YOUR MESQUITE PIECE

So you purchased a piece of mesquite. What to do next?

DEBARK AND REMOVE SAPWOOD

We always recommend removing the bark and sapwood (lighter yellow part of the wood just below the bark). Bark can be removed by using a chisel and hammer. Sapwood can be removed by using a very coarse abrasive (36 grit). We use a tool made by Kutzall to remove the sapwood (order at Kutzall.com).  Removing the sapwood is an effective method in ensuring there is no beetle activity in the mesquite.

LET THE SANDING BEGIN

Once the debarking and sapwood removal has been completed, the sanding begins. We use three grit levels: 60, 150, and 220, to complete our sanding process. 

RESIN FILL OR NATURAL

Mesquite is inherently imperfect and that makes it UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL! The mesquite imperfections add to the drama of your finished piece. Clean out imperfections, cracks. Sand any rough edges and remove any loose debris. For filling inclusions or defects, we use a three part polyester resin mix, with a black pigment added. On occasion we will inlay turquoise or other medium (copper, other stones, brass, etc.) using a clear resin mix (no pigment added). 

Our source for a resin kit: MELEDO ENTERPRISES, 3143 E. 47th St., Tucson, AZ 85713; PH: 520-791-9986.

FINISHING PROCESS

For any food contact surfaces, use a food graded oil (generic mineral oil).

For other interiors, we use Watco Tung Oil Finish.  Please follow directions for application and for disposal of rags or towels used in application.

For outdoor applications, we have had success using Deft Exterior Wood Oil.