Oil finish on cherry

[Tom Dunn]

All of my experience with oil finishing consists of appling a product called Tru-Oil to gunstoks that I was re-finishing. Wonderfull stuff for that purpose I might add.

I'd like to put an oil finish on a cherry chest, new wood, not a re-finish..

Is there any reason to prefer/avoid either Tung Oil over Danish Oil????

Thoughts on this appreciated, thanks!

 

[Howard Acheson]

First, let me ask whether your item will contain cloth or clothing items? Oil based finishes off-gas almost forever and the cloth will become permeated with the odor. Either don't finish the inside or use shellac or a waterbourne finish.

Second, are you referring to a real, 100% pure tung oil or one of the faux "Tung Oil Finishes" like Minwax Tung Oil Finish? These "Tung Oil Finishes" are called oil/varnish mixtures and do not contain any real tung oil at all. They are mixtures of linseed oil, varnish and mineral spirits. However, they are better finishing products than pure tung oil.

Pure tung oil has little or no water or watervapor resistance nor does it have any abrasion resistance. It takes a long time to cure and requires many coats to provide any real long term appearence. You will have to renew it periodically to maintain its appearence. But, oil/varnish mixtures will provide some protection because of the varnish component. They will also be more protective. They are an in-the-wood finish that maintains the look and feel of the grain and are perfectly satisfactory for items that get little abuse.

Keep in mind that "Danish Oil" is just another name for oil/varnish mixture products. In almost all cases they are almost identical to "Tung Oil Finishes".

 

[walnutjerry]

All of my experience with oil finishing consists of appling a product called Tru-Oil to gunstoks that I was re-finishing. Wonderfull stuff for that purpose I might add.

I'd like to put an oil finish on a cherry chest, new wood, not a re-finish..

Is there any reason to prefer/avoid either Tung Oil over Danish Oil????

Thoughts on this appreciated, thanks!

Here is a link that will provide some good reading on finishing--
http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/ChoosingFinish.htm
Jeff Jewitt is considered an authority on the subject by many.

Jerry

 

[McRabbet]

I'd also recommend you get Jeff Jewitt's excellent book from Taunton Press entitled "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing". It is just $26.37 with free shipping from Amazon.com -- I've got it and it is an excellent learning tool and reference.

 

[Tom Dunn]

First, let me ask whether your item will contain cloth or clothing items?

Thats a good question.
The chest is a gift, so, while I can recommend that clothing not be stored in it, obviously I have no real say. The "no inside finish" seems like a good approach, regardless.
I was not aware of the "faux tung oils" either......
Good advice/good link too, thanks!

 

[DIYGUY]

In the interest of equal time for authors, I highly recommend another one - Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish." Either book is a tremendous amount of information and a wealth of good advice. If either book sold for twice what they cost, they would still be worth the price in the time saved as well as the work spared.

Have a go at this one: http://www.amazon.com/Understanding...4040805?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185300156&sr=1-2