What is a good finish for a birch radiator cover. I usually prefer to oil a piece with either pure boiled linseed oil or pure tung oil and then simply apply a good furniture hard wax. I am concerned on a radiator cover that the heat will affect the wax adversely. What can I use that will give me a similar look, allow the heart wood to darken naturally and protect the wood?
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I think you would be right about the wax. Wax was adding some gloss, but not much in terms of protection. You will get a more durable finish if you use an oil/varnish mix instead of either of the pure oils, and often a little higher sheen is possible. Remember though just as with the pure oils excess needs to be removed. This will retain the "in-the-wood" appearance--I assume that's your primary goal.
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