Do I need a top coat for Danish Oil

[jsollows]

I’ve recently completed an oak desk finished with Danish Oil Natural. I’m wondering if I should put a top coat of something on that or if the Danish Oil is enough. One of the things I like about the Danish Oil is the ability to touch it up down the road if the desk gets scratched or marked. I can easily sand and apply more Danish Oil because it will simply blend in. I don’t want to loose that so it’s a consideration when selecting a top coat. I was thinking just furniture wax?? Any suggestions?

Jim

[AceHoleInOne]

If this were me and the purpose is a desk. I would like a good topcoat. The surface is constantly being used. Wood will dent and scratch, just the facts. I would vote for protection over ease of repair.

-Ace-

[jlloydparks]

I would say it depends on how many coats of Danish Oil you put on. Danish oil is a oil-varnish blend that will build up protection, just not as fast as a full on varnish. I use a similar blend as Danish oil for a lot of my finishes because it is so easy to apply. However, if the top is going to see action I usually go the distance on coats (up to 6 or 8 depending on the build). Normally for light and occasional use furniture I would stop after 3, maybe 4, once again depending on the build.

I always rub out the finish in the end with 0000 steel wool and furniture wax. This adds some protection, but more just evens the finish out and makes it a uniform satin shine.

If you are worried you can always put on a top coat of varnish after a few Danish Oil coats to get the protection that you need. I don't mind the extra time it takes to apply the additional coats of the blend - "Suum Cuique!"

[AceHoleInOne]

However, if the top is going to see action I usually go the distance on coats (up to 6 or 8 depending on the build). Normally for light and occasional use furniture I would stop after 3, maybe 4, once again depending on the build.

If you want to add a little more solids to the Danish oil...mix in some General Finishes Arm-R-Seal.

-Ace-

[Lawrence Brown]

And of course you can always put extra protection on the top and leave the rest of the surfaces with the plain danish oil.

[jsollows]

Thanks for the advice guys. I like the suggestion of extra protection on the desktop area. I will follow your advice.