help regarding cleaning/restoring solid oak table

[paulwilson]

Alright chaps and thanks to anyone that can help.

I bought a 6 seated solid oak table roughly 4 years ago, I was single and kept it immaculate but now I have 2 chidren and I have been unable to keep on top of it.

I have just fitted a new kitchen so I want it cleaned up, oiled and then protected with a protective cloth.

I just need some sort of idea as to how to prepare the wood before using an oil and what the best substance is to get any marks out of the wood.

Oh one other thing too, the mrs used to hang wet washing on the chairs and a couple have black marks all along the top, im assuming its cos the wood is damp, is there any way this can be repaired.

Thanks Paul

 

[paulwilson]

come on chaps surely someone can help me

 

[woodfinishes1877]

Hi Paul, hope I can help.

Firstly the last point you made about the black marks there is absolutely no doubt you want to buy some oxalic acid, mix it in warm water and apply to the areas affected - it will work a treat.

re: the table, firstly clean off all the grease using white spirit and preferably a scotchbrite pad. After you've done this clean all the dust and dirt by cleaning with hot water and detergent.

Finally apply Pure Tung Oil over the surface - normally 3-4 coats are recommended leaving the table 4 days between coats. If this length of time is prohibitive then you could use Danish Oil

I really hope this information is of assistance but please come back with any questions.

Ian McAslan

 

[paulwilson]

this information is of great help thank you so much.

One question my partner has been and bought some linseed oil as it was reccomended by someone, is this in any way the correct stuff to use as one of her friends has used some on her table but as it was £1 a bottle I was very dubious of using it and wanted first rate knowedge before doing anything, thanks ever so much, Paul...

 

[r896neo]

You don't get a particularly smooth finish with oils and they are not as durable as varnishes but in my opinion you get a far superior look and deal with the fact you have to maintain it. You can put on boiled linseed oil which will help to reduce white marking from hot plates. A few coats of Boiled linseed oil thinned down a little with turps would work but whatever oil finish you choose make sure you let it dry well between coats.

 

[paulwilson]

Can I just ask do we need to ightly sand the table or is this just not needed or cause probems ? thanks Paul...