Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Dec 20, 2023 10:56pm | #1

   Pictures please. Does he want you to refinish the inside and outside?

2. 
   hotdogman | Dec 21, 2023 10:44pm | #2

   Several coats of Shellac.

3. 
   bilyo | Dec 21, 2023 10:53pm | #3

   Without knowing more about it, I would be inclined to use danish oil only. For something like a tool box that will be banged about some, the oil finish will be more easily maintained just by adding more when needed. Any film finish will get chipped and scratched and will ultimately have to be stripped and redone.

1. 
   john_c2 | Dec 21, 2023 10:57pm | #4

   Danish oil is not oil, it's thinned varnish. A film finish. Just watered down.

1. 
   bilyo | Dec 22, 2023 09:55am | #6

   My suggestion is based more on how it performs rather than what you call it or what is in it. Seems appropriate for the purpose.

2. 
   stantheman | Dec 23, 2023 09:04am | #8

   Exactly. Every now and then there will be a magazine article talking about misleading labeling of finishing products. Danish oil being the prime example of naming things to imply it's something it's not. Its still a great product, and I use it often, just not an oil.

4. 
   TexasBurt | Dec 22, 2023 06:46am | #5

   If it's that old and being a tool chest my bet is it never had any finish on it to start with. It was probably meant for working rather than display. Over time it has developed a nice aged patina and it would be a shame to destroy that. So "repair" what you have to and tighten it up using hide glue and try to keep that original look. If you must apply a finish I might suggest a few coats of shellac rubbed out and maybe a coat of wax. My preference would be to not make it shiny. If he wants shiny then he should go to Lowes and buy a new metal one. Like others here we would love to see a picture of what you are working with.

5. 
   govol | Dec 22, 2023 09:51pm | #7

   Thanks all

   I’ll send picture tomorrow

   GOVOLS