Best finish for a pine table

[GardenKit]

Sorry if this had been asked before guys, but I have never read this woodcraft forum as I usually lurk in the machinery forums.

 

My daughter recently bought a pine dining table at auction which needed some work. I have sanded it right back to a lovely smooth surface which I then oiled with a coloured Danish Oil. (I have never used oil before, only polyurethane)

 

It now looks great, but does not feel right.

 

The trouble is that no matter how hard I buff it I just can't seem to get a clean surface, as colour keeps coming off on the cloth and the surface just does not seem to be durable compared with polyurethane that i have used occasionally in the past. I just can't work up a polished surface so that the cloth slides off the end of table.

 

So what should I do?

I have considered waxing, but have never done this, and will it take over DO?

My gut says to overcoat with Poly, but will this take over DO?

 

The table is going to be used for a normal family with 4 kids who play, rather than posh people who 'entertain'.

 

Barrie

[se7enthdevil]

without seeing the table or the brand of oil it might be difficult to sort this out but you may just need to apply more coats of the oil as softwoods soak up quite a bit so to get a good finish 3-4 may be needed.

 

i got a good finish on my cerad sideboard i made for my mum using only danish oil and giving it a week between coats before i buffed.

[Macpherson]

Hi, I'm no expert but you could try adding something like this to your oil, it would help it to dry but won't leave a hardglaze finish like modern varnish. Or use a different oil based product.

 

Rustins Paint Driers 300ml RUSPD300 | eBay

 

I,d probably use white spirit to rub off as much as poss. of the previous coat and allow to dry first, drying times can vary allot, with oil it's as many light coats as you can be bothered doing, good luck.

[GardenKit]

Thanks for the replies

This is the Danish Oil, will get a pic of the table tomorrow.

[Macpherson]

I've used the Colron wood dyes but not their Danish oil, may just take time, cheers.

[Stubby]

I used real turpentine oil on mine . Long time ago but it seemed to like that .

[Woodworks]

Must admit to not being a fan of oil on softwoods with it not drying properly. I would stick with your usual polyurethane varnish for a table.

[GardenKit]

Thanks Beau, its my gut feeling to use poly, but went with the oil because its so easy.

Can I overcoat oil with polyurethane? Will it need a light sanding, or just a steel wool rub?

 

Is there a best polyurethane to use?

[biggarlogs]

Best finish for a table is a bottle of good claret ,,couple of t.bones a candle and a beautiful lady opposite.enjoy the moment.whether varnish oil or whatever won't really matter as you won't be looking at the table.happy christmas

[WesD]

Rub the danish oil in with a lint free cloth leave 24 hours buff with a blue and white cheapo Asda cloth (you usually get about 5 in a pack for £1) when you start to get a shine apply more oil with lint free cloth leave 24 hours and repeat repeat etc until you have around 4 to 5 coats of oil. Each time you buff with the cheap cloth it should get better. You will know when it is right as it becomes like a glass finish.

 

The danish oil process is like bulling a pair of best army boots. It takes time effort patience and the more coats you give them the better they look!

 

 

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