[Crw-talk] Walnut finishing question

[John & Donna Griffiths]

Hello all,

I have a dilemma with finishing walnut without staining the sapwood an 
ugly brownish color.  I have made some natural edge and a hollow form 
pieces out of wet walnut, I end up with a very nice contrast between the 
very light sapwood and brown heartwood; but then when I apply finish the 
sapwood gets brownish stains, some of which seem to be a result of 
heartwood dust ground into the sapwood in the area of the end grain but 
as the finish cures the sapwood becomes more brownish, splotchy and less 
attractive.

I have been using the homemade oil finish consisting of poly, mineral 
spirits and boiled linseed oil.  I have been power sanding on the lathe 
to 800 grit.

I am looking for suggestions:  A different material or technique for the 
finish?  Different sanding methods?  ???  Any suggestions will be 
appreciated.  Thank you.

John