Bench Finish?

[Casper]

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

[Sonny]

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

[jo4hn]

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

[SonomaProducts.com]

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

[Casper]

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.

[Sonny]

olding 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 o n finish. Wish I knew what was originally used on it. Anything to be wary o f 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 pr oduct is a blend of ingredients. Later, if you want something different, s imply 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