Should I stain bubinga?

No, its natural reddish color with figure is its primary appeal. Clear finishes let the beauty shine.

How handle figured bubinga?

Use a card scraper rather than sandpaper on highly figured areas to avoid tearout.

Is bubinga still available?

Bubinga has been CITES-restricted. Availability is limited and prices have increased significantly.

High-end furniture

musical instruments

turned objects

decorative veneer

knife handles

jewelry boxes

How to Finish Bubinga: Complete Staining & Sealing Guide (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Finishing Team

|Last updated June 8, 2026

Bubinga is a prized African hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown color, often with striking figured grain including pommele, waterfall, and quilted patterns. Its beauty and workability make it a favorite for high-end furniture and musical instruments.

Key Takeaways

Bubinga is a prized African hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown color, often with striking figured grain including pommele, waterfall, and quilted patterns.
Its beauty and workability make it a favorite for high-end furniture and musical instruments.
Tung oil to deepen red tones; water-based poly to preserve true color; lacquer for furniture; shellac for traditional finish.
Clear finishes best to showcase figure.
Interlocked, sometimes highly figured grain.

Wood Characteristics

Interlocked, sometimes highly figured grain. Diffuse-porous with medium to large pores. 1410 Janka. Pinkish-red to dark reddish-brown, often with purple veining. Moderate tannin.

Recommended Finishes

Tung oil to deepen red tones; water-based poly to preserve true color; lacquer for furniture; shellac for traditional finish. Clear finishes best to showcase figure.

Preparation Steps

Sand through 120, 150, 180, 220 grit. Figured pieces tear out easily, use card scraper or very fine sandpaper. Fill pores with grain filler tinted to match. No conditioner needed.

Application Steps

1. Address tearout on figured pieces. 2. Apply tinted grain filler, wipe clean. 3. Dry 24 hours, sand 320. 4. Apply clear finish in thin coats. 5. Sand 400 between coats. 6. Apply 3-4 coats. 7. Rub out final coat with paste wax for depth.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil: refresh every 6-12 months. Poly: recoat every 5-8 years. Lacquer: 5-8 years. Bubinga darkens and enriches over time.

Common Mistakes

Staining when natural color is already stunning; not using card scraper on figured pieces causing tearout; skipping grain filler; sanding too aggressively on figured wood.

Interior vs Exterior

Interior: Outstanding for high-end furniture, musical instruments, turned objects. Figured bubinga is among the most beautiful woods available. Exterior: Not recommended for outdoor use. Limited availability and no significant decay resistance.