…… Oiling antique oak

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bluelady

Veteran Member
I thought of using the "moron" prefix...LOL!

We finally got my grandmother's oak china cabinet out of storage. It wasn't damaged, just needed cleaning and polishing. I don't have anything like Old English, but several places I Googled suggested olive oil with a little white vinegar.

I applied it yesterday, polished it off with a towel today, and it looks beautiful. But...the inside having been closed up all night now smells...like olive oil. Then it hit me. This stuff goes rancid!!!

All that work, even using a Q-tip to get it into the carving. Now, before I get it completely refilled with breakables, I think I should get it off and start over. Any suggestions? I think I trust you all more than Google. :)
 
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bluelady

Veteran Member
Yep, that's why the "moron". :) Was just trying to save a trip to the store. After all, olive oil is always the answer...except when it isn't.
 
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bluelady

Veteran Member
Oddly enough, nothing mentioned coconut oil as a DIY; it pretty much lasts forever and had I thought of that, I'd just leave it.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
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You know, Amazon could have it to your door overnight. No “trip to the store” required. But you’d have to suspend any need for instant gratification for 24 hours.
 
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WalknTrot

Veteran Member
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Any olive oil smell will eventually break down. Leave it open for a few days, then when you get a chance to pick up and use the correct furniture oil, that smell will over-ride. An old piece of wood like that will likely soak up a lot of oil.
 
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spinner

Veteran Member
When I was selling antique furniture I used boiled linseed oil and turpentine. 2 parts boiled linseed oil to 1 part turpentine. It works best if it is slightly warmed and applied with a rag. Apply liberally, but not dripping. After a few minutes wipe with a clean cloth to remove excess. Sometimes I added beeswax. Cleans, preserves and protects old wood furniture. It brings out the color and grain.
 
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bluelady

Veteran Member
Of course I'm still Googling. :) I can remove the oil with something like mineral spirits. But I do need to get *all* these boxes of china out of our little living room and onto the shelves.

About 95% of sites say olive oil is great for furniture...including This Old House! That makes me feel better. And the olive oil was fresh. :) I think it helps that the finish was intact, so it's not actually soaking into the wood. So I will deal with it later, shelf by shelf. After I order some real polish. :)
 
kyrsyan

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Olive oil is used on cutting boards. I wouldn't use it again but I doubt it will be a problem after a few days.

My grandmother loved Old English. So much so that when Dad cleaned the first few times with plain mineral oil, the rag was still stained brown/black.

It worked though.
 
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bluelady

Veteran Member
kyrsyan said:
Olive oil is used on cutting boards. I wouldn't use it again but I doubt it will be a problem after a few days.

My grandmother loved Old English. So much so that when Dad cleaned the first few times with plain mineral oil, the rag was still stained brown/black.

It worked though.
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Yes, that's what I've always used, I'm just out. I think I'll leave the door open for a few days to get the smell out. I actually like it, but I'm thinking there might be moisture or something, IDK. But we don't have cats right now so it's OK to havecthe door open.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
spinner said:
When I was selling antique furniture I used boiled linseed oil and turpentine. 2 parts boiled linseed oil to 1 part turpentine. It works best if it is slightly warmed and applied with a rag. Apply liberally, but not dripping. After a few minutes wipe with a clean cloth to remove excess. Sometimes I added beeswax. Cleans, preserves and protects old wood furniture. It brings out the color and grain.
Click to expand...
Yes! That's excellent for the older, solid wood furniture when a light restoration is needed.
 
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