finishing bench top

[William R. Monroe]

Hi Joel,

With an Oak top, probably Wiping Varnish would be my pick.

Tung Oil is extracted from nuts of the tung tree (a China native).  Pure 
Tung Oil is generally considered too soft and thin to resist scratching or 
water vapor exchange well.  So, if you opt for Tung-Oil, choose a 
polymerized Tung-Oil.  It can be built up thicker.  However, polymerized 
oils, in general cure much quicker and can be difficult to work with on 
large surfaces.

Oil/Varnish mixes (many "Danish Oil" or "Antique Oil" finishes) are slightly 
better, but still cure soft and do not offer as much protection as some 
other products, like:

Harder curing wiping varnishes are more durable than straight oil finishes 
(e.g. Watco Wipe on Poly, General Finishes Seal-a-Cell).

I'd recommend Bob Flexner's, "Understanding Wood Finishing" for more info.

Best,
William R. Monroe

BTW, I don't know about that "wiping poly being a diluted poly" bit.  A 
wiping poly will build a great finish in few coats, and the coat will 
continue to be built up each coat you apply, unlike the oils.



> William,
>
> What I have been using and enjoying using is a
> metal desk.  Top is OK and the drawers with pull
> outs make it function well.
>
> However, I have a large Oak door that I though
> would be an upgrade.  Problem comes as to what
> to put on for a finish.   The most promising to me
> was Joe Garrett's suggestions for Tung OIl.  I'm
> not clear as to the difference between Danish oil
> and Tung oil, or wipe on Poly.   I read that wipe on
> was diluted poly taking multiple coats to build a
> respectable finish.
>
> Tung Oil I have used on some small items.  Joe's
> description of sanding smooth and flat was quite
> interesting for my use.
>
> Maybe this could be a subject for a technical.  ??
>
> Joel