protecting oak veneered mdf

[nathsea]

Hi all,
Just about getting to the stage where i need to think about what to put on my rack that i have built out of oak veneered mdf and oak edging.

I really haven't got a clue where to start with this one. I fancy a nice natural looking finish to the wood, should i use some sort of wax, or a varnish, i'm worried a varnish will look too shiny,

Look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Nathan

[KelvinS1965]

You could use Danish oil on the Oak, like I did with my Oak skirting (see my setup picture's in my signature), then give a very light coating of clear wax and buff with wire wool for a satin finish. Either that or use a satin varnish if you don't want a glossy finish. Definately get something on the bare wood or you'll get greasy marks from fingers over time that get engrained into the wood.

[neilball]

I'd also recomend Danish oil - gives a nice satin finish without any additional work and is easy to spot re-finish if you get scratches or marks on the oak. I've used oil finishes on furniture, floors and stairs and have never regretted it.

[nathsea]

thanks, looks like Danish Oil it is then..... is there any brand i should look out for, either good or bad

How do you apply it is it just rubbed on with a cloth?

Thanks again
Nathan

[KelvinS1965]

Got mine in B&Q, can't remember the brand name, but I've got some in the garage I'll dig out tomorrow: Same as used by 'Miniholic' in his house building thread in the 'Member's Gallery' section for his doors, etc. Just rub it on with a cloth (does smell a bit so open the windows if possible) and work quickly to avoid uneven build up.

Can't beat natural materials: Just laying a sandstone patio today and we have an oiled Oak floor in the lounge that I layed last year. The variations in colours and textures is what makes it.

[nathsea]

Kelvin, Thanks for that, off to B&Q then to buy some.
Thanks again

Nathan

[BrettonWoods]

Hi
Ronseal Satin Varnish or Matt if you want no sheen.

Any you guys ever come across oak veneer mdf that had been coated with Ronseal Diamond coat, a friend done it and it is covered in small black marks, 2-3mm long, under the varnish. A dirty brush?, Reaction to veneer glue? Old stock?

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

[dghomes]

Hi - yes. Same problem with American Black Walnut veneered mdf. I assumed reaction - not dirt etc. Looks a bit like small mold marks.

[diesel]

Hi.
I don't know about american black walnut but with oak, the stains are almost certainly due to the wood being wiped over with plain water prior to being sealed.

Ronseal Diamond Coat isn't responsible. Most of my 2nd fix joinery is oak and the majority is coated up with satin Ronseal Diamond (mainly because of how hardwearing it is).

The only way to remove it is to lightly sand the oak veneer and then treat the staining with oxalic acid.

TBH if it's veneer this course of action may be either too much bother/ cause more damage.

Cheers

Andy

[IWC Dopplel]

I waxed the whole of my floor with Briwax.

Excellent stuff

[The Prof.]

I have just used a clear satin polyurethane ( water based ) on some oak timber..
Has no odour, very easy to apply and looks very classy..

[nacmacfeegle]

"Any you guys ever come across oak veneer mdf that had been coated with Ronseal Diamond coat, a friend done it and it is covered in small black marks, 2-3mm long, under the varnish. A dirty brush?, Reaction to veneer glue? Old stock? "

He didn't use wire wool at all? Wire wool and oak generally don't get along too well together, and you can sometimes end up with what looks like beard trimmings under the varnish.