Two actually.
The handles arrived a little over a week ago, and I have not had time ot finish them. This weekend, I applied a few coats of Spar varnish (NOT Spar Urethane), sanding a few strokes with 220 grit in between. I just put the handles on the Red Master-Touch today. I might give them one more sanding and a final coat.
These are beautiful oak handles, and as such are naturally very light colored. I thought a very light wood would contrast really nice with the red, so I took quite some time deciding how I wanted to finish and seal them to maintain a light color. In the end, I decided to go with strictly the Spar Varnish so that it would add the slightest bit of color, and provide some durability and UV protection. I used the Ace brand spar varnish because I have read good things about it, it adds a light amber tone, and it was available in the tiny half pint size. I wanted semi gloss, but all they had was gloss. It does not shine very much. Slightly less than in the photos.
When viewed right next to one another, one of the handles is ever so darker than the other (due to my un-expert wood finishing skills). You can not tell a difference now that they are installed. For my next set, I might try and search out a truly clear coat that attempts to not stain the wood at all. However, I am beyond pleased with the results I achieved. Very, very happy.
So Brian: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Here are the photos, I did not polish the kettle, but it deserves to be cleaned with the new handles on it!
The handles arrived a little over a week ago, and I have not had time ot finish them. This weekend, I applied a few coats of Spar varnish (NOT Spar Urethane), sanding a few strokes with 220 grit in between. I just put the handles on the Red Master-Touch today. I might give them one more sanding and a final coat.
These are beautiful oak handles, and as such are naturally very light colored. I thought a very light wood would contrast really nice with the red, so I took quite some time deciding how I wanted to finish and seal them to maintain a light color. In the end, I decided to go with strictly the Spar Varnish so that it would add the slightest bit of color, and provide some durability and UV protection. I used the Ace brand spar varnish because I have read good things about it, it adds a light amber tone, and it was available in the tiny half pint size. I wanted semi gloss, but all they had was gloss. It does not shine very much. Slightly less than in the photos.
When viewed right next to one another, one of the handles is ever so darker than the other (due to my un-expert wood finishing skills). You can not tell a difference now that they are installed. For my next set, I might try and search out a truly clear coat that attempts to not stain the wood at all. However, I am beyond pleased with the results I achieved. Very, very happy.
So Brian: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Here are the photos, I did not polish the kettle, but it deserves to be cleaned with the new handles on it!