Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/28/2006

Question
I recently purchased a very beautiful single bed at a flea market it is an Eclipse> When I bought it, it was already stripped and it looks to me that htey began to make some needed repairs to the bed. Since purchasing it we have begun to glue it back together, it was all apart, I want to give it a coat of something to keep the entegrity of the wood intact as I can tell from what little i know about this bed that it is begining to become dry.  WHAT SHOULD I USE?  This bed is so beautiful and i don't want to cause it any harm.  
Thank you for your time also if you have ANY information it would be greatly apprieciated I have tried on my own and all I get are deadends
Thank You Again,
Sincerly,
Penny Wiser

Answer
Hi Penny
Nice to hear from you.
First finish the repairs taking care that all residue glue is removed before putting any finish on.
Next I would apply a coat of Minwax stain with a rag.
You did not mention the kind of wood the bed is made from so you will have to judge and get close to the original color.
Next apply 3 to 4 coats of tung oil with a rag again.
None of the above will cause this bed any harm Penny.
This sounds to me like a great project and I know you can finish it to perfection.
Good Luck
Kindest Regards
Eileen