Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a teak desk from about 1970.  I believe it to be a solid teak desk.  I do not believe it has any 'finish' but I may be wrong as about 15 years ago I sent it out for professional restoral.  Since that time I have used boiled linseed oil about every 18 months.  

At this point there is a 'gummy' finish on the top.  I would like to remove the old oils and replace with a thin coat of a recommended product.  

My fear is that if this is not done correctly I could end up with a 'splotchy' finish that will in effect ruin this piece.

How do I proceed?

Thanks

Alan

ANSWER: Hi Alan
Nice to hear from you.
Actually if you have been applying boiled linseed oil the table does indeed have a finish..a linseed oil finish.
Your best bet is to clean the table down with mineral spirits and medium steel wool.
Dip the wool in the spirit and use it as a scrubber. Work with the grain and dry as you go with clean rags.
Then apply a fresh coat of linseed or my preference is tung oil.
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Eileen,
Thank you for the response.  
Other research has indicated that using steel wool on the surface may leave particles that can rust and stain the wood.  

Based upon your advice what I propose to do is to use mineral spirits on a clean rag and simply try to remove what I think is excess oil.  In your opinion could this be at all effective?

One other thing.  The linseed oil that I have been applying was straight out of the can.  Again,  reading now indicated that it should have been thinned with 1 part turpentine to 2 parts boiled linseed oil.  May I please trouble you for an experienced opinion on this?

Many Thanks,

(Ratings will be 10 across the board)

Alan

ANSWER: Hi again Alan
No trouble at all.
I have been using steel wool in this fashion for 35 years.
Never in all that time have I encountered rust from steel wool left on the surface..why?, First because I properly wipe the surface to ensure no dust (or steel wool particles) are present, and second, oil based products will not cause rust.
Water based products could if the surface is not clean.
This is a lot of bunk in my opinion but others will argue the point.
You can certainly try the clean rag but with the gummy surface you describe you'll likely not get to far with a rag.
Its wise to thin the first coat of oil but sucessive coats should not need thinning.
The turps will evaporate out of the thinned oil in any event, and you will need many many coats to provide adequate protection to the wood.
Keep in mind that linseed oil is not used much today in finishing as there are much better products available today. Tung oil is better.
Regards
Eileen



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Eileen,

I have used the steel wool and mineral spirits as recommended.

The results are spectacular.

The desk is completely clean and a full shade lighter than it was before.

My wife and I both like the way the desk looks now.  

Is there any alternative to the Tung oil, (or any oil for that matter),  which will leave the 'dull' surface the way it is?

I am so pleased now that unless it is necessary to protect the wood,  I would love to leave it as is.

Do I have a choice?

Thanks

Alan

Answer
Hi Alan
I am happy to hear this turned out so well for you.
The lighter shade is not surprising because now the lovely teak is completely clean the way it should be. The oil attracted grime which is now gone too.
I cannot recommend no finish be applied but why not look in your hardware or paint store for a low luster tung oil. Yes it will have some sheen, but its not shiny. I dislike shiny furniture and use the low luster exclusively.
Also look for what is called a matte finish oil.
I have seen it years ago but have no idea if its available today. Must check out my own stores.
So to answer your question, there could be an alternative. Look in your area.
I can tell you that matte finish poly is readily available but the oil is my first choice.
Thanks for a great question and follow up. It helps other folks who may have the same problem.
Regards
Eileen