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Wipe wood into shape
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A simple oil finish makes for a happy woodworker
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By Steve Maxwell; Illustration by Paul perreault
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Wipe off all surface liquid with a rag, let it dry, then repeat the process two or three more times. Wood simply doesn't get any smoother than this.
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Sticky surfaces are the main danger for oil finishes. Avoid trouble by using the right kind of oil. You must also apply it with patience. Traditional options such as boiled linseed oil and pure tung oil rely completely on oxidization to become hard. In my experience, this process often leads to slightly sticky results. So-called polymerized oils have been treated to enhance drying speed and hardness, and this formulation of tung oil is one of my favourite wipe-on choices for hardwoods. It's pleasant to work with because it dries reliably and creates a great appearance, as long as you don't rush. Be sure to let each coat dry for a day or two before applying subsequent coats. Another favourite of mine is Danish oil, although it requires more care; it dries like any other oil during application, but it may take weeks before it's dry enough to keep from staining fabrics. Do you need more protection against water and handling than traditional finishing oils offer? Wipe-on polyurethane is worth a look. It goes on just like oil but cures harder and more quickly.
No matter what your favourite oil, a wipe-on finish will offer an easy going way to stay interested in woodworking by keeping the final process simple and, just maybe, a little fun.
Wipe-On and Wax
When two of my sons got interested in carving wooden eggs, they completed their projects with wipe-on polyuretane and beeswax polish. Even applied to the porous white cedar they used, this combination delicately sealed the surface and gave it a wonderful sheen. The beeswax smells great too. It took four coats of wipe-on polyurethane - with smoothing passes of a fine 3M rubbing pad after each coat was dry - before the wood was ready for wax.
Click here to see a step-by-step image!
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