Thread: shellac/danish oil/tung oil/wax on ironbark dining table

I understand the concern about poly but it is after all a dinning table. You need something that is hard wearing and the selection that you put forward is not going to give you that much protection.


Other thoughts would be to use one of the others and finish off with a clear poly. I would suggest that you look at doing some test pieces.

hey, thanks for your reply, ive used poly's on a few dining tables in the past (vic ash/tas oak/blackwood), but i would like a oil type finish if possble for this one, i think the kids will struggle to scratch this table, its like steel.

I'm at the same crossroad!
Made a table from a dismantled water tank stand. Nice hardwood. Now wondering how to finish. I was just going to go clear oil and see how it goes.
I can understand the poly finish but can't say I like it too much.
All suggestions welcome!
Cheers
Budgieman

I used Organoil Hard Burnishing Oil on a kitchen mobile bench about 4 years ago and it has withstood hot pots, wipe downs with Spray and Wipe and other sorts of abuse with no ill affects. There is no poly or wax on the surface.
If you decide to use this, it is vital that you follow the manufacturers method.

Here's a pic or two.

Regards,

Rob

Hi There,

I'm not a fan of poly generally, but not for dining room tables either. Once it's damaged it is a real PITN to repair.

Like LGS I used Organoil HBO on my dining room table - happy with the finish (it's more matt than satin) - wipes clean easily, and doesn't show any ill effects so far.

My table was Brushbox, which is quite hard. With Ironbark, I'd be surprised if the kids could do too much damage - they'd need to be trying pretty hard.

If you wanted a bit more lustre, you could also rub in a very thin layer of wax over the top and I think you'd have a pretty nice lookin' table.

Be aware that HBO will darken the colour a bit because of the Tung Oil - if you don't want that you might want a different oil.

Best of luck - post pictures.

Looks as though organoil is the one. From the pics it's just what we are after.
Can't say I have seen the product before. Is it a Hardware store item or specialist? Will heed the warning and follow instructions.
Will post pics of the finished product. Stay tuned!
Thanks for your advice.
Budgieman

Hi Budgieman,

Do a web search on Organoil and you should get the new owners details. I know that Carbatec stock it and also Ideal Tools, who can ship it to you I think.

Regards,

Rob

Thanks Rob. Off I go!
(bonus - the boss likes the finish too!!!)
Steve

Hi guys,
I went with feast and watsons / scandinavian oil, 2 coats so far, one more to be added to the top only.

some pics for ya's

Now that looks nice. Had a discussion with the guy who is about to do the floorboards in our back room and he suggested leaving my table 'natural' but after seeing your finish I think I will be happy doing the same. Well done.
Steve

Sweevo - nice job there, looks great !

Im with the hard burnishing oil. Ive done benchtops Kitchen and hall table in that and never had a problem.

Well that's another vote for the burnishing oil. Think I'll stick with plan 'A'
Found a local stockist for the Organoil. Deciding on the finish is the hardest bit. Wish me luck.

Oh on very hard woods oil problems dont arise so much, its only on softer woods where it sucks in uneavenly.