Finishing Bolivian Rosewood: Techniques For A Smooth Finish

Bolivian Rosewood is a highly decorative, dark, dense hardwood that resembles the impossible-to-get Brazilian Rosewood or super-rare Indian Rosewood. It is sourced from several certified sustainable forestry operations in parts of South America. The wood is sourced from the Machaerium scleroxylon tree and is also known as Morado. When finishing Bolivian Rosewood, it is important to note that its natural oils can prevent oil-based topcoats from drying. Therefore, it is recommended to use dewaxed shellac as a base coat before applying other finishes.

Use a light coat of oil to finish the wood

When finishing Bolivian rosewood, it is important to consider the natural oils present in the wood. These natural oils can conflict with wood glue and some wood finishes, so it is recommended to glue up your joints after cutting them and to use a light coat of oil as your first finish.

Using a light coat of oil to finish Bolivian rosewood will help to ensure that you do not encounter drying problems. Oiling the wood will also enhance its rich, dark colour and make the grain pop. There are many different types of oil that can be used, including tung oil, boiled linseed oil, and Danish oil.

When applying the oil, it is important to wipe it on, wipe off any excess, and let it dry well before applying additional coats or a topcoat. You don't want to bathe the wood in oil; instead, use a lint-free cloth, rag, or shop towel to apply the oil in a thin, even coating along the wood grain. Remove any excess oil with a dry cloth. The surface should feel almost dry to the touch when you are done.

Allow the finish to cure overnight, and ideally for 24 hours, before applying another coat. Oils take a significant amount of time to dry and cure, so it is best not to apply more than one coat per day. With each additional coat, you will get more protection and can eventually build up a gloss film.

In addition to its aesthetic benefits, oiling Bolivian rosewood will also help protect the wood from weathering, UV degradation, fungal growth, and wear and tear. Overall, using a light coat of oil to finish Bolivian rosewood is an effective way to enhance the beauty and durability of the wood.

Use dewaxed shellac as a sealer

Dewaxed shellac is a great option to seal Bolivian rosewood before applying a finish. The wood's natural oils can prevent oil-based finishes from drying properly, resulting in a sticky mess. Dewaxed shellac, however, is an evaporative finish that doesn't rely on oxidation to cure and will cure without any issues on oily woods like Bolivian rosewood.

To use dewaxed shellac as a sealer, start by sanding the surface of the wood. This helps create a smooth base for the shellac to adhere to. After sanding, remove any excess oil from the wood by wiping the surface with a solvent such as acetone, lacquer thinner, or denatured alcohol. This step is crucial as it ensures that the dewaxed shellac will bond properly with the wood. Once the wood is prepared, you can apply the dewaxed shellac. You can brush, wipe, or spray it on, depending on your preference and the size of your project.

It's important to note that you should only use dewaxed shellac as a sealer if you plan to apply an oil-based finish on top. If you're using a water-based finish, you can use regular shellac, which has a waxy substance that helps with adhesion. However, if you're unsure or want to play it safe, dewaxed shellac is a versatile option that will work with any type of finish.

After applying the dewaxed shellac, let it dry completely. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this could take a few hours to a full day. Once it's dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 320-grit) to smooth out any raised grain or imperfections. Vacuum away the dust, and your Bolivian rosewood piece is now ready for the final finish of your choice!

Using dewaxed shellac as a sealer is a great way to ensure a proper bond between the wood and the finish. It helps to lock in the natural oils of the wood, preventing any issues with curing and creating a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Avoid oil-based topcoats

Bolivian Rosewood is a beautiful wood, but it can be difficult to finish due to its natural oils. These oils prevent oil-based topcoats from drying properly, resulting in a sticky mess. Therefore, it is best to avoid oil-based finishes altogether when working with Bolivian Rosewood.

The natural oils in Bolivian Rosewood can cause oil-based finishes to remain tacky for weeks or even months. In some cases, the finish may eventually cure, but this is not a reasonable timeframe for most people. One possible solution is to aggressively buff the surface with steel wool and mineral spirits, but this may not always be effective.

Instead of oil-based finishes, it is recommended to use evaporative finishes such as shellac or lacquer. These finishes do not cure via oxidation and will usually dry without any issues on oily woods like Bolivian Rosewood. Shellac, in particular, has been used for thousands of years and works well as a barrier and bonding finish. It can be used as a sealer coat before applying other finishes or as the finish itself, providing a beautiful and traditional look for rosewoods.

If you do choose to use an oil-based finish, it is important to first seal the natural oils in the wood. This can be done by sanding the surface and then wiping it down with acetone, lacquer thinner, or denatured alcohol. However, even with this preparation, there is no guarantee that an oil-based finish will dry properly on Bolivian Rosewood.

In summary, when finishing Bolivian Rosewood, it is best to avoid oil-based topcoats altogether due to the natural oils in the wood that inhibit drying. Instead, opt for evaporative finishes like shellac or lacquer, which will provide a beautiful and durable finish.

Lacquer is a suitable finish

When finishing Bolivian rosewood, it is important to use a sealer before applying any other finish. The natural oils in the wood can cause problems with oil-based finishes, such as varnish or polyurethane, preventing them from drying properly. A sealer, such as dewaxed shellac, can be used to create a barrier between the wood and the finish. This will ensure that the finish adheres properly and does not become tacky or blotchy.

To finish Bolivian rosewood with lacquer, it is recommended to start with a thin coat of dewaxed shellac as a sealer. This will ensure that the lacquer adheres properly and provide a good base for the finish. After the shellac has dried, you can apply the lacquer. It is best to spray or brush on thin coats of lacquer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to create a smooth, even finish.

Be aware of the potential for allergic reactions

When working with Bolivian Rosewood, it is important to be aware of the potential for allergic reactions. While the wood itself is dense and beautiful, with black striping on a dark brown background, it contains natural oils and waxes that can cause irritation for some individuals.

The most common issue reported when working with Bolivian Rosewood is a rash, similar to that caused by poison ivy. This rash typically appears on sensitive skin areas such as the wrists, underside of forearms, and areas of sweat, such as the waist and elbows. The rash can be extremely itchy and may last for several days. In some cases, it may even trigger more severe allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, irritation to the eyes, or respiratory problems.

To minimise the risk of an allergic reaction, it is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the sawdust. It is also important to shower and change clothes immediately after working with Bolivian Rosewood, as the oils and dust can remain on the skin and clothing.

If you do experience a rash or other allergic reaction, it is important to seek medical attention, particularly if the reaction is severe or affects your breathing. Over-the-counter treatments such as cortisone cream or ivy itch relief sprays can help with itching, but in more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a steroid pack to reduce the inflammation.

It is worth noting that each successive exposure to Bolivian Rosewood may worsen the allergic reaction. Therefore, if you know you are sensitive to this type of wood, it is best to avoid it altogether and stay away from other types of rosewoods as well.

Frequently asked questions