Care for Abused Wood

Wood is a very resilient building material.

Wood is a very resilient building material that can last for centuries with proper care. Once wood has been allowed to suffer the elements unprotected, steps must be taken to restore its natural moisture content and seal it from further abuse. Take into consideration that the pieces that have lasted the longest, were finished with the most natural products, such as oils and waxes.

Things You'll Need

• Oil soap
• Nylon scrubber
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Odorless mineral spirits
• Boiled linseed oil
• Paintbrush
• Soft rags
• Furniture wax

Instructions

Prepping the Wood

1. Clean the surface of the wood with warm water and oil soap. Use a nylon scrubber to remove any ground in soil. Allow this to dry. Lightly sand the surface to remove the oxidized layer, with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust from the wood with a tack cloth.

2. Wipe the wood down with rag dampened with odorless mineral spirits, to open the pores and remove any remaining dirt. Allow this to dry for one hour in a well-ventilated place.

3. Brush on boiled linseed oil with a soft bristle paintbrush. This oil is readily available in a prepared form in most paint departments. Work in the direction of the grain, starting with joints and hard to reach areas first. Apply the oil in a medium to heavy coat, allowing it to saturate the grain. Allow this first coat to dry to the touch.

Applying the Finish

1. Rub a second and third coat of linseed oil into the wood with a soft rag. Allowing thirty minutes between coats. Rub with the grain of the wood, and work to prevent runs, which can leave marks in the finish. Allow the oil to dry overnight.

2. Rub a layer of furniture wax into the wood with a clean, soft rag. Work in small sections. Apply wax to an area small enough to be covered in five minutes. Allow this section to set, while applying a second section. Go back to the first section when it hazes over, and buff it with a clean cloth. Continue this through three layers of wax.

3. Clean the surface as needed, with mineral spirits and apply more wax as the finish becomes dull. Repeat the entire procedure once the wax begins to yellow.