I’ve been working with cocobolo and have a problem with different finishes not drying properly. Do you have any idea what can be causing this or what kind of finish I should be using?
John Brock: Cocobolo (dalbergia retusa), like all the members of the dalbergia family (African blackwood, Brazilian rosewood, etc.) contains a resin in the heartwood that inhibits the curing of reactive finishes (like oil varnish). The finish may skin over but will remain soft near the wood. The best choice for finishing dalbergias are evaporative finishes like de-waxed shellac and lacquer.
Kevin Hancock: Cocobolo contains anti-oxidants that prevent polymerization of some reactive coatings. Seal the wood with a coat of de-waxed shellac.
