I picked up a small folding wooden bench a few years back at a local
antique flea market. It was made new, not old wood. It has been ideal
to put outside on the covered patio and put away in the winter.

I don't remember what the finish was on it and the maker is no longer
at the market. I believe it is made of cedar. (When it dries, I will
snap a photo.) It's a 1.5 a** bench.

I thought cedar oil was used originally but the stuff still selling at
the market is resotration oil. So I am trying to decide what to use on
it now. It will be used in-house but occasionally go outside if an
extra seat is required.

What finish would you recommend? Since it was originally oiled with
something, I would like to stick with that theme and keep the natrual
look of the wood. I would like it not soak into clothes or pose toxic
problems inside for kids or animals.

All thoughts welcome and appreciated...
`Casper

On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 3:53:21 PM UTC-5, Casper wrote:
It has been ideal to put outside on the covered patio and put away in the winter.

WaterLox Original. Won't take much to cover your bench, so I hope you can find a smaller size container, than a gallon. Otherwise, wipe it down with tung oil, yearly.

Sonny

On 10/9/2013 1:53 PM, Casper wrote:
I picked up a small folding wooden bench a few years back at a local
antique flea market. It was made new, not old wood. It has been ideal
to put outside on the covered patio and put away in the winter.

I made a series of four benches for a memorial garden, using Borg-type
redwood. I concocted a finish not unlike the Maloof chair finish: equal
parts of BLO, tung oil, floor poly, and mineral spirits. Winter is
spent inside which is about 4 months. Otherwise they are exposed to the
elements, albeit in a shaded area. It has been 5 years and I am told
that they should have the finish reapplied. So far so good.

mahalo,
jo4hn

All thoughts welcome and appreciated...

`Casper

Penofin brand oil. Not sure about toxicity but it is what all the pros use for exterior oiled anything.

Otherwise, wipe it down with tung oil, yearly.
Sonny

Finally got this folding bench cleaned and sanded. I picked up some
tung oil but haven't put it on yet. Since this bench is going to
remain indoors now, I am hesitant on finish. Wish I knew what was
originally used on it.

Anything to be wary of since I don't know the original finish?
I suspect it was oil of some type.

It's not a spectacular bench but it is strong, steady and useful.
Figure it will last a long time once I get it completed.

On Thursday, October 24, 2013 9:55:21 AM UTC-5, Casper wrote:
Otherwise, wipe it down with tung oil, yearly. Sonny Finally got this folding bench cleaned and sanded. I picked up some tung oil but haven't put it on yet. Since this bench is going to remain indoors now, I am hesitant on finish. Wish I knew what was originally used on it. Anything to be wary of since I don't know the original finish? I suspect it was oil of some type.. It's not a spectacular bench but it is strong, steady and useful. Figure it will last a long time once I get it completed.

I doubt you can go wrong with your tung oil, "tung oil" ~~~ even if the product is a blend of ingredients. Later, if you want something different, simply lightly sand and apply whatever else. Spar urethane discolors to a yellowish hue, over time, so that might not be a best alternative choice.

Sonny