Synopsis: The best general finish Jere Osgood has had experience with is the oil and varnish mix. He says it seems to have a long history and variations are used by many furniture craftsmen because of its durability where an oil finish is needed. It is slightly more water resistant, easier to obtain, and has more of a body to it than synthetic oil options, he says. Osgood explains how to prepare a piece for the finish, how to mix it, and how to apply it.

There is a basic decision to be made when choosing a finish for a piece of furniture. Would you prefer a matte oil finish or a glossy varnish or lacquer?

For many years now, a matte oil finish has been very popular because it penetrates the wood and becomes part of the surface, and because it is easy to put on. But it is not really durable, especially for often-used table tops. On the other hand, a good water and alcohol-resistant finish would mean a varnish or lacquer which is more of a surface finish, frequently glossy, and much more difficult to put on. The various varnishes or lacquers also require a fussy environment— warm, ventilated and dust-free—for application.

If you do prefer an oil finish, you have several choices—including an oil/varnish mix that I have found to be particularly effective.

Linseed oil is of course in wide use as a finish. But it has a long application time (a matter of weeks), requires continual upkeep, and is not water-resistant. Its advantage lies in the fact that it is easy to apply, though time-consuming. A ruined spot is easy to repair with a little wet rubbing, using a rag dipped in oil and thinner. It is also pleasant to use, is easy to clean up and can be put on in a dusty, slightly cool shop if absolutely necessary.

Various synthetic penetrating oils, and Watco oils in particular, are a tremendous improvement over linseed. Watco is more water-resistant and can be used on tables if they are treated with care. The other advantage is that you can deliver your work in three days, instead of the three weeks it takes for linseed. But Watco is a little hard to locate in some areas, although many of the mail-order woodworking supply houses now carry it.

Oil and Varnish Mix

The best general finish I have had experience with is the oil and varnish mix. I can’t claim to have originated it but I have pushed its use. It seems to have a long history, and variations of it are used by many furniture craftsmen because of its durability where an oil finish is needed. Its advantages over Watco are that I find it slightly more water-resistant, easier to obtain, and it has more of a body to it (but still penetrates like an oil). It doesn’t need any special shop environment or equipment. A little dust or another piece being worked on nearby will cause no difficulties, though a clean, dry shop would probably be best. And the ingredients should be available at most local paint supply stores.

From Fine Woodworking #2

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