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Good day! I had the great good fortune last year to purchase a small 1922 California Craftsman bungalow that had never been butchered by subsequent hack remodels or misguided paint jobs. All the original crown mouldings, built-ins, sashwork, doors, etc. are in almost pristine condition, having been in the same family for some 70 years. The realtor and various neighbors have called the wood and veneer in the front rooms “gumwood”, although no one really knows much about it … where it comes from, etc. In most places, the woodwork appears to have an open-pore finish, but when I apply Old English “lemon” oil, markings show up that look like they might once have been overlapping areas of varnish. These fade to invisible as the oil is slowly absorbed/evaporates.

Obviously, I’m in love with the woodwork and want to “do the right thing” to keep it at its best. The former owners never allowed smoking in the house, so the applications of lemon oil have removed a bit of grime, but otherwise the majority of the wood is in great shape. A lot of the sashwork, however, particularly the top surface where the sash lock is, looks extremely “dry” and damaged, even after a great deal of oiling … I assume UV damage? My question is this … should I remove the sash locks and apply tung oil finish (having read the discussions, I have at least learned the difference between “tung oil finish” and “pure”)? What about the rest of the sash and windowsill — is this finish suitable? Are foam applicators or brushes recommended? And what is the purpose of buffing off the extra oil each time after the initial drying time? (The home is located in San Diego, a very low humidity climate.) What sort of cloth should be used? Keep in mind I am a rank amateur, but sincerely want to preserve this tiny but lovely piece of the past. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to give. Mike