Doing a lot of sanding on Jarrah wood (from WA) and wondering what people's thoughts are on what to put on it? Stain, Clear, Varnish, etc????
Got x3 tables, x6 table seats, x6 chairs for outdoor.

Once the old crap is sanded off - the Jarrah looks fantastic naturally.

I've never worked with Jarrah.

Will the furniture be indoors or in the sun?

There are some oils for Jarrah that are good. I have used Linseed oil recently but it will darken the appearance which is good if that is what you want but not if it isn't. Most say it isn't. It is real cheap but they say to not use it on Jarrah.

I had some linseed oil on hand which is why I used it from building a few 19 inch audio rack mount cupboards. Though I added colour stain to the racks (blue and red)

I used it on an old stand for a fish tank where a bit darker was ok.

Orange oil is another choice. Bees wax or some other wax. 

Whatever Bunnings recommend would be ok at worst. It can get expensive but doesn't have to be.

Dnarever wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 9:00pm:

There are some oils for Jarrah that are good. I have used Linseed oil recently but it will darken the appearance which is good if that is what you want but not if it isn't. Most say it isn't. It is real cheap but they say to not use it on Jarrah. I had some linseed oil on hand which is why I used it from building a few 19 inch audio rack mount cupboards. Though I added colour stain to the racks (blue and red) I used it on an old stand for a fish tank where a bit darker was ok. Orange oil is another choice. Bees wax or some other wax.  Whatever Bunnings recommend would be ok at worst. It can get expensive but doesn't have to be.

Yes, I agree that Jarrah would be worth more than using whatever is easiest.

I use linseed on pine. That's quite ok.
For something special, a different preservative may be in order.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 9:15pm:

Dnarever wrote on Dec 14th, 2022 at 9:00pm: There are some oils for Jarrah that are good. I have used Linseed oil recently but it will darken the appearance which is good if that is what you want but not if it isn't. Most say it isn't. It is real cheap but they say to not use it on Jarrah. I had some linseed oil on hand which is why I used it from building a few 19 inch audio rack mount cupboards. Though I added colour stain to the racks (blue and red) I used it on an old stand for a fish tank where a bit darker was ok. Orange oil is another choice. Bees wax or some other wax.  Whatever Bunnings recommend would be ok at worst. It can get expensive but doesn't have to be. Yes, I agree that Jarrah would be worth more than using whatever is easiest. I use linseed on pine. That's quite ok. For something special, a different preservative may be in order.

\

Yes.

In my case a $80 can would be best but my $2 bottle of oil did the job I needed, it looks great but won't be outside.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 8:29pm:

I've never worked with Jarrah. Will the furniture be indoors or in the sun?

Outdoors in the sun.

Dnarever wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 9:00pm:

There are some oils for Jarrah that are good. I have used Linseed oil recently but it will darken the appearance which is good if that is what you want but not if it isn't. Most say it isn't. It is real cheap but they say to not use it on Jarrah. I had some linseed oil on hand which is why I used it from building a few 19 inch audio rack mount cupboards. Though I added colour stain to the racks (blue and red) I used it on an old stand for a fish tank where a bit darker was ok. Orange oil is another choice. Bees wax or some other wax.  Whatever Bunnings recommend would be ok at worst. It can get expensive but doesn't have to be.

Never thought of using Wax.
I have heard of oil stains leaving marks on people's clothes on the really hot days when they sit on it (or is that varnish? D'oh!). I don't know from experience if that's true.
I'm hoping to give it a 4 year lifespan before it needs doing again.

There is a Cabot's Clear Varnish which is stated to have a Jarrah supportive colouring to it. But I just want to be sure.

The Jarrah is a superb wood and I just want to bring out the best in it and am willing to pay a lot to achieve it.

Jasin wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 9:37pm:

There is a Cabot's Clear Varnish which is stated to have a Jarrah supportive colouring to it. But I just want to be sure. The Jarrah is a superb wood and I just want to bring out the best in it and am willing to pay a lot to achieve it.

If left in the sun Varnish will eventually start peeling off in places.

Marine varnish has more UV protection it might last a bit longer yet it will still start peeling off.

Varnish is good if not exposed to UV all day i reckon it's good for stuff kept in the shade it will seal moisture content in wood so it doesn't expand and contract with varying humidity

There are some good oils around do some research on that. Might be the easiest long term solution if you don't want to sand peeling varnish off every couple of years

Not really. Aiming for a 4 year lifespan detail at the least.
So you're right Baron, the Varnish (even marine can go in just one year) might not be a good option, although nice and glossy at the start.

Jasin wrote on Dec 14^th, 2022 at 9:37pm:

Dnarever wrote on Dec 14th, 2022 at 9:00pm: There are some oils for Jarrah that are good. I have used Linseed oil recently but it will darken the appearance which is good if that is what you want but not if it isn't. Most say it isn't. It is real cheap but they say to not use it on Jarrah. I had some linseed oil on hand which is why I used it from building a few 19 inch audio rack mount cupboards. Though I added colour stain to the racks (blue and red) I used it on an old stand for a fish tank where a bit darker was ok. Orange oil is another choice. Bees wax or some other wax.  Whatever Bunnings recommend would be ok at worst. It can get expensive but doesn't have to be. Never thought of using Wax. I have heard of oil stains leaving marks on people's clothes on the really hot days when they sit on it (or is that varnish? D'oh!). I don't know from experience if that's true. I'm hoping to give it a 4 year lifespan before it needs doing again. There is a Cabot's Clear Varnish which is stated to have a Jarrah supportive colouring to it. But I just want to be sure. The Jarrah is a superb wood and I just want to bring out the best in it and am willing to pay a lot to achieve it.

This is lovely to read.

I'ld imagine an oil stain could leave marks on clothes.
It often soaks into the wood and does not really dry.

The clear varnishes/polyeurethanes (?) sit on top of the wood and dry.

Baronvonrort wrote on Dec 15^th, 2022 at 12:12am:

Jasin wrote on Dec 14th, 2022 at 9:37pm: There is a Cabot's Clear Varnish which is stated to have a Jarrah supportive colouring to it. But I just want to be sure. The Jarrah is a superb wood and I just want to bring out the best in it and am willing to pay a lot to achieve it. If left in the sun Varnish will eventually start peeling off in places. Marine varnish has more UV protection it might last a bit longer yet it will still start peeling off. Varnish is good if not exposed to UV all day i reckon it's good for stuff kept in the shade it will seal moisture content in wood so it doesn't expand and contract with varying humidity There are some good oils around do some research on that. Might be the easiest long term solution if you don't want to sand peeling varnish off every couple of years

good points

Looks like I'll be going with a clear coat varnish.
Using a paint stripper (1/4mm depth) to do the tops to bring up the Jarrah beauty, before a smooth sanding - sure does save a lot of time than just using a sander. But on the legs and stretchers I do just use an orbital sander with a 40 then 120.
Haven't bought the Clear coat varnish yet, but I think its worth giving it a go to enhance the Jarrah.

Jasin wrote on Dec 15^th, 2022 at 5:45am:

Not really. Aiming for a 4 year lifespan detail at the least. So you're right Baron, the Varnish (even marine can go in just one year) might not be a good option, although nice and glossy at the start.

I re oiled an outdoor setting I had about every 2 to 3 years and it lasted for 20 years. It only deteriorated when I started to neglect it.

Well I went with Sikkens HLSe 077 stain.
x3 coats (first being light and fast application to prevent 'run stains' anywhere).

The trick is to sand the Jarrah down beyond any weathering colouring. To where the Jarrah is rich in its natural state.
That way, it lightens up still under the stain.

On indoor furniture,  beeswax. But to do it right you need 20 or 30 coats, with a very light sand between coats. If you're lazy just use clear varnish.

Using beeswax Looks great when finished but if you put hot cups etc on it it will leave a mark Always use coasters

Jasin wrote on Jan 6^th, 2023 at 7:39pm:

Well I went with Sikkens HLSe 077 stain. x3 coats (first being light and fast application to prevent 'run stains' anywhere). The trick is to sand the Jarrah down beyond any weathering colouring. To where the Jarrah is rich in its natural state. That way, it lightens up still under the stain.

Sounds beautiful.

Sikkens has a VERY good reputation.

Expensive, but one of the best.