Restoring wood

[rlirwin]

We have an oak vanity in our bathroom that needs restoring due to the moisture, etc. Anyone know of a product that I can put on it to bring out the old color and also protect it in the future. I seem to remember reading someplace that you could use 303 protectant, but I`m reluctant to try it without some confirmation. I know this isn`t about cars, but I figure that sometimes there is wood in the interior of a car that would need the same treatment. Thanks

[the other pc]

Based on the title of the thread I was going to suggest Viagra.



But since we’re talking about cabinetry it really depends on the extent of the damage and what sort of finish is on the cabinet now. You might be able to get away with a polish or you might have to strip it down to bare wood and refinish.





PC.

[imported_advs1]

you can look at menzerna, they make wood care products. maybe call then and ask who in your area carries it?

[3puttjay]

If you want to protect the finish from water you need to add polyurethane to the finish. First strip off the old finish, then sand it down ( from 80 grit to 100 grit and finally to 220 grit). If you need to stain it, try some zar stains. You can find them at home depot or lowes. After it`s prepped, you would add polyurethane (water based polyurethane is easy to work with and you can add an additional layer down in the first day). I would apply three coats of poly, sanding with 0000 steel wool between layers. Remember to use a tack cloth after every sanding session. You can make your own tack cloth by using a turpentine soaked t-shirt. If this doesn`t help with your moisture issues, you might have to go to spar urethane, it`s used for marine enviroments (boats, seaside furniture, etc ). You might also visit the fine woodworking forums to get a better idea as how to go about doing this. I hope this helps.

[charlesaferg]

Sand with the grain, never against it.

Wood shop in middle school paid off today.

[ducktail]

If the wood is finished with natrual lacquer try Danish Oil. It will penetrate the wood,restore the color and protect it from moisture. I use it for outdoor teak furniture lasts for about 3 months under sun rain.



If the wood is finished with polyurethane based paint you need to strip and reapply wood colored polyurethane paint.



When sanding its similar to car polishing. You need to finish with finer and finer grits (pads/compound with car paint). Reduce the grit of sand paper after each lacquer application has dried. Be careful of 3000 grit it produces a mirror finish and will stand out from orther areas.



BTW the main ingredient in the oil is bugs. The same stuff you scrape off your windshield. LOL.



You can also try Tung oil and Teak oil. IMHO Danish oil protects against weathering better which is what you need in the bathroom. You can follow that with a nuba wax just dont apply it on floors.

[3puttjay]

Oil finishes and shellac finishes are nice on furniture, but I think in the bathroom with the moisture problem, polyurethane is the "best" solution. I don`t think they plan on oiling every few months. I believe they plan on doing it once and forgetting about it. If that is not the case, then by all means go ahead with danish oil or shellac to give it that incredible glow.