finishing bamboo

[alanf]

Is there a "best way" to seal/finish bamboo? I'm making 7' tall screens for indoor use using 1 5/8" diameter bamboo poles and am concerned they may crack/check. Should I use shellac to seal them, and should I try and cover the insides where possible?
Thanks,
Alan

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Alan,
Wel'culm' to the Bamboo Forums.

My favorite way to finish bamboo is to use a paste wax.
Did you harvest the bamboo poles yourself?
Are they dry or still drying?

Sometimes there is no way to prevent cracking - a lot can depend on the temperature variances that are indoors.

I am not sure what you mean by should I try and cover the insides where possible?

Carole

[alanf]

Hi Carole,
Thanks for your input.
First, I purchased the poles from an outlet in the Bay area. Huge supply there and I got, what feel/look dry, 1 5/8 " poles and 1 " cross pieces for supports. By the "insides" I referred to trying to get some preservative/coating on the inside of the poles where I've drilled holes for the cross pieces. And I don't really think I'll be able to devine awat cracks/checks, just thot maybe if all surfaces were covered that the checking might be less.
I have applied two coats of shellac so far, there's messy stuff, and now to put the rig together. Maybe paste wax next effort.
Thanks again,
Alan

[CaroleMeckes]

I don't know if you need the wax - the shellac should probably do enough for a shine on its own.
Carole