Another novice question. I have a white oak closet rod that needs finishing. Would like to end up with it a medium-dark oak coloring. Advice needed on getting this combined with a surface that will reasonably withstand hanger abuse. Thanks.
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All the closet rods I have seen have been unfinished. But, if you want a medium dark color you would start with a dye to reach the overall color you are looking for. There is a chance that the dye won't "take" in the pores. If so wipe on a pigment containing stain. Then to finish I would put a couple of coats of Watco or other oil/varnish mix. I don't think there is any film finish--out to and including conversion varnish, that would really hold up under hangers. The Watco would just "wet" the dye so it looks attractive. The oak will just burnish under the hangers while a film finish will scratch and begin to look bad.
Wax.
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