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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Danish Oil vs Varnish on beside table

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Expert: - 12/22/2008


Question
Hi
I would like to know the pros and cons of danish oil vs varnish on a bedside table I am building.

The cabinet is being made from Rimu wood veneer (a soft wood native tree in new zealand) on plywood.  I have ironed on glued rimu veneer onto the exposed ply sides as well (first time - not perfect but thats another story :)  )

My question is how to finish it.  Generally I have varnished the wood items I have built, like cabinet tops etc.  However I can never get a nice finish on it, and get drips and bubbles and bits in it etc.  Im sure its a combo of things, but surfice to say I doubt my technique will improve between then and now.

An option someone suggested was Danish oil.  I dont really know much about it.

Is it a good idea?  Once its applied, does it need a top coat to protect it, or is it sufficient?  Will it be any issues on top of my hot ironed glued on veneer?  Will it be durable (rimu is a soft wood) for putting light items on top of the bedside table?

All advice appreciated.  Basically after some generalised advice.

Thanks
AndyC

Answer
Hi Andy, oil finishes soak into the wood and harden from within, achieving similar qualities to a varnish when cured, and with enough coats will start to take on the characteristics of a surface film finish like varnish. The problem is that you're finishing a veneer, which is too thin to really gain anything from an oil finish except it's ease of application....there's nothing easier to apply than an oil finish. Having said that, I'd steer you towards a wipe on Urethane like the General Satin Gel Urethane topcoat or the Bartley's wipe on, or even the Minwax product although I like that least. ....all excellent and easy to apply products, that won't bubble, drip, or dry sandy feeling. They apply easily, dry quickly for an oil based product, and dry without lap marks, streaks, or other varnish associated issues. I highly recommend the General (and the Gel stain line as well..). Hope that helps- post back if need be- regards- Greg.
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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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