Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/14/2009

Question
Hi Eileen, I have a follow up question on the 100 yr. old cherry parlor wood I am cleaning/polishing.  I started working on the pocket doors yesterday, scrubbing lightly with the mineral spirits (I did find low odor here!)That seems to be working well, my question is what do you recomend to use afterwards?  The scrubbing left a film, but when I used Old English oil on a small area it shined right up and looked nice.  Not entirely sure that this oil is best,so I what oil would be best? Also what do you recommend for the water spots at the top of a window? Re-stain that area?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Again jean
Gosh I'm glad you could get the low odor spirits. Hope its here soon.
Yes this method can leave this whitish film you describe.
Tung oil is a good choice in my opinion as a final step.
Its applied with a rag and removes this film as you apply it.
But use a low luster tung oil not a shiny one.
Here is my preferance
http://www.swingpaints.com/1802.htm
Never apply wax over tung oil. Down the road if the surface gets worn, simply apply another coat of tung oil.
This finish is very easy to maintain and durable.
I was hoping the water spots you described in your first letter would be gone LOL. But your idea of staining is an excellent one.
Give that a try first. If it does not work then a bit of sanding and restaining are called for.
Good Luck and get back to me if you have any trouble.
Kind Regards
Eileen