Preserving wood
Posted by: Mick P on 17 November 2001
Chaps
I am seeking advice from those of you who are expert in wood finishing.
About 2 years ago I bought a solid American Ash plinth from Loricraft to house the Garrard 401.
Loricraft had applied a couple of coats of wax about a week before I bought the thing.
I left it for 18 months and I remembered reading somewhere that an oil finish was superior to wax.
I removed the traces of the wax with white spirit and left if for 2 todays and then over the following 4 weeks applied 3 coats on tung oil.
This slightly darkened the wood and produced a much better finish than the wax.
My question is, bearing in mind that this wood is only 2 years old......how often do I apply the oil.
Also I have a few pieces of 100 year old oak and 200 year old mahogany bits of furniture...how often do I oil them or is it better to wax them.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 17 November 2001 by Alex S.
As you may know I restore wood.
Use wax only whenever possible and very little of it. A small amount once a year is sufficient. Jackson's hard wax is one of the best. If you've already used oil then use a little more once a year.
The mistake that people make is to use too much wax or oil and to use it too often.
Your oak furniture should only have a wax finish. The mahogany will be French polished with a little wax on top.
Keep important plinths and furniture away from direct sunlight and from radiators - the radiators are ferrrous and hot.
If you need more advice email me.
Alex
Posted on: 17 November 2001 by garyi
Tip for you wood handled Knife owners.
Tung oil is great for these as well, as it offers a good grip (!) and survives the wash up, under no circumstance put wood handled knives through the dishwasher.
Its safe for food too.
Posted on: 17 November 2001 by Rico
Does anyone have a link for Tung oil?
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
PS -ya'll said wood. And one would suspect that in the absence of wood, a well oiled tung should do the trick. 
Posted on: 17 November 2001 by Allan Probin
hehe - very clever rico...
Posted on: 17 November 2001 by Tony L
quote:
PS -ya'll said wood.
Huh huh huh… huh huh huh… “wood”… huh huh huh… huh huh huh…
Beavis.
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by Mick P
Alex
Thanks for your reply.
The Mahogangy Long Case clock is waxed about once every 2 years.
The Arts and crafts Oak Table is oiled every 12 months. The oil has certainly improved the appearance, how long should I leave it before waxing it.
Finally the Loricraft plinth was oiled about 6 months ago.......whats your advice here...wax or oil and can I wax on a previously oiled surface.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by garyi
goto
www.google.com, and type in tung oil theres hundreds of references.
easier still pop into B&Q and buy some! Its often called chinese wood oil as well, its a little more expensive than your normal stuff, but hey there you go.
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by Alex S.
I'm glad you're not waxing or oiling your equipment too lavishly.
Tung oil is good; so is Danish oil for a durable matt finish.
You can put wax over oil (after waiting at least 2 days) but don't put anything over wax.
Oil will darken with age to a greater extent than a wax finish.
Its all a matter for your impeccable taste really.
Alex
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by sceptic
Tung is a more matt finish than Danish oil.
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by Rico
thanks, Garyi. Sadly B&Q is now a long way off for me - I have to make do with the likes of Mitre 10, Placemakers, and Carters when I want Wood or tools. I will follow the Google recomendation.
I have used Scandinavian Teak Oil in the past, but that was for finishing newly shaped timber rather than restoring/preserving old stuff.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 18 November 2001 by Mick P
Alex
Thanks for the advice.
I shall now only wax the oak table once a year and will oil the Loricraft plinth once a year.
Thanks
Mick
Posted on: 30 December 2001 by garyi
I remember seeing in Trewins an oil product specific for piano finishes. I think it was oil. Next time I am in town I will check for you, hopefully you will be able to obtain some in Singapore!
Posted on: 30 December 2001 by garyi
