Wood finish on early 1893 Parker GH?

[B. Dudley]

But, also remember that they were built by humans in a production setting in rather crude condition by todays standards. And none of them figured that 100 years later collectors would be fretting over every little detail.

[Cameron Thraen]

Brian, in an earlier reply you said that you sometimes used alkanet in a final finish. How do you do this? Add alkanet as a lubricant in the final coats with shellac? Incorporate it in small amount of shellac? On my project I am finding that I need a bit more red in the finish and less brown tone and I am looking at alkanet as a source for the reddish tone.

[B. Dudley]

I do not use alkanet in the final finish.

[Cameron Thraen]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

In my mind actual stain should only be used to cover up patches of sap wood, or to blend a repair in or something like that. Or to match a butt to an existing forend, or visa versa.

The natural color of any wood cannot be beat.

I will use Alkenet root in my sealer coats to get a tint of color into the wood, but the difference is only slight.

Brian, I was referring to your earlier statement (on the other thread) on adding alkanet in your sealer coat. My mistake as to using it in the final coat. I assumed you were referring to shellac, but perhaps not. Apology offered.

To my question. Are you using alkanet root applied directly to the wood prior to the sealer coat (if shellac) or are you using it as a lubricant when applying the sealer coat. Or ???

[B. Dudley]

To be quite frank, I feel as if you are seriously overthinking the topic of wood finishing for your forend project. It sounds like you have done an awful lot of research and inquired a lot to this point.
There comes a time when one must act on something and just get it done. Make it happen and learn from their own experiences.

[Chris Robenalt]

I agree with Brian, just make it happen. Too many questions for me. I've asked questions starting out, but I'm self taught. I've learned from my mistakes and my achievements. I'm a perfectionist, if I don't like something, I'll start over. Good luck Cameron!

[Cameron Thraen]

Ok, I have achieved a really pleasing shellac finish on my forend wood and recut the checkering with the Parker mullered border. Now I have yet one more question on finish. Woodcock season here in Ohio is always accompanied by wet conditions. On at least a few days outings the forend wood will be handled by wet shooting gloves for certain. Will the shellac finish be up to these conditions? Opinions on adding a final finish such as a wiping varnish?

Checkering recut with mullered border.