silky / english oak furniture restoration

[nick_b00]

here are a couple of pics of some of the things i have restored in the last year or so....

desk (silky oak)
filing cabinet (silky oak)
swivel desk chair (english oak) - one of the most comfortable chairs i have ever sat in!

the final pic is another chair i would call a WIP

[BozInOz]

Looks like you've done a nice job. Wouldn't mind them sitting around my place.

[artme]

Great to see the pieces come to life again after your wonderful restoration!

[islomaniac]

I have just completed stripping and sanding a Silky Oak students desk.

I was going to shellac and beeswax it, but the owner of an antique store said it wasnt good because it can stain easily. I was at a garage sale last wek where an old guy, been doing it years said he used Danish Oil and estapol.

I really want to have the colour of the original old desk, but I want a nice clean finish, like a satin estapol.

What finish did you use on yours please? They look great. Very envious of your office. I'm hoping to find a silky oak captains chair next.

[nick_b00]

Thanks. I'm very happy with the finish, I wanted a very durable surface. I used Feast Watson floorseal. Its a tung oil based polyurethane. Now that's not traditional, is hard to repair if damaged, but I'm happy. I'd probably use shellac if I was doing it now.

Nick

[Lawry01]

I have just completed stripping and sanding a Silky Oak students desk.

I was going to shellac and beeswax it, but the owner of an antique store said it wasnt good because it can stain easily. I was at a garage sale last wek where an old guy, been doing it years said he used Danish Oil and estapol.

I really want to have the colour of the original old desk, but I want a nice clean finish, like a satin estapol.

What finish did you use on yours please? They look great. Very envious of your office. I'm hoping to find a silky oak captains chair next.

Nick..beutiful furniture, & beautiful finish!!

Islomaniac, I would go shellac & traditional wax.....I learned this doing up my old english oak desk (thread is in here somewhere) Check out the thread..more from the POV of the amazing wisdom & advice given to me by a few of the craftsmen on this forum..namely WW & HC. Also, the ability to readily repair shellac is in its favour. So, get cracking! Then start to post WIP & Pics please!! Lawry

[Horsecroft88]

Heh heh thanks Lawry for the support! Yes agree with the advice though. If someone is concerned the the risk of damage to a shellac finished surface, you could always try hard shellac as it is even more durable, but doesn't look plastic. In my view poly is a no no for old furniture. I like feast Watson floor seal but for floors, and areas in a house that might be subject to some water exposure. But not furniture. Danish oil is also fine but not for antiques.

[nick_b00]

Islomaniac, why not try some of the forums' sponsors products?

Nick

[Lawry01]

Islomaniac, why not try some of the forums' sponsors products?

Nick

Islomaniac..my desk is finished in U Beaut's Traditional Wax...gives it a beautiful finish, and so far, given that its a well used desk, its wearing well. I'm thinking of a second coat in about a month to top it off/ up. ENjoy the process !