Caring for wooden dining take top

[Ikeameatballlunch]

we have a 20 year old Ikea oak dining table that’s been covered with oil cloths during the child era.

wed like to just use it as is now. I think it was oiled originally. Don’t mind if it fades a bit (it’s now a dark orange oak) but o think we should try to put something on it

I wondered about danish oil? Or just beeswax and non toxic turps? It’s not super fine sanded. Has quite an open grain and clearly will get water marks as can be seen. Not sure what that was from.

Photos

Doh! That should say table top!

I would sand it down then oil it.

The photos aren't really clear enough to tell what the current finish is. If oiled you could lightly sand and then re-oil. If lacquered you'll need to remove the whole lacquer. Note most IKEA oak will be veneer not solid so don't sand too deep. I think beeswax won't provide much protection. Danish oil or Osmo top oil would be possible choices (though will still need care/maintenance).

Thanks - It’s completely solid. No varnish, I think it was just originally oiled. Ikea went through a phase of lots of solid oak furniture about 25 years ago and I bought a lot in the ‘seconds’ area.

Lightly sand in the direction of the grain only , wipe with white spirit, and then oil, I like tung oil the best:
https://www.thecornishchoppingboardcompany.co.uk/shop/p/tungoil
Build up the oil in layers, the first coat should have some white spirit in it (50/50), wipe off excess after around 20/30mins using a lint free cloth (microfiber).

Osmo oil is the best by far. I’ve ruined a dining table by putting a different varnish on that went sticky and horrible. Osmo is expensive but worth it.

I also recommend Osmo - I've used the Osmo Polyx Oil on several table tops. Comes in a range of finishes (matt, gloss, satin, etc).

Sand the table back to bare wood, and put on 3 coats of Osmo.

Sainsbury’s do a wood polish balm, in the household section. It’s in a small pot, but a little goes a long way. I’ve recently used it to freshen my 1960s Ercol furniture. I’d post a picture of the jar, but I’m away from home atm.