Heavy Shilacing

[charndannio]

Can anyone tell me if just putting a coat of shilac on the bamboo after it has dried out if enough to protect the bamboo. And if so how long can you expect a bamboo pole to last after it has been shilaced. I know I still has a fishing cane in the shed I have had 20 or so years. I bought it for my son when he was small. It still looks good even after all this time. It looks to have had a heavy coat of shilac but I don't know if it was put on under pressure or just applied with a brush or something? Does anyone know anything about this type of application. Thanks, charndannio

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Charlene,
I don't know if we are spelling shilac correctly, but I know what you mean.

Finishes like shilac do not adhere well to bamboo due to the bamboo's shiny surface.

On an old weathered piece it would work fine and so would a wood stain - otherwise you would have to sand the shiny surface off - not an easy or pleasant task.

The reason that your fishing cane kept so well after 20 years is because you kept it inside out of the elements of nature.

Carole

[Bamboohead]

As Carol noted, sanding is necessary to apply a thick finish such as shellac. Depending on how much bamboo you are planning on doing..If you can learn to use a hand held propane tank to apply the word burned finish and remove any leftover residue (silica) after drying, it is amazing how shiny that is. After I do this, it can be painted, clear sprayed, or oiled to maintain the shiny finish.

[Scott W]

Hey Bamboohead, can the torch drying be performed only on green bamboo or can it be done at a later date also? I've got some bamboo in the garage that I let air dry and it simply faded to a light tan color.

[Bamboohead]

Hey Scott~ Sorry, been a few days since I logged in. If you've already let it dry out in the garage, it is probably dry enough. But if you want to add color, you can still use a propane torch or other methods to do so. Mind you, using the torch is an art, and you will have trial and error..Start out with small pieces, so if you ruin it, and you will (LOL), it won't be a big deal. I have found using the torch while green is better. It gets all the residue off and more easily than if it has dried..For some reason, when torching the dried bamboo, it is harder to remove any leftover residue. Some say using fine steel wool is good, I prefer and old bath towel. As soon as you have "burned" a section, quickly and strongly pull the towel as if you were cleaning a real dirty golf club, holding the towel around the bamboo tight as you move down the stalk. Repeat several times quickly. Try it, is amazing what this method turns out. Be very careful with the torch!!!