Wooden Jewelry Boxes: How to Finish Curly Maple and Walnut

Wooden jewelry boxes can be called works of art. Whether you are a beginner or a highly skilled expert, creating such an ingenious work of art is an achievement not everyone can do. Selecting the perfect wood and finish can spell the difference between a presentable box and an extraordinary heirloom.

Some of the exotic woods often used when making jewelry boxes are curly maple and walnut. Curly maple is a favorite because of its striking grain pattern and walnut because of its durability. To highlight the wood pattern of maple, choosing the right finish is important. The wood finishing will depend on the look you want to achieve.

Do you want to maintain the light, creamy shade of the wood or get a darker grain pattern? Do you want a polished sheen? Various finishes will have distinctive effects on wood. Some create a darker shade of the wood. Others provide longer protection against moisture, wear and tear and other elements of nature.

With so many wood finishes to choose from, which is the most suitable for jewelry boxes made of curly maple and walnut? Most craftsmen choose finishes that enhance the curly maple pattern. They do this by using some dye stains to raise the grain achieving a 3-D effect. Depending on the shade you want, you may choose from a light amber to a darker brown tint to highlight the pattern.

To seal in the wood, oil is then applied. You should apply enough oil to saturate the wood. Tung oil, Danish oil and boiled linseed oil are the types that are used most often. An oil finish will give the wood a smooth shiny glow. To add more shine, a good quality wax can be added.

Shellac is another suitable finish. It is a natural resin that can reveal the richness of the curly maple grain bringing out a soft and natural finish as opposed to a plastic-coated one. It is easy to handle and can be applied with the use of a pad, brush, sprayer or wiping cloth. Many love to work with shellac because it dries quickly and its color does not change over time. So if you want to maintain the light color of the wood, you should go for this finish.

Water-based polyurethane is another good option for a natural finish. It gives great durability and protection. It dries in minutes and is easy to apply.

When applying your wood finishing to your wooden jewelry box, remember to sand and prepare your wood well. You should sand the wood until smooth and free of any bumps. Wipe all the debris with a soft rag.

If you opt to use stains, apply them before sealing with oil or varnish. Any excess dye should be wiped off and allowed to dry. Add an oil finish or polyurethane to seal wood.

The right finish is one of the most important things to consider because it can give your creation that polished and professional look.

This article was written by Rachel Manalo of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!