Polishing Silky Oak Table

[Don Nethercott]

I have a silky oak dining table I rescued from a second hand store.
I've sanded it back to bare wood and now want to polish the top.
I was thinking of using Shellawax cream or liquid, but am open to other suggestions.
If I use the Shellawax, what is the best way to apply and polish.
I do have an orbital sander with a lambswood pad if that is of any use.
Thanks
Don

[ubeaut]

G'day Don - Don't use any of the Shellawaxes for the table top. It is basically a friction polish for woodturners. It can be used on small flat surfaces but a table top would definitely not be the right place to be using it.

You would be much better off with Shellac or another hard surface coating or a hard durable oil finish like Danish Oil.

Cheers - Neil :)

[JB]

Three or four coats of shellac applied by brush followed by beeswax. Apply the shellac thin -- consistency of skim milk. Sand with 400sandpaper between coats.

[Don Nethercott]

Thanks Neil,
Thought the friction polish part of Shellawax would pose a problem - but I do so like the finish - I use it on all my turning.

The old finish was Shellac and it was very dark and hid most of the character of the Silky Oak. I want a finish that is light and brings out the character of what I think is a beautiful wood.

I've got some Danish Oil here - I tried it on a bowl I turned but didn't like the feel of the finish - maybe I did it wrong. Guess I'll have to practice a bit before I try it.

Don