Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/17/2008

Question
Hi I have recently bought a second hand pine table (not old though) described as danish oil finish. It looks far too new and golden gingery. I have tried to age it using antique pine coloured wax but it is still honey ginger colour and far too new and shiny looking for my liking. I really like the old pine scrub top table look but am anxious not to ruin mine. Can you guide me how to get rid of the gingerness and age it. I shoud add that it does not appear to be made up of large planks, I think it maybe called finger planks, they are approx an inch and half wide. If I scrub it down will i risk water damage and warping. I want a finish that will look old so that bumps scratches and knocks will enhance it as it needs to withstand a 3 year old! Currently any little mark stands out a mile. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Catherine
Nice to hear from you.
Unfortunately to make your table look more aged the current finish will need to be removed. Certainly not a nice prospect.
What you can try before that is this.
First remove the wax you applied by using some mineral spirits.
Just dip a rag into it.
You say this is an oil finish currently so next I would take some fine steel wool pads (not SOS), and really deglaze the oil finish.
Then apply an oil finish that has color in it and one that is a low luster.
Other than that you remove the oil finish and stain to your preferred color(not a hard Job).
Kind Regards
Eileen