ZMan wrote:
Usually I use Tung Oil on my walnut boxes which darkens the color of the wood to a gorgeous tone.
Now I have a customer who want a box in a combination of Birdseye Maple and Walnut - and wants the walnut to stay a little lighter in color to better go with the maple.
I have found a good piece of walnut that is more of a 'milk chocolate' color.
Any suggestions on a finish or technique that would let the walnut stay that lighter color?
Perhaps a wash first with either shellac or BLO to seal the wood?
Unless you can get hold of some fresh, dewaxed absolutely clear (bleached) shellac I wouldn't use it. Even SuperBlond will darken the wood some. Certainly wouldn't use Seal Coat or other canned from the local big box hardware store. Here's a possible supplier:
http://www.shellac.in/shellac_machinemade.htmlBLO is possibly the worst choice. It's soft, and will darken over time.
As always, test whatever you decide on first. Good luck.