eucalyptus wood outdoor table – tacky boiled linseed oil
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I bought a new eucalyptus wood outdoor table and thought I’d be smart (maybe not) and seal it with boiled linseed oil. I applied two coats by wiping it on, though I allowed the first coat to dry only 24 hours prior to applying the second coat. Looks nice, but it now has that sticky, tacky feel. Can I apply a oil-based varnish over the top to further seal/waterproof the wood and seal in the tacky BLO? Would tung oil be a better choice at this point? Thank you! (my wife is not happy with me, hopefully someone can bail me out.)
Replies
Bail Out !
I would advise your wife to let you do the whole sentence - no early release. You need to get turps or mineral spirits and scrub off the oil using steel wool. That wood doesn't need to be sealed but if you are sure you have removed all the oil and the table is bone dry and you still want to seal - I would try a marine varnish. The benefit of outdoor wood is that it doesn't require finishing unless you are prone to break the law.
SA
Eucalyptus wood Preservative
I am happy to report that based on sound advice from this blog the boiled linseed oil dissolved and wiped away nicely, so the table is back to its original condition as it was received from the manufacturer a month ago. In the table instructions it recommends treating the wood twice per year with Feron Guard Wood Preservative . However, i have been unable to find this product on line or in stores. Is there another product that would work just as well? Thank you, and happy father's day to all fathers.
I know I am a bit late in replying as you have most likely have already finished this project, but I wanted to interject my thoughts. I am a professional woodworker and have worked with Eucalyptus. It is a brittle wood that needs to be consistently moisturized if you wish to keep the nice lusture of newly finished wood. I would recommend using a linseed oil and mineral spirits combination of 2 parts linseed oil and 1 part mineral oil. The mineral oil will help draw in the oil. To make sure the wood stays 'healthy' apply this 3-4 times a year. You may see the top of the wood start to peel and crack over time if this is not done enough and you still may see this depending on much of the elements your piece sees. It is however a wood that doesn't necessarily need to be finished as it is weather and bug resistant, but it helps it retain it's original look over time and keeps it looking good.
Another option is Tung oil. Use the combo from above for the first application and then only the tung oil for the remaining application. Another difference in this application is that you will need to first apply it 3-4 times in the beginning and then periodically throughout the life of the piece, depending on the use.
Finish
I said varnish in lieu of a wood preservative because I don't know about using those finishes with preservatives when food is in contact with the surfaces. Maybe someone here more technical in finishing formulas can advise -
SA
Feron Guard Wood Preservative .
Did you Google it? It seems to be available at Sam's Club.
TO MOUNAINSTOMPER 4/ EUCALYPTUS
READ YOUR REPLY TO TREATING EUCALYPTUS FURNITURE. JUST NEED A CLARIFICATION. IS IT MINERAL SPIRIT OR MINERAL OIL THAT SHOULD BE USED. IF IM NOT MISTAKEN THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.