Thread: silky / english oak furniture restoration

Looks like you've done a nice job. Wouldn't mind them sitting around my place.

Great to see the pieces come to life again after your wonderful restoration!

I have just completed stripping and sanding a Silky Oak students desk.

I was going to shellac and beeswax it, but the owner of an antique store said it wasnt good because it can stain easily. I was at a garage sale last wek where an old guy, been doing it years said he used Danish Oil and estapol.

I really want to have the colour of the original old desk, but I want a nice clean finish, like a satin estapol.

What finish did you use on yours please? They look great. Very envious of your office. I'm hoping to find a silky oak captains chair next.

Thanks. I'm very happy with the finish, I wanted a very durable surface. I used Feast Watson floorseal. Its a tung oil based polyurethane. Now that's not traditional, is hard to repair if damaged, but I'm happy. I'd probably use shellac if I was doing it now.

Nick

Originally Posted by islomaniac

I have just completed stripping and sanding a Silky Oak students desk.

I was going to shellac and beeswax it, but the owner of an antique store said it wasnt good because it can stain easily. I was at a garage sale last wek where an old guy, been doing it years said he used Danish Oil and estapol.

I really want to have the colour of the original old desk, but I want a nice clean finish, like a satin estapol.

What finish did you use on yours please? They look great. Very envious of your office. I'm hoping to find a silky oak captains chair next.

Nick..beutiful furniture, & beautiful finish!!

Islomaniac, I would go shellac & traditional wax.....I learned this doing up my old english oak desk (thread is in here somewhere) Check out the thread..more from the POV of the amazing wisdom & advice given to me by a few of the craftsmen on this forum..namely WW & HC. Also, the ability to readily repair shellac is in its favour. So, get cracking! Then start to post WIP & Pics please!! Lawry

Heh heh thanks Lawry for the support! Yes agree with the advice though. If someone is concerned the the risk of damage to a shellac finished surface, you could always try hard shellac as it is even more durable, but doesn't look plastic. In my view poly is a no no for old furniture. I like feast Watson floor seal but for floors, and areas in a house that might be subject to some water exposure. But not furniture. Danish oil is also fine but not for antiques.

Islomaniac, why not try some of the forums' sponsors products?

Nick

Originally Posted by nick_b00

Islomaniac, why not try some of the forums' sponsors products?

Nick

Islomaniac..my desk is finished in U Beaut's Traditional Wax...gives it a beautiful finish, and so far, given that its a well used desk, its wearing well. I'm thinking of a second coat in about a month to top it off/ up. ENjoy the process !