A woody question...

[dellzeqq]

french polish takes a deal of work, but the results are wonderful (down Fnaar). But pine? Paint it and be happy.

 

[User482]

Just have to be careful with clothes used to put it on afterwards as they can spontaneously combust.

I always thought that was a myth, but the guy who fitted our worktops said it had happened to him. I just soak the rags in water and tie them in a plastic bag.

 

[slowmotion]

I've used Danish oil but found that the wood darkens/yellows a lot over time. I would go for a matt polyurethane varnish made by reputable manufacturer like Dulux. Whatever you do, don't use el cheapo own brand stuff.

 

[asterix]

I always thought that was a myth, but the guy who fitted our worktops said it had happened to him. I just soak the rags in water and tie them in a plastic bag.

My aunt knew someone to whom it happened as well. Definitely not a myth.

 

[TheDoctor]

I use a water-based satin varnish. Withstands most things, and when it gets too scuffed up you can sand it down and get another coat on. I've done our pine coffee table like that - 5 mins with an orbital sander, another 5 mins getting a coat of varnish on - job done.

 

[Globalti]

What I was trying to achieve was a durable finish that would stabilise the doors and give a subtle sheen like wax. I have done stripped Victorian doors with wax in the past and disappointingly they dried out in the central heating and cracked, the panels even came loose. In the end factory-made furniture is mostly finished with a polyurethane varnish. I tried to find out what professionals use and the Dulux stuff was the nearest I could get to it retail. Apparently big-volume stuff is sprayed on not brushed, as you would expect. We have used Danish oil on our new oak balustrades and it feels rough to the touch and is completely matt, I wish we had used the Dulux but Mrs Gti had other ideas....