How shall I treat my new oak table?

[greyvix]

I have just bought a new oak table- lightly oiled oak. I have been advised to use Danish oil and to apply 2 coats immediately on top of the oil already there. Having read up on it, it seems Osmo PolyX is better, but my preference is to have a scrubbed look, like the old pine table I am replacing. I don't want it to look too dark or shiny.
Does anyone have a scrubbed oak table or does it need treatment?
If I did go for Osmo, do I have to sand first- I really don't want to do that to my new table! Thank you.

[PigletJohn]

I prefer not to sand oiled wood, as particles of wood or sand can stick to the oil.

if you want it to look scrubbed, I suppose you could scrub it. This will tend to deepen the grain texture. Only scrub along the grain or you will leave marks that are practically impossible to remove.

I have never had a scrubbed table myself.

From what I have seen of scrubbed timber draining boards, if you scrub with water, it will tend to go very pale and the grain will bleach out, but can be restored by re-oiling.

I use linseed oil on exterior timber. but this is on a smooth glossy finish.

Oil is not damp-proof so moisture will penetrate and may leave black stains.

[greyvix]

Thanks PigletJohn. Do you have any experience of Danish oil?

[PigletJohn]

no, but I understand it's usually a mixture of white spirit and linseed (or other) oil. The spirit helps it soak in and dry faster, and means you have a thinner, lighter coating of oil. Pure oil is used outdoors and in kitchens where you need a more durable protection.

[Inncogneetow]

Marking my place. We've just bought a second hand oak table, which I'm delighted with. But I'm unsure how I should treat it/clean it...?

(We eat at it every day and don't really intend to use table cloths or mats: except for oven-hot dishes.)

[fossil971]

Osmo oil is not a particularly shiny finish. I sanded down an elm table and gave it 2 coats and even with lots of wax and buffing on top it didn't get very shiny. I'm not sure on the finish though - I've only ever used it on bare wood. Maybe wipe over with white spirit first?

[greyvix]

Having researched Danish oil, it is a mix of oil (varied- sometimes linseed), thinner and varnish. It is apparently waterproof, but I am just worried about the varnish bit making it yellow. It is what the manufacturer recommends, so I will probably go for it anyway. I agree with you, Inncogneetow, life is too short to worry about mats (apart from very hot dishes).

[PigletJohn]

here's a popular UK brand

[greyvix]

Thanks. I have bought the Colron refined one, but think it may be slightly shinier than the link you sent, which has better reviews. Colron/ Ronseal also don't list ingredients anywhere.

[greyvix]

OK- I bit the bullet and did one thin layer of Colron. It looks fine so far. I will keep you posted!

[LazyMonkeyButler]

Kindly?

[greyvix]

Well, I don't know if I underdid the oil- I did 2 thin layers because I didn't want it too oily or dark- but it has its first small water stains. I am sure it will get a lot more; Danish oil does not appear to be water resistant, though grease has been OK on it and not marked.
PS: DH dropped the water and didn't notice, so didn't wipe it up.

[perplexedpirate]

With utmost respect,

gets coat

[PigletJohn]

Oiled finishes are not damp-proof, hence they usually get black water stains round taps, pet bowls and umbrella stands.