oak table finishing

[cerbie]

I have just finished putting a new oak kitchen table together using the left over timber I had after I made up the kitchen worktop.

I finished the worktop by using nothing more than olive oil - it gets a coating of this about once every 4 days at the moment (for the first couple of weeks it was every other day).

However, I am at a bit of a loss as to how to finish the table - olive oil is not going to do it.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi cerbie

You can try using Danish oil it will work very well and if you don’t mind me saying I think should have used Danish oil on your work tops.

But if it was me I would seal the table with a low sheen high solid pre-catalyst lacquer

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/view ... highlight=


http://www.morrells.co.uk/coatings/precatalyst/280.php

http://www.fiddes.co.uk/content/PREcat- ... imers.html

http://www.fiddes.co.uk/content/oils.html

This is a question is asked over and over again on forums like this so I will produce a how to guide at the same time inviting another professional cabinetmaker who is a member of this forum to contribute to the how to guide. And between us I am sure that we can put together something that is informative to all.

 

[woodbloke]

What about a scrubbed finish. I did a quick search and came up with this on a scrubbed finish, posted by my goodself some time ago:

Strange as it may seem, IMO the best finish for a pine table is a scrubbed finish, ie nothing at all. Simply scrub it once a month with a good stiff brush, very hot water and household detergent. This is the finish most favoured by Alan Peters (none better) for pine table top used on a daily basis. The hot water will lift all the dinks and dents and a very pleasant patina will soon develop

and also:

In his book, Alan Peter's recommends this type of finish. I've just checked the text in the book and it's correct, a wipe with a damp cloth after a meal (place mats used incidently) and then once a month a thorough wash with hot water, a scrubbing brush and household detergent. (The hot water raises any bruises and scratches) He has also used this finish on oak, chestnut, cedar and sycamore tables and sideboards - Rob

 

[cerbie]

Thanks for the relies chaps.

I have been doing some reading since posing the question and had come to the conclusion that Tung (Danish) oil was the way to go, but now I have seen the 'scrubbed' idea, I am wondering ............

I like the idea of the table having that slight 'bashed about' appearance, it is in the kitchen after all - will totally depend upon the decision of a certain person who mainly frequents the place, if you get my drift.

As regards the worktop - I have used nothing more than olive oil on any of the solid wood tops I have had, Teak, Beech, Iroko (which I absolutely love as a top) and now the Oak.
I had best explain that her very good self will not tolerate the worktop showing any sign of any imperfection (unless I cocked up and put it there, which to be fair, I am quite likely to have done!), so they get treated extremely well with oil on a regular basis.

Thanks again

 

[cerbie]

Just for your info:

The scrubbed finish has been declared - 'No you're not' - so I am off to buy some Tung.