I've sanded down a wooden worktop and I'm attempting to re-coat it. I've done 5 thin coats of oil so far, a day between each, but it's still quite dull compared to previously. How many coats should I need to get a good finish? I've heard it needs a lot, but how many is a lot?
Also, what kind of oil is best to use? I've been using special Worktop Oil. It's quite expensive but is it just a gimmick? Am I just as well off using a generic teak, linseed or danish oil?
Best Answer
When oiling timber, you generally continue to oil it until no more seeps into the wood. Don't be afraid to "flood" the first few coats.
Basic oil coating goes like this:
What grit did you sand back the timber to begin with? If you went to 320, then a 400 grit would be fine in-between coats. Don't use an electric sander for this. Just work with the grain with a soft sponge backed sanding block. When sanding, you will end up with dust residue so just wipe it down with a clean cloth and a touch of water/meth-spirits if need be.
Oil seeps into the wood so you won't get a high lustre/shine from it. Some of the mixtures on the market however have some polyurethane in it. Poly sits above the wood so will cause some reflection with the light making the piece shine some more. Get some good solid basic oil+poly mix. Something like Danish Oil or Scandinavian Wood Oil would work nicely.
Also, update with some photos and I'd be happy to provide more insight and tips.