Amboyna Burl - finish

[Qwer]

HI there.

I might be ordering a cue with 4 splice amboyna burl and 4 splice of curly maple/tabak

What do you guys?

I was just wondering if a wax/normal/non-lacquered finish on this burl is any good?

I heard it only look good and feel good when finishing with lacquer.

But i dont really like lacquer.
So just wondering what the more experienced here(e,g, cuemakers) have to say of this wood!!!!!!!

[tomeestrings]

Amboyna burl is lovely !! But personally I would avoid cellulose Lacquer or similar as it mostly sits on the surface . Shellac and oil mix I find works best as it soaks into the wood and protects hardens and shows of the beauty of the wood , plus gives the benefit of being able to re-polish without the need to sand . Well that's my thoughts !!

[RogiBear]

Completely agree. I would use a shellac based product rather than lacquer also

[tomeestrings]

Hi Rogi , ever tried making it yourself out of the de-waxed shellac flakes ?? its a slightly more economical way plus you can make it thicker or thinner depending on how you like the finish

[RogiBear]

Afraid not. I know someone that does a bit of furniture restoration, who does the blend for me. Should probably do it myself lol

[Qwer]

well, i am actually ordering it. Would it be easy to apply some sort of finish(shellac,lacquer) on top of the wax finish, if i dont like it?

It should be easier going from wax to shellac then the other way round.

But just how easy?

[tomeestrings]

Please avoid waxing the cue before you put any permanent finish on the cue it would be like waxing your car bonnet before painting it !!! If the cue is waxed already just clean it with meths And yes shellac and oil can be a bit tricky to get right especially if you want the butt section shiny ?? As always I would recommend taking it to somebody who knows what they are doing !! I am a bit confused though , if you order a hand made cue they will do this work for you ?? Confused .com

[Qwer]

yes, they do two types of finish.

WHICH is better.

I am just afraid because I hate too shiny butt and sticky lacquer.

Yet, I am scare normal non-lacquered finish wont protect the wood or bring out the wood colours.

[damienlch]

Curious to know which cue maker are you intending to order from?

[SouthPaw]

Curious to know which cue maker are you intending to order from?

I'd imagine Thai if he's getting an option of finish, Phoenix maybe..?

Qwer you'd be better getting it oiled, a good oil finish should last it's lifetime if it's well looked after/maintained...

[tomeestrings]

Still confused !!

[damienlch]

I'd imagine Thai if he's getting an option of finish, Phoenix maybe..?

Qwer you'd be better getting it oiled, a good oil finish should last it's lifetime if it's well looked after/maintained...

The mention of tabak/tabek wood is a dead giveaway.

Can't imagine it can go too wrong with a straightforward oil finish.