Hoddy Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I have an old outdoor table which is made of some African hard wood which would probably be illegal these days. My late husband used to treat it with some sort of oil which I can't remember the name of. Last summer I varnished it and now it's looking a rather miserable grey.I know that the oil wasn't teak oil but have no idea what it was.I would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions to preserve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 It could have been linseed oil if it is a hardwood table. Any DIY shop would have it, cheap as chips.Make sure it is dry, then sand lightly, wipe clean and then oil again if it has not been done for a long time.Alternatively, you could first turn a karcher spray on it, then leave to dry and oil.Suggest putting indoors in winter.What is the stand like, it might benefit from similar treatment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard51 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Danish oil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 This link may be of interest, or not!https://boristhewoodworker.com/woodworking-101/teak-oil-vs-tung-oil-vs-danish-oil/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritinBretagne Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 You will have to remove all the varnish before any oil will work effectively. Linseed oil diluted in a turpentine substitute is cheap as chips and easy to use. A good exotic hardwood won’t suffer from not being oiled, the oil is mainly for cosmetic purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 UV from sunlight will damage the wood so one of the widely available oils, luberon etc may well have a UV block in the mix.Varnish will as already said stop the absorption of oil, and any varnish product would also need a UV block to allow the timber to last longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritinBretagne Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 A good quality hardwood will withstand sunlight. Look at the teak decks of most expensive yachts. Prettier perhaps when oiled but no other advantages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loiseau Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Hoddy, silvery-grey is the colour the wood goes when nothing has been done to it, or when the oil treatment has worn off, and is highly prized by many.Indeed, varnish needs to be removed - maybe you could sand it off with a machine for speed - the whole thing karcher-ed down, and then the 50-50 linseed oil and turps substitute applied once it;'s all thoroughly dry.It'll need re-doing every spring, but always looks wonderful when done. (NB, don't use it for a few days after oiling, or it might drip on any diners sitting at it.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted January 10, 2019 Author Share Posted January 10, 2019 Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I shall wait until spring and then sand an oil it.Wooly it would be very difficult to lift it indoors because it has cast iron legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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