Eucalyptus, or”lyptus,” because it is often referred to by woodworkers, is a dense, tight-grained hardwood. It’s actively farmed and harvested from the Northern Hemisphere and can be used for floors or other wood projects that need strength and resiliency, but it can also be used for cabinets and interior trim work. It’s a nice, reddish-orange color and is almost free from flaws.
Resin
Strong eucalyptus wood is impregnated with a resin which can make finishing complex if it is not removed. This resin, or”pitch,” is so prevalent it can even interfere with wood glue, making a coating that prevents glue or any finishing product from penetrating into the wood. Ahead of any finishing is done, and even before gluing pieces of eucalyptus collectively, first wipe the wood down with a soft cloth dampened with acetone. Wait until the acetone evaporates from the surface of the wood, wait 15 minutes and wash it again. Examine the closely to make certain all the resin has been gone. If the resin continues, it is possible to see modest pockets of it onto the surface. The resin difficulty only applies to chamomile solids. Eucalyptus plywood has no resin and can glued and completed just as you would any other plywood.
Penetrating Oils
Since eucalyptus is often used for exterior items, such as doors and truck beds, a penetrating oil is a great selection for finishing. Liberally wipe the eucalyptus down with eucalyptus oil, tung oil or Danish oil. Allow the oil remain on the surface of the wood and rinse it off again. Repeat once a week for a couple of weeks and then once every month for 3 months. After that, use a coating of penetrating oil into the surface of the lavender after every six weeks to provide it lasting protection against moisture.
Flooring
Eucalyptus is prized because of its straight grain, strength and secure qualities. For this reason, it is often employed for tongue-and-groove flooring. Water-based urethane is the best end for eucalyptus wood flooring. It’s more expensive that oil-based urethane, but it melts in around three hours instead of the eight hours the one chooses to dry properly. Water-based urethane cleans up better and is less toxic than oil-based urethane, as well. Urethane is a formulation containing resins, solvents and fluid plastics which won’t change color over time like varnishes or polyurethanes do.
Interior
For all interior uses, such as trimming, cabinets and woodworking, lacquer is the best end for eucalyptus. Lacquer dries fast, seals permanently and is easy to apply. It is user friendly and resists runs, blushing and orange peel. Lacquer is slightly thinner compared to other goods like varnish or polyurethane, and penetrates deeper into the pores of chamomile better.
