Clean, lightly sand, then feed the wood with wax or oil in thin coats, buffing between each for a smooth finish.
AB-01Set up your workspaceWork in a well-ventilated room with the window open, or outside if the weather allows. Lay down a dust sheet or old towels to protect floors and surrounding surfaces. Oil and wax fumes can be strong, so avoid small, closed rooms.
AB-02Clean the piece thoroughlyWipe the furniture down with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid to lift dust, grease and old polish. Dry it fully with a clean cloth. Any grease left behind will stop the new finish soaking in evenly.
AB-03Lightly sand the surfaceIf the existing finish is worn, patchy or rough, sand it lightly with fine sandpaper (240-320 grit), following the direction of the wood grain. This is just to key the surface, not to strip it back to bare wood. Skip this step if the piece already has a sound, even finish.
AB-04Remove all dustVacuum the surface with a soft brush attachment, then wipe over with a dry cloth or a tack cloth to lift any fine dust left behind. Any dust trapped under the finish will show as small bumps once it dries.
AB-05Apply the first coatFor oil, pour a small amount onto a lint-free cloth and rub it into the wood in the direction of the grain, working in small sections. For wax, load a soft cloth or brush with a small amount and spread a thin, even layer over the surface. Do not overload either — thin coats work better than one thick one.
AB-06Wipe off excess and let it workWith oil, leave it for the time stated on the tin (usually 10-20 minutes), then wipe off any oil that has not soaked in with a clean cloth. With wax, leave it for 10-15 minutes until it turns slightly dull, then buff it off with a clean, dry cloth using circular strokes. Do not leave either finish to dry hard on the surface uncleaned.
AB-07Apply further coats if neededOil usually needs 2-3 coats, left to dry for at least 4-6 hours between coats, or overnight for a fuller finish. Wax usually needs 2 coats for a new or bare piece, buffed well between each. Lightly re-check with a dry cloth after each coat to remove any patches.
AB-08Leave to cureLet oiled furniture cure for at least 24 hours before light use, and avoid heavy use or placing objects on it for 3-7 days. Waxed furniture can be used sooner, but give it a final buff with a dry cloth once it has hardened, usually after an hour or so.
AB-09Clean up and dispose of rags safelyWash brushes in warm soapy water for wax, or with white spirit for oil-based products, following the label. Oil-soaked rags can heat up and catch fire on their own as the oil dries, especially linseed and tung oil types. Lay used rags flat outside to dry fully, away from anything flammable, or soak them in water in a sealed metal container before binning them.