Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/18/2003

Question
Found a very old sofa table or possibly a desk in a garbage bin.  It has several coats of paint, and minor problems which I intend to leave, such as cracked inlays, nicks, scratches, and the top is rough oak.  Presently in the process of removing the paint.  The original finish appears to have been either mahogany or cherry.  My question is should I use a Danish oil finish, stain and varnish the item, or?

Answer
Hi Judy
Nice to hear from you.
Finds like this are exciting.
I love removing the old paint to find out whats underneath, and getting things for nothing is the best of all.
Heres what I would do with this find.
You say this is oak, and old oak is very nice wood to finish.
After stripping, give it a coat of Minwax Stain in Special Walnut color. Now you might think this would be too dark on oak, but I think you will be pleased with the color. You just rub the stain on with a rag.
If you put Minwax golden oak stain on old oak, you could get an awful orange color...its happened to me.
I always use the Special walnut on oak.
For the finish I always use "Tung oil".
I have never used Danish oil but I think it would be suitable too. I like 4 coats rubbed on with a rag.
I agree with you fully to leave the scratches and cracks alone. I have seen many lovely old pieces ruined by people who "over restore" them. In most cases I avoid sanding too.
I think you are on the right track Judy.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas.
Eileen