Voyage to Darkness Continues

Well, onwards and upwards. The ebonized bowl is coming along slowly but surely. Now the outside has several coats of ebony the inside is starting to come along. As you can see, there are still areas that need covering. We have had humid and rainy days which greatly increases the drying time. So, we have to wait longer for every new layer. Traditionally lacquering is referred to "Japanese Lacquer" which comes from many many (possibly hundreds) of layers of lacquer from the lacquer tree. This website shows how the Asian process is done: http://www.urushi-kobo.com/process.html. As we go along, our ebonizing liquid is made from a stain and pigments. There is some minor finish layers included in the commercial stain we are using. Once the color is clear and black, we will be adding the proper finish layers of clear shellac and polyacrylic. This combination has proven to be optimal under the additional pressures of the shave bowl which is often wet. In general, finishes are not made to withstand being in water. We have also finished some really beautiful Shave Brushes in wenge, purpleheart and mahogany.

First Finish Layer - How does it look?

Here is the sanded piece with 1 coat of thinned shellac.

The exposure (brightness) is really turned up.  In person, the void looks simply like a dark spot.  This is our goal :).

Why choose shellac for the first finish coats?  That's easy.  It adds to the depth of the color of the finish layers.  Layers?  Why Layers?  Funny you should ask.  Layers are the part of the finish that 1) protects the wood from the environment 2) Enhances the color of the piece. 3) Increases the light that is bounced along the surface of the piece which enhances the color.

After the shellac comes the Poly finish.  Poly being the hardest and durable finish there is.  But poly can yellow after 50 years.  So it's a trade off.  In a Chair poly would keep everything very nicely.  Realistically  will you have your pen?  I hope so.  I believe in keeping things.  Passing them along for your children to sort out.  So, questions? Comments? Snarky rhetoric?  Let me know in comments.  Thanks Kristin