r/turning • u/yabqa-wajhu • 1d ago

Definitive durable finish for daily use items?

Hi folks, I have accumulated a few bowls and plates that we use daily. I've found that somehow Sapele does the best in terms of retaining finish and not getting too fuzzy or dry. So now I'm turning a few Sapele plates and I'm wondering what's the most durable finish? I've tried heat-treated walnut oil ("Doctor's"), watco tung oil (varnish blend which DOES have SOME tung oil), osmo. So basically I've tried oil, varnish, and hardwax oil. It seems that the walnut oil holds up best, but still not nearly as durable as the finish on some old Danish teak bowls which I think maybe had a lacquer finish? Is spray on lacquer an option? Downside would be that it might be glossy?

I know a lot of people recommend tried and true - is this substantially different than watco or another varnish?

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u/Naclox 1d ago

Tried and True is just polymerized linseed oil. From tests I've seen pure tung oil might be your best bet, but the curing time is a couple of months.

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u/WhatsUpDaddyCat 1d ago

To add to that thought, The Wood Whisperer has a really good video on this and he liked the 50/50 tung oil and citrus solvent.

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u/Naclox 1d ago

That's the exact video I was thinking of.

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u/Sluisifer 1d ago

T&T Original is oil and wax, and the wax does make a difference. You will get marginally more sheen vs. just using oil, and 2 or 3 coats will give a measure of sheen if you've sanded well to 400+.

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u/tomrob1138 8h ago

I use tried and true, some tung oil and some citrus solvent. 1/3 of each. Really like it. A simpler way to get there is Walrus oil furniture finish. I really like it as well and all natural