How to Finish an Interior Maple Trim

One of the most elegant types of wood to use for interior home applications is maple. Maple has an extremely light, almost ethereal tone and maple trim around windows and doors will give any home an open, airy feeling. Finish maple trim with clear Danish oil and paste wax in order to preserve that natural tone and to protect the wood from moisture damage and other stains. It is best to finish trim prior to installation.

Things You'll Need

• 180-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Mineral spirits
• Soft, lint-free rags
• Danish oil
• Sponge, paintbrush, or staining pad
• 400-grit wet sandpaper
• #0000 steel wool
• Paste wax

Instructions

1. Sand the trim to create a smooth surface. Do an initial, light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper. Do a final sanding with 220-grit sandpaper

2. Vacuum up and clean all sanding dust from surrounding areas. Wipe the trim down with a rag dampened with mineral spirits in order to remove residual dust and to prepare the wood for absorbing the oil.

3. Coat the trim with a thick layer of Danish oil using a paintbrush, a soft, lint-free rag, or a staining pad. Work the oil into the surface using 400-grit wet sandpaper. Work in the same direction as the wood grain.

4. Wipe away the excess oil with a clean, soft, lint-free rag 30 minutes after the initial application of the oil.

5. Leave the trim to dry for at least six hours.

6. Lightly sand the trim with the 400-grit wet sand paper to remove any dried oil ridges.

7. Apply two to three additional coats of oil to sufficiently penetrate can coat the wood. Rubbing with sandpaper is not needed for additional coats -- just leave the oil to sit for 30 minutes, then wipe away with a clean rag. Lightly sand between each coat with steel wool and allow each coat to adequately dry before applying another.

8. Leave the final coat to dry for one week.

9. Apply a coat of paste wax to create a nice sheen. Buff the paste wax onto the trim using a soft, lint-free rag.

10. Leave the wax coat to dry for at least a day before installing the trim.

Tips & Warnings

• Danish oil has toxic properties. Prevent skin contact and work in a well-ventilated area.

References

• woodworking.com: Super Smooth Oil Finish