[VAC] Re: Tung oil

[Sarah Calhoun <srcalhoun@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nick:  I used Zar stain & sealer (1 layer of Salem Maple, 1 layer of Fruitwood) and
then a coat of their wipe-on tung oil sealer, on a desktop made from a door, I think
it's a hardwood but don't know which one.  It has a very smooth surface.  Anyway I
used steel wool on it between the coats, and the finish is outstanding.  It's been
in daily use for the last 13 years and it still looks like the day I stained it.
The wood grain is beautiful, it kind of glows, and I'd recommend this finish to
anyone wanting to preserve a nice "natural" wood look (not plastic-y looking like
varathane).  I have another desk my brother used Danish oil on years before and it's
getting a little thirsty now but has also held up well.  However, I'm not sure I'd
say they're all the same; I recall looking at the color sample wood pieces for each
of the brands my local Ace hardware store offered, and the Zar stood out in how it
enhanced the wood finish.  The other samples were kind of dry and dead-looking.  If
I recall correctly, when Consumer Reports tested paints, the Behr line was not
particularly highly rated.  But I'd go by the samples they have on display.  If they
can't get those to look good, you gotta know there's something wrong.

--Sarah