Jamz3k

After 10years and 4house moves my coffee table looks pretty sorry for itself, going to sand it down but what would you recommend to give it a durable finish to deal with another 10years of abuse whilst retaining a natural look?

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Is it a light or a dark brown colour?

Jamz3k

Its a light wood finish, I'd prefer it a little darker thou.

urban

iTrader: (1)

Well then, go to a shop and buy a darker one

Bubba po

Danish Oil is a great finish if you like it satin. Doesn't chip, doesn't mark with cup rings, slightly darkens the wood and brings out the grain and can be restored to full beauty by a simple light rub with fine glasspaper and recoating. The smell's quite strong until it's fully dry, though.

Jamz3k

Cheers that sounds exactly what I am after!

oldsplice

When it comes to wood, Bubba's your man!

Simon C

What are you implying Splicer

Sorry Bubba, couldn't help it! Have to admit I use Danish on my rifle stocks. Walnut loves a bit of Danish.

oldsplice

Ai'm sure ai don't know what you're implying ai'm implying Si!

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Light is good, it means it hasn't been treated with a heavy chemical/stain and will be easier to work on. Shellac is good for finishing.

Jamz3k

As per usual Splicer decides to ruin a perfectly straight thread with her own brand of smutt!

I take it a obital sander will make quick work of cleaning up the top before using anything on it?

scoobiesteve103

could use a hard varnish like they use on ship decks

oldsplice

I happen to know that Bubba is ****-hot on anything to do with wood. And my dad was a carpenter.

Simon C

Mmmmm... do you know, and he a married man

Bubba po

I wouldn't use an orbital on anything that you want to have a good finish. It leaves tiny circles in hardwoods that are horrible to get out. A belt sander with a fine belt is ok, going with the grain at all times. As Einstein says, shellack followed by wax is another good finish but it stays very pale and isn't as hard wearing unless you go for a proper French polish finish.

Bubba po

And I'm shocked and disappointed at the Finbarr Saunders turn that this thread has taken.

oldsplice

You and me both Bubs.......you and me both.....

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Another vote for Danish oil..........fnarr fnarr.

And yes, give it a rub over with an orbital, start with medium grade glass paper, then move onto fine.

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

.....and a wee wipe with some Mr Sheen or Pledge when you are done.....

Leslie

If it is very light when you have finished the sanding then maybe you can find a woodstain which would produce the colour you want. You need to find an expert on wood polishing to advise you anyway.

I would have thought that an orbital sander would not be the right bit of kit to use for the reasons given above.

Les

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

I have always used double boiled linseed oil built up over many coats..

When i made our front door last year apart from the preservative this is what i used and it gives a lovely durable finish.

Leslie

Linseed oil used to work very well on cricket bats.

Les

bigsinky

i thought they only did MDF in caravans?

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

Just had a check in the barn..

Cuprinol 5 star and DBLO...30 coats of each. Build up with thin coats and allow to dry completly between coats..

Will last forever once done..