Watco Danish Oil: Easy to use, but don’t overdo it
Toolmonger has a post on Danish oil as a hand finish for wood projects. I’ve used the Watco product three times on solid white pine bookcases purchased from one of those unfinished furniture stores.
I achieved pretty good results on the first two, but on the third I decided to put on a third coat and have regretted the decision ever since. The varnish included in the oil left a thick sheen on the surface of the bookcase that is rather unsightly. Also the stain wound up quite a bit darker than the finish on the other two bookcases.
You have to be careful to allow plenty of drying time, especially in humid conditions. I put some books on my first set of shelves prematurely, and now they have brown stains on the bottoms of the pages.
Fortunately, when these bookcases are full, you don’t notice those details so much. Danish oil is easy to apply and gives you a nice “woody” look. Even with my troubles, I still reccomend it. I used Watco’s medium walnut and have always enjoyed the color.
