Restoring OLD chair

[timf67]

A while back I posted this pic of an old chair that my wife got when her grandfather passed last year:

Well, I used some of the good advice from this site and cleaned it up with DNA, Mineral spirits and Lacquer thinner. My wife wanted to keep the rustic look, so I didn't do any sanding or try to dissolve any of the remaining finish. I removed the old seat cleaned the wood with the above solvents then coated the whole thing in some BLO. I then proceeded to weave a new rush seat:

So after I finish, my MIL sees it and tells me that they found that chair in an old barn at HER grandfather's place. She's not sure how old it is, but it is likely from the late 1800's... :swoon: - Glad I didn't mess with it too much! Anyway, I want to put a protective finish on it. I have already coated the rush seat with a 1lb cut of shellac. Any suggestions on what to finish the wood (appears to be oak) with?

 

[Bill Clemmons]

The chair came out beautiful, Tim. Congratulations! ! ! ! ! :icon_thum

As for a finish on the wood, I don't know that I would do anything other than the BLO you've already put on it. Since it's not going to be exposed to the weather, it probably doesn't need anything more. If you just want to put another coat of something on it, I might try a wiping varnish: thinned varnish or poly. Personally, I think it's beautiful the way it is right now. :eusa_danc

Bill

 

[PeteM]

The chair looks great. Nice job :icon_thum

Like Bill said, I'd just leave it as is. If you want something more a bit of wax would be good. Any film finish would detract from the look.

pete

 

[Sealeveler]

Beautiful job on the weaving and agree with others,just right like it is now.
Tony

 

[Bas]

Excellent restoration. I'll echo everyone else's comments...it's done!

 

[Dean Maiorano]

Nice work, thanks for sharing.

 

[timf67]

Thanks for the kind words everyone - especially since it was my first time weaving a seat! If anyone ever wants to give it a try, I found great instructions at Cohasset Colonials. I think I will again take everyone's advice and just leave it alone. Thanks again everyone! :icon_thum

 

[Trent Mason]

Excellent job on the restoration Tim! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap You did one heck of a job weaving that seat. :notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:

 

[scsmith42]

Way cool Tim!

 

[lottathought]

Nice job..
And good info in that link.