Re: [VAL] another wood finish question

[Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxx>]

Scott, you need a real oil finish, not furniture polish. I don't know 
who came up with the idea that wood needs to be fed, but it's hooey.

To protect the wood and make it easier to clean, you need some kind of 
finish on it. I'm partial to an oil finish. It doesn't mind getting wet 
and is easier to redo than a varnish , shellac or poly urethane finish, 
which just sits on the top of the wood. An oiled finish penetrates the 
wood and the top surface of it dries to a reasonably hard, but not very 
shiny finish. I'm not a big fan of high gloss except on a car finish, 
but that's personal.

Oak is very porous and has an aggressive grain. If you want a high 
finish on it, you will have to use a lot of coats or a filler.

My Kitchen counters are all oak and were finished with tung oil. As Jim 
Smith will probably point out, it is a bit smelly at first, but makes an 
indestructible and flexible finish.

Go hunt up the Watco, it's what was put on there originally and will be 
the easiest and best to fix it. You will need a fair amount of elbow 
grease, but you will be pleased with how good it looks and authentic too !

Daisy