Finish for a Beech Wood Artists Easel

[OnTheWrongPlane]

Hi, I know zero about a suitable finish for a Beech Wood Easel I have just bought for the wife.
Maybe I should leave as is but am asking if there an oil or other product that is suitable. It has parts, wood on wood, that slide up and down so would like a smooth glide for it. I am going to finely sand the parts as currently it takes some effort to move the adjustable sections.
Just thought some type of oil ? would give the wood some protection and life without making it harder to move the sliding parts.
Can anybody recommend a finish or advise to leave as is please.
Thankyou

[fineboxes]

Many years ago I used to make easels and finished them with Raw Linseed Oil. It dries matt and darkens the timber slightly. It soaks in so a few couple of coats may be needed.

The parts slide easy too. You could use Pale Boiled Linseed if you want but you'll have to leave the parts separated until it's quite dry or they may have a tendency to get stuck together.

It will also dry with a bit of shine on it.

My preference would be Raw Linseed.

And if she is painting in Oils the smell will just right.



Cheers

Steve

[OnTheWrongPlane]

Thankyou. That was my first remark to her only because of using it decades ago at school for my hockey sticks.
I use to thin it with kero to soak in, is that still ok or use as is ?
Cheers

[fineboxes]

Beech is pretty dense,but I would use it straight, if only not to have the smell of kero around.

Let it soak overnight and give it a good vigorous rub to get the excess off.


Cheers

Steve

[OnTheWrongPlane]

Thankyou for your help Steve. Will do.
Brett