would turn the wood golden/yellow.. but the only way to find out for sure is to do some tests!

A stain I saw that achieves that same lightness was a lime-wash (or maybe it's called "Limewash"...). It looked pretty good... I wonder what it does to the wood though?

I don't really mind about knocks or bumps on them... so as for protection, is it more that I'll need something to keep moisture levels in the wood from changing too much or too quickly?
(South-Eastern Australia has a really DRY summer-heat.. it's rarely very humid here).

Thanks for your help guys.

[buckoh]

Taktical & Whop, you do have some choices to acheive that neutral color. Most waterbased finishes are clear. Apply with a sponge brush, a good synthetic brush that is made for waterbased finishes(it will have flagged ends, as with split ends on hair), or spray, which takes a fair amount of skill.
Clear(as opposed to amber)shellac is a good finish and needs a good quality brush for application. It is easy to repair and somewhat durable and easy to recoat. Alcohol is the thinner and the solvent which means alcohol will remove the finished product.
There is a lacquer that is referred to as "water white lacquer". This means that it is absolutely clear and non yellowing. It is solvent based and should be used outdoors. Deft brand makes a good brushable lacquer that is available at home improvement stores. Lacquer thinner is the thinner and solvent for this product. I don't know if it is non yellowing.
Personally, I'd go with the waterbased clear. Its not hazardous, very durable, and easy clean up. I use Environmentally Friendly by General Finishes in Wisconsin. If you want details on how to get a beautiful satin finish, email me. Buckoh

[Chupacabra]

Pure coconut oil works pretty good for natural finish, as would any non-rancidifying vegetable oil. You have to oil the shell more often to maintain them but you can't get any easier or non-toxic than that!

[tactikal]

Thanks for the info guys...

The "white water lacquer" sounds interesting. From past furniture staining and varnishing, etc.. I know that even a coat of clear ends up yellowing the timber.

@buckoh - I might shoot you an email when I finally get around to getting these shells sorted.. satin finish sounds great!



Edited By tactikal on 1197433879