wood oil or poly

[tong]

I am doing up a very old table which i think is english oak..the top is very heavy and is about an 1in thick with a routered edge. been stripping and sanding for days but the fancy turned legs are causing grief trying to remove old finish from the tight acute angles. Well, I will just keep stripping/scraping/sanding til I'm happy. I am pondering the use of Penetrol Woodoil for the final finish...has anyone had experience with this? should I stick to satin estapol?

[journeyman Mick]

If the table is very old you should really consider using a finish that's in keeping with the period it was made in. A glossy, hard poly will not be in keeping with its looks. Maybe if you post a pic someone here may be able to give you an idea of its age and an appropriate finish.

Mick

[tong]

thanks Mick, I would post a pikkie if I knew how...and i agree with your thoughts of using an appropriate finish. I think it had been shellacked previously altho I tried metho to stip it with no effect. The previous finish was very thin and seemed to be 'flaky' to a small extent. I think someone had had a previous go at restoration/repair and the old finish was quite dark on top, less dark on edges. I guess Iwill have a go at the oil finish. It is probably not an antique but I think it is definitely prewar at least.
btw Kuranda only "used to be" paradise imho

[vsquizz]

I'd definetly go for removing the old finish completly and then go for a shellac and traditional wax type finish. The best advice I know of is in Neil's book, have you got it?

Cheers

[tong]

called?

[vsquizz]

http://www.ubeaut.com.au/ubhome.htm

Then click on polishers handbook

Cheers