{"id":11868,"date":"2022-07-27T16:16:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T23:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.woodworkerssource.com\/blog\/?p=11868"},"modified":"2022-10-10T16:52:47","modified_gmt":"2022-10-10T23:52:47","slug":"5-simple-cherry-wood-finishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.woodworkerssource.com\/blog\/woodworking-101\/tips-tricks\/5-simple-cherry-wood-finishes\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Sublime & Simple Cherry Wood Finishes To Make Your Project Pop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We took to the shop to find the most succulent cherry finish that will make your project stand out from the crowd.
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Cherry is a peculiar wood. Unlike the distinct pale white of maple, or the rich dark of walnut, cherry exists in a constant state of flux. You’ll see muted pale fresh planed boards, light-to-medium golden aged boards, and even rich brownish-red well-aged projects.
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That wide range of color is all thanks to cherry’s sponge-like effect with the sun. That\u2019s to say, fresh sawn cherry might surprise you just how pale it is, while a 5 year old cherry dresser would hardly resemble the same wood. That’s why more customers are caught off guard seeing pale cherry, than woodworkers getting splinters from Wenge.
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\"Natural<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This color variation isn\u2019t a bad thing though. While cherry may be pale when fresh cut, choosing how to age and finish your project can greatly affect the color down the road.
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So what approach should you take with your next cherry project? We took to the shop and applied a few of our favorite finishes to help you decide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cherry<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Boiled Linseed Oil<\/strong>
    • PROs –  Provides a warm or aged, reddish look on cherry; can be top coated with a clear finish to improve protection; simple wipe-on\/off application.<\/li>
    • Cons – Not durable by itself; long dry time; caustic odor; soaked rags are hazardous until dry; dense cherry grain tends to blotch.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
    • Tung Oil Varnish Blend<\/strong>
      • PROs – Gives a similar look as boiled linseed oil, but the varnish adds a tough protective coating if enough coats are applied; reduced blotching; simple wipe-on\/off application <\/li>
      • Cons – long dry time; caustic odor; oaked rags are hazardous until dry; dense cherry grain blotches a little.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
      • General Finishes Arm-R-Seal <\/strong>
        • PROs – Virtually crystal clear color; easy wipe-on application; build multiple coats for a tough coating; flat, satin, semi, or gloss sheens are available; easy to repair down the road.<\/li>
        • Cons – Multiple coats required for good protection.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
        • Clear Dewaxed Shellac<\/strong>
          • PROs – Gives cherry a natural look; dries crystal clear; any finish can be applied over it for a tougher top coat; easy to apply. <\/li>
          • Cons – Not a durable finish by itself.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
          • Clear Dewaxed Shellac w\/ Dark Brown Glaze<\/strong>
            • PROs – Reduces the contrast between heartwood and sapwood; can be (should be) top coated with a more durable clear finish if desired; allows the grain and character of cherry to show.<\/li>
            • Cons – Requires additional work.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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