Maple Grace
Great Finishes for Wooden Jewelry Boxes Made of Curly Maple and Walnut
Wooden jewelry boxes are sometimes considered masterpieces. Whether you are a beginner or a highly skilled expert, creating such an ingenious work of art is an achievement not everyone can do. Choosing the right wood and finish can spell the difference between a nice box and a possible heirloom.
Curly maple and walnut are some of the common exotic woods used when making jewelry boxes. Curly maple is a favorite because of its striking grain pattern and walnut because of its durability. To highlight the wood pattern of maple, choosing the right finish is important. The wood finishing will depend on the look you want to achieve.
Do you want to preserve the light, creamy color of the wood or achieve a deeper grain pattern? Do you want a polished sheen? Various finishes will have distinctive effects on wood. Some achieve a darker wood color. Others give more lasting protection against scratches, moisture and other natural elements.
With so many wood finishes to choose from, which is the most suitable for jewelry boxes made of curly maple and walnut? Many woodworkers opt for finishes that highlight the curly maple pattern. They do this by using some dye stains to raise the grain achieving a 3-D effect. You can choose from a light amber to a darker brown hue to further bring out the curly pattern.
To seal in the wood, oil is then applied. Apply enough oil with a soft rag to saturate the wood. Tung oil, Danish oil and boiled linseed oil are the types that are used most often. An oil finish will give the wood a smooth shiny glow. To add more shine, a good quality wax can be added.
Shellac is another suitable finish. It is a natural resin that can reveal the richness of the curly maple grain bringing out a soft and natural finish as opposed to a plastic-coated one. It is easy to apply with the use of a brush, pad, sprayer or wiping cloth. Shellac is a favorite because it dries fast and the color does not change over time. So if you want to maintain the light color of the wood, you should go for this finish.
Water-based polyurethane is a great option if you want a natural finish. It provides lasting protection and durability. It quickly dries and is easy to use.
Before applying your finishing to your wooden jewelry box, always remember to sand and prepare your wood properly. Sand your wood until it is smooth and free of bumps. Wipe it clean with a soft rag.
If you opt to use stains, apply them before sealing with oil or varnish. Remove any excess dye and let it dry completely. Add an oil finish or polyurethane to seal wood.
The right finish is one of the most important things to consider because it can give your creation that polished and professional look.
This article was written by Rachel Manalo of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!
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