Do you have a favorite topcoat?
I use different ones depending on what I’m working on.
In my last post, I shared how I made-over this table:
I love Tung Oil for stained pieces like this. It lends itself to a gorgeous, hand-rubbed finish, yet it is so easy to use. With several coats (24 hours in between each one), it soaks in and fills the wood pores, so it is best used on porous woods. It is not quite as durable as laquer, but pretty close! If you want the very best Tung Oil on the market, you’ll want to check out Waterlox. I’m pretty sure you have to order it because I’ve never seen it in stores. That is what I would use if I ever get my butcher block island.
Tung oil is a natural oil that is thinned with solvents so that it will soak into the wood pores. Once the solvents evaporate, it is non-toxic. You can see that there are dull spots, which means it needs another coat to really soak in. After applying, wait 5-10 minutes, and wipe off excess with a lint-free cloth. Watch for brush hairs and get rid of those before they dry into the finish. I used el-cheapo chip brushes because they dry as hard as a rock and I don’t want to clean them after each coat. You can use a good brush, too, just be sure to clean it with mineral spirits right away.
After 4 or 5 applications, it will appear wet, and feel a little tacky. Not to worry.
Wait 24 hours after the last coat, and knock down the shine with some very fine steel wool and a little elbow grease. You want to be able to run your hand across it, without feeling any tackiness.
Next, bring back some of the shine and smooth away the steel wool scratches
using car polish (not wax) and soft cloths. I used Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound.
using car polish (not wax) and soft cloths. I used Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound.
Now, go admire your nice, buff arms.
While it takes some time because of the drying time, it is quite simple to do!
Great tutorial. Love the table. It is stunning. Hugs, Marty
Thank you for the tutorial! Your table looks gorgeous. I used Formby's tung oil finish on a side table over 30 years ago, and it still looks wonderful!
The table looks beautiful!
I've never used tung oil or car wax~but I'm going to use it for my next project.
Thanks!
Like Suzanne above, I have never used tung oil or car wax… but I most certainly will in the future. Thanks for the info. Again, the table is fabulous!
Woops… I know you used car POLISH, not car wax. So, let me rephrase, I can't wait to use Tung oil and car polish on my future projects.
I love this beautiful table. Thanks for all of the tips! I am a new follower~Looking forward to tomorrow!
Your work is beautiful and very inspiring. I wanted to know whether or not you painted your woodwork in your house yourself or if you just know what the color is? I am having a hard time choosing what white looks best. Thanks!
What a great job! I remember hand rubbing about 20 coats of tung oil on a kitchen table when my children were small. It was the strongest finish of any furniture we had. Your table looks great, and your hard work will pay off.
Great info – thanks for sharing!
I'm so going to try this on some stained pieces this winter. I love the finish you get…very different and more natural than poly. Lovely!
So I'm guessing your friend wants her table back now!!! Love it!
My wonderful mother-in-law gifted us an old Singer sewing machine treadle and I knew instantly I wanted to make a table out of it. We bought a butcher block counter from Ikea and used your tutorial for the finish on it. It turned out beautifully! This was a test run for re-doing our dining room table and it is going to be a perfect finish, I can't wait! Thank you SO much for posting about this!
nice job on the table. you explained the process so well even I might be able to do it!
You really do beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.
would you use this same finish for a table outdoors? If not, what do you recommend for an outdoor wood table? I am redoing my kitchen table and putting it outdoors…Thanks!
I just love your blog! Great tutorial, I'm going to give it a try!