WOODCARVING & ACCESSORIES

Wooden Jewelry Boxes: Great Finishes for Curly Maple and Walnut

Wooden jewelry boxes can be called works of art. Whether you are a beginner or a highly skilled expert, creating such an ingenious work of art is an achievement not everyone can do. Selecting the perfect wood and finish can spell the difference between a presentable box and an extraordinary heirloom.

Curly maple and walnut are some of the common exotic woods used when making jewelry boxes. Craftsmen choose curly maple because of its beautiful grain pattern and walnut because of its durability. To bring out the wood pattern of maple, it is critical to choose the right finish. The choice of wood finishing will depend on how you want the end product to look.

Do you want to maintain the light, creamy shade of the wood or get a darker grain pattern? Do you want a glossy shine? Various finishes will have distinctive effects on wood. Some achieve a darker wood color. Others provide longer protection against moisture, wear and tear and other elements of nature.

With the many wood finishes available, what is the best finish for wooden jewelry boxes made of curly maple and walnut? Most craftsmen choose finishes that enhance the curly maple pattern. They do this by using some dye stains to raise the grain achieving a 3-D effect. Depending on the shade you want, you may choose from a light amber to a darker brown tint to highlight the pattern.

To seal in the wood, oil is then applied. You should apply enough oil to saturate the wood. Tung oil, Danish oil and boiled linseed oil are the types that are used most often. Finishing with an oil sealer will give the wood a glossy sheen. For an even glossier finish, you ca add a good quality wax.

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. Many love to work with shellac because it dries quickly and its color does not change over time. So if you want to preserve the light color of curly maple, this is the ideal finish.

Water-based polyurethane is a great option if you want a natural finish. It gives great durability and protection. It dries in minutes and is easy to apply.

When applying your wood finishing to your wooden jewelry box, remember to sand and prepare your wood well. Sand your wood until it is smooth and free of bumps. Wipe all the debris with a soft rag.

If you choose to apply stains, do this before sealing with oil or varnish. Any excess dye should be wiped off and allowed to dry. Rub oil or polyurethane to seal wood.

The right finish is very important because it will give your creation that polished and professional look that you are after.

This article was written by Rachel Manalo of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. 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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