Restore Wood Finish the Proper Way
By substituting with Mineral Oil, Danish, Teak, Tung or Walnut Oil will have a longer-lasting effect, and these oils do not go rancid.
08/08/2022
the-brick-house.com
Browse the Internet and you will find plenty of hints and tips for bloggers who have transformed wood furniture using nothing more than Canola oil and vinegar. If you think about this process of restoring wood - the oil serves to nourish while the acetic acid in vinegar breaks down any wax or polish residue on the surface.
While I am all about substituting chemical products with eco-friendly options, the only fault with this type of treatment is that vegetable oil goes rancid over time, whereas substituting with Mineral Oil, Liberon Danish Oil, Teak, Tung or Walnut Oil will have a longer-lasting effect, and these oils do not go rancid.
Before you run the risk of ruining a piece of furniture, pop into your local Builders Warehouse and ask for Plascon Woodcare Wax & Oil Remover. One hundred percent biodegradable and VOC-free, this product is designed to easily remove built up layers of wax and oils that lead to white rings on the surface of wood furniture.
The water-based formula restores the natural beauty of wood without leaving behind any acidic residues or smelly after-effects.
Simply apply liberally with a synthetic brush or roller and wait for the product to soften the coating on furniture. The coating should easily rinse off when ready.
HERE'S HOW:
Apply Plascon Woodcare Wax & Oil Remover over the piece and follow the instructions. Once you have rinsed off, allow the furniture to dry for inspection. Cleaning off excess wax or polish will allow you to see how extensive the damage is and whether or not the surface needs to be sanded. Deep scratches or marks can be sanded with 120-grit sandpaper, and finer scratches with 180-grit sandpaper.
Only use an Orbital or Random Orbit Sander on fine or vintage furniture, as these won't scratch the surface as much as other sanders. After sanding, wipe clean with a soft cloth lightly dampened with mineral turpentine and check to see if additional sanding needs to be done. If you sanded with 120-grit, now you need to sand again with 180/240-grit. Now you are ready to apply your choice of finish:
Using wood oil
If using a wood oil, pour into a rag and rub down the furniture. Have a clean rag handy to wipe down the piece after ten minutes. This removes any excess oil and also allows you to spot any dry spots. If the wood hasn't been given TLC, it will probably soak up the oil immediately and you may need to apply an additional coat or two of oil until it no longer looks dry on the surface.
Using antique wax
After oiling a piece, I like to wait a few days and then apply a coat of antique wax. This aids in protecting the surface for longer and imparts a satin sheen that repels water. The only downside of both oil and wax is that they need to be applied regularly - as soon as the piece starts to look dull.
Using varnish
Plascon have a range of Woodcare products suitable for interior use. A varnish is the best choice for furniture that has to take a lot of everyday use, such as coffee and side tables, and dining tables.
Plascon Woodcare Waterbased Varnish Interior is a premium-quality, non-drip varnish for interior use. The waterbased formula means this product is easy to apply, quick-drying, and non-hazardous.
Plascon Woodcare Ultra Varnish is an excellent-quality, polyurethane varnish suitable for a wide range of interior woodwork applications - furniture, cupboards, skirtings, floors and counters, for example.