Waterlox vs. Parks Tung Oil

[Pacific Pintos]

We have some old clear redwood that was finished 30 plus years ago with Parks brand Tung Oil. It is dry and I would like to rejuvenate it, but I am not looking for a high gloss finish, just a light shine.

I have never used the Parks product, but we still have a very old can of it around. My husband did the original finish in the living room with Parks.

My expereience has been using Waterlox and I am comfortable using it. I have their Satin finish available.

Could anyone give me a rundown of both these products, and also advise if using the old can of Parks is a good idea? I assume I will have to strain it and possibly add thinner to it.

Thank you.

[Gil]

First of all, not having used Parks I really can't comment on it. But, before you decide to do something like this, have you considered that maybe the dull, dry appearance may be due to a build-up of household airborne contaminates? Things such as cooking and smoking can build up a film on a surface over time and thirty years is a long time. Also the application of furniture polish will build up a dulling film. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to try cleaning a small portion of the surface using a rag dampened with varsol or turps to see if the dull film is removable and the original surface appearance returns.

Gil

[Father Haskell]

Tung has a short shelf life once it's exposed to air. Hope it's not gelled.

[Larry Jaques]

30 year old can of finish? Forget it. I'd surely use the Waterlox. Their satin is my favorite finish, too.

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