how to finish/maintain oak desk - have read old posts & still need help

I have a roll-top desk that has been sitting for decades in a very dry climate and had no maintenance done other than very occasionnal dry dusting.  Has very little original finish left and is extremely dry. Although many say not to oil as it will attract dust, it just looks and feels so dry, that it looks “uncomfortable”.  Thinking that some type of oil then a liquid wax, or even some type of varnish might be best.  Need specific brands recommended.  Don’t have time or $ to do “best” type of finish.  Here are some sites for products others have recommended.  Does anyone know anything about these products (there are other products on some of these sites other than on the page listed)?  Also, it seems that dry dusting is best for maintenance, with occasional use of a polish. What polish (I think it depends on final finish)? http://www.osmona.com/interior.shtml http://faseeds.com/online-store/individual-bottles/wood-dressing/ http://www.thefurnitureconnoisseur.com/Liquid-Furniture-Wax-Polish/ http://www.hfstaples.com/Pages/williamasville.htm

ilovestoops

in Furniture 12 years and 4 months ago

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ParkSlopePS | 12 years and 4 months ago

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Minwax Antique Oil is really a wiping varnish, so, yes,  it can be applied over existing finishes.

ParkSlopePS | 12 years and 4 months ago

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an easy method would be to wipe on Minwax Antique Oil, or Danish Oil, or Waterlox. They all are really wiping varnishes and will protect and enhance your wood.

ilovestoops | 12 years and 4 months ago

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thanks, folks.  was also hoping to hear from some of the pros, but it probably pisses them off that I said I didn’t need “best” finish.

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 4 months ago

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Any lemon oil based formula would work too. A good hardware store will have at least 4-5 different things thatnwould work that will be pil based. Rub them on then rub any excess off afterwards. Dont use permanet finishes like polyutethane or shellacs or stains with polyurethane.

cate | 12 years and 4 months ago

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The wood floor finish is Rejuvenate. It’s a form of polyurethane, so probably not ideal for a desk, but I’ve had good results so far with it on floors. (I wasn’t around long enough to see how it held up, but it seemed to do the trick nicely when I applied it.)

BobMarvin | 12 years and 4 months ago

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That 6:29 PM answer was from me–I was signed in, so I don’t know why it’s marked “Guest.”

BobMarvin | 12 years and 4 months ago

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  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’ve had very good results with Scott’s Liquid Gold, which is very easy to apply. IMO it’s a good thing to try first. If that doesn’t do what you want you could try Howard’s Restore a Finish, in an appropriate color.