Hand-made tap handle finishing question

[funkenet]

Here is a pic of the tap handle I widdled by hand. Any recommendations to stain/treat the wood to make it look nice?

[hotrod38]

Three coats of high gloss poly will do the job. Sand in between coats.

[Bugeater]

Two different approaches come to mind. A light oak stain with several coats of polyurethane would be nice.

You might also consider a paint job on it. Something along the lines of a bright red (or other bright color) in the carved out areas and then a gloss black on the raised areas. A couple clear coats of polyurethane over that would complete the look.

Wayne

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[Weenie Boy]

I like Tung oil after staining. 3-4 coats, with a light sanding with 0000 steel wool between coats makes for an awesome finish.

+1 on the tung oil. I use 2-3 coats of 100% tung oil and for the final coat I mix 50% tung oil with 50% polyeurathane to "seal" the deal.

Nice work,

Weenie Boy

[Charlie]

What kind of wood is it?

Charlie

[funkenet]

dried solid pine.

[funkenet]

I already did 1 coat of tung oil. Is it too late to stain?