So I wanted to get every ones opinion on the poly vs nat oil finish on the wood REO'S. What are the pro's and con's to each. I am mostly talking about the cocobolo 18490 and the mini's. What are the maint. on both what should be done for care and cleaning/upkeep? Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
poly vs nat oil
- Thread starter TROOPIN
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The natural finish is sanded wood with tung oil applied. Poly coating seals the wood and gives a barrier against minor scratches.
The natural finish can be lightly sanded to remove minor scratches or dings. Then apply tung oil to seal.
Both finishes bring out the beauty of the wood yet have their own unique feel.
For routine care I would suggest that any spills be cleaned with a damp soft cloth as soon as possible.
Using wax will give some protection to either finish. I use Howard's SunShield with UV protection on all my wood REO's. It contains beeswax, carnauba wax, and orange oil. For a natural oil finish you could just use tung oil.
Some woods darken and lose color with age and exposure to UV light. Cocobolo and Purpleheart are two woods that will change. The UV protection in the SunShield will help maintain the natural beauty and depth of grain. The waxes polish and protect.
The natural finish can be lightly sanded to remove minor scratches or dings. Then apply tung oil to seal.
Both finishes bring out the beauty of the wood yet have their own unique feel.
For routine care I would suggest that any spills be cleaned with a damp soft cloth as soon as possible.
Using wax will give some protection to either finish. I use Howard's SunShield with UV protection on all my wood REO's. It contains beeswax, carnauba wax, and orange oil. For a natural oil finish you could just use tung oil.
Some woods darken and lose color with age and exposure to UV light. Cocobolo and Purpleheart are two woods that will change. The UV protection in the SunShield will help maintain the natural beauty and depth of grain. The waxes polish and protect.
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so if I get a juice leak just wipe off with a damp cloth and I should be fine for the natural finish.. That's my biggest worry staining if juice leaks or spills, which has happened more than I care to admit with my metal 2.1. I don't always have a damp cloth to wipe with just a dry pants leg.. lol.. with the cocobolo how does the color I saw a light red and dark red I like the dark better, will the light one get darker without the uv protection?
I do hate to be the bearer of bad news but unless you hit the classies the Woods were sold last weekend. There might be some come up as post sale thing.
Rob did say he was holding some back for those that missed the sale
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I just purchased a Lace Wood 18490 with Natural Oil finish. After checking with Rob, I spread a thin coat of semi gloss Spar Urethane over the natural oil finish. Then, a day later, I gave it a very light sanding and applied Howards feed and wax just to give a little more shine. I have used urethane finishes on home projects for decades, so no big deal. But Rob is right, you can use poly, or spar, over natural oil
I got a 18490 Spalted Maple with what appears to be a light poly finish. Last night I applied Howard's Feed and Wax to the inside/outside. Maybe just me but I believe it enhanced the outside appearance of the grain and the feel of it. It nothing else it sealed everything.
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