3 Wonderful Sapele Wood Finishes for Better Woodworking Projects

Furniture made from Sapele wood is highly cherished for its attractive appearance and exceptional durability. Particularly, Sapele becomes even more appealing if well-treated and worked with hand tools. Sapele is also strikingly beautiful with its ribbon stripes running vertically from one end of the board to the other. Although it resembles mahogany in both color and grain, it is harder and has a more golden brown color than mahogany. Sapele looks particularly striking when quarter sawed to reveal its ribbon grain. So, how can one achieve the most beautifully finished ribbon stripes? In this article, K-TIMBER will share with you the Best Finish for Sapele Wood for Better Woodworking Projects. Let’s explore!

Why finish Sapele wood in woodworking projects

Finishing the surface of Sapele wood not only contributes to the aesthetics and function of wood in the production of furniture as well as other wooden products.

• Protection: Wood finishes protect Sapele from environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and UV radiation. Unfinished Sapele, like many other types of wood, can absorb moisture, which may lead to warping, swelling, or cracking. A good finish seals the wood, preventing these issues and extending the lifespan of the wood products.
• Enhancement of Appearance: Sapele wood is known for its striking grain patterns, which include interlocked and ribbon stripes. Applying a finish enhances these natural patterns, bringing out the depth and richness of the wood’s color and texture. Finishes can deepen the hues, making the natural grain more pronounced and visually appealing.
• Maintenance: Finished wood is generally easier to clean and maintain. Dust and spills can be wiped off without penetrating the wood, which helps in maintaining the integrity and appearance of the wood over time. This is particularly important for furniture and other surfaces that are frequently used.
• Increased Durability: A proper finish can add a layer of hardness to the surface of Sapele wood, making it more resistant to scratches and dents. This is crucial for high-traffic items like flooring, tables, or chairs.

3 Wonderful Sapele Wood Finishes for Better Woodworking Projects

Finishing Method 1: Clear Sealer and Lacquer

Characteristics and Application:

This is a method that uses a transparent sealant, penetrating the wood to create a protective base coat, followed by a finishing lacquer to establish a durable top coat. One of our favorite sealants is Zinsser SealCoat—a versatile sealant. This is a type of shellac that has been dewaxed and is as clear as crystal. Any protective coating can be applied over it, whether it is solvent-based or water-based.

Particularly, SealCoat dries extremely quickly and can be sanded down in as little as 10 minutes after application. With its quick-drying properties and easy sanding, it helps maintain the Sapele wood surface to be smooth, shiny, and scratch-resistant.

Benefits: 

The combination of a clear sealer and lacquer not only protects the wood but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. The sealer ensures that the lacquer adheres well and the surface remains smooth and clear, highlighting Sapele’s natural grain. Lacquer finishes are relatively quick to dry and can be easily polished to a high gloss, making them ideal for high-end furniture and decorative items.

Considerations: 

The use of lacquer requires careful application in a dust-free environment since it can be prone to drips and sags if not applied evenly.

Finishing Method 2: Dye, Sealer, Stain, Lacquer

Characteristics and Application: 

This more complex finishing method involves multiple layers: dye to alter the color, sealer to protect the wood, stain to enhance or modify the color further, and lacquer to seal and protect the finish. Specifically, to add color to Sapele using stain, you should not apply oil-based stain directly to the raw wood as this would diminish the sparkle of the ribbon pattern. Instead, you can use our simple procedure below:

• Use an amber dye, dilute the dye to about 20%, and apply a coat onto the wood surface.
• After the dye has dried, apply a layer of dewaxed shellac. In this method, we have thinned the sealant by 25% (a ratio of 1:4 between denatured alcohol and SealCoat).
• Once the sealant is dry, apply the type of oil you prefer for the wood surface. Wait for the stain to dry for about 12 hours and then apply a protective coat.

Benefits:

This method offers extensive customization of the wood’s appearance, allowing for precise control over color and finish. It is particularly useful for projects where matching existing woodwork or specific design requirements are critical. The final lacquer layer provides a durable, protective surface that is both beautiful and long-lasting.

Considerations: 

This finishing process is time-consuming and requires careful planning and execution to ensure that each layer interacts well with the others. Mistakes in any step can affect the final outcome, making it necessary for the applicator to be skilled and meticulous.

Finishing Method 3: Danish Oil, Lacquer

Characteristics and Application: 

Among the three methods, using Danish oil and lacquer provides a completely different look, significantly enhancing the ribbon stripes. Finishing with Danish oil or boiled linseed oil often enhances the wood’s beauty but does not provide protection against scratches or other environmental impacts.

A unique aspect of this type of finish is that it can be effectively applied over all types of oil after they have dried, achieving the best aesthetic and durability results. To implement this, you need to sand the wood surface to 220 grit or more, then apply Danish oil to the wood surface, wait about 30 minutes, and then wipe off the excess oil. Note that Sapele wood absorbs unevenly and can leave small dots and raised oil spots on the surface if applied too liberally. After the oil has dried, approximately 8 hours later, apply a polishing layer to finish the final surface of the wood.

Benefits:

This method offers an excellent balance between enhancing the natural beauty of Sapele and providing a durable finish. The oil enhances the natural depth and warmth of the wood, while the lacquer ensures a robust protective layer.

Considerations:

It’s important to allow sufficient curing time for the Danish oil before applying lacquer to prevent any interference with adhesion. The presence of oil can sometimes complicate the application of lacquer, requiring careful surface preparation to ensure the topcoat adheres properly.

In summary, choosing the right finish for Sapele wood is crucial to enhancing both the aesthetics and durability of woodworking projects. Each of the three Sapele wood finishing methods mentioned has its own benefits and is tailored to suit the requirements of the project. If you are experiencing difficulties with wood finishing or have any challenges specifically with finishing Sapele wood, do not hesitate to contact us for support. K-TIMBER is a leading provider of high-quality African timber, with five sawmills spread across the Angola region and over 100 production staff. Contact K-TIMBER today for assistance.