re-finishing a RIMU table top

[geoff.l]

I have a large NZ Rimu table that was originally finished 15 years ago with Cabbots Danish Oil. Rimu is pretty soft, and over the years it has accumulated many dents and scratches. The oil has been touched up many times, but it is time to bite the bullit, strip it back, and start again.

I like the "soft" oiled finish, but would like something to magically harden up the underlying timber.

Any recommendations ?

[Tung tied]

Hi Geoff,

I think you'll need to use something like an epoxy finish to give you a hard shell of protection for the softer wood underneath. A wax finish over the top, something from our friends at u-beaut, would put a nice soft lustre on it.

Harder oil based finishes will typically have some poly in them. Though not as tough as epoxy they offer more scratch resistance than just oil.

Cheers

Bryan