You are here:

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Best finish for my Hoosier Cabinet

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/8/2010


Question
Hi Greg,
I'm so hoping you can answer my question....I recently purchased a Original Hoosier cabinet, I was told it came out of a local farm house.  It is what I believe to be original condition, I don't think it has been re-stained and I'm pretty sure it has no protectant sealer on it.  For the most part it is in pretty good shape but it could have been better taken care of.  I love the character it has and want to keep the old, 'well used' look to it.  I was wondering if it would be better to re-stain and seal it or use a wax finish on it?  I'm not real familiar with wax finishing but from what I've read it seems like the best choice.  Just wanted your opinion.

Answer
Hi Tiffany, it's really an aesthetic thing...it depends on what "look" you're after, and what level of protection, as wax, while easy to apply, doesn't offer much in the way of protection...an oil finish might be a good choice, like Waterlox "Original". It's a modified Tung oil finish, that penetrates and seals the wood, and is easiest of all to apply and maintain.Read about it here...
http://www.waterlox.com/about/

http://www.waterlox.com/products-item/waterlox-original-penetrating-tung-oil-flo...

It will leave a Satin, hand rubbed appearance, and offers better moisture protection than a wax...and couldn't be easier to apply...just apply thin coats, following the directions, (and precautions) on the product...post back if need be

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.