Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 12, 2004 01:10am | #1

   Watco makes a wax but it adds little or no additional gloss. Penetrating finishes like oils (tung oil) and oil/varnish (Watco) are absorbed into the wood. Therefore there is no film left on the wood to become more glossy.

   If you want more gloss, let the Watco fully dry for 5-6 days and then wipe on a couple of coats of a thinned satin varnish. This will add gloss and additional protection.

   Howie.........
2. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 12, 2004 08:15am | #2

   I stopped using Watco a long time ago for just this reason. Even after many coats, and even burnishing with W/D paper, the surface had a dull, almost matte appearance. I tried their Satin Wax, but still could not get the "glow" I wanted.

   So, I agree with Howie -- wait a week or so, and wipe on a coat of varnish (just be sure to thin it out enough to allow easy application). You will probably need 2-3 coats, but you should be able to get the look you are after.

1. 
   ricka | Sep 13, 2004 04:43am | #4

   Thanks nikkiwood, Paul, and Howie for your enlightening posts. What's best is that you all agree! I had to lug the top back into the house today for a dinner later this week but I will lug it back to the shop after Thursday and attempt the satin varnish finish.

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | Sep 12, 2004 04:57pm | #3

   To get a semi-gloss sheen and give it some depth to liven up the look, you need a film forming finish in place of an oil finish. It doesn't matter what film forming finish you use, the wood will age over the years and develop a patina.

   The primary considerations are application, durability, and appearance. For wipe-on application, your best best is a wiping varnish/polyurethane. There are lots of brand choices in this category. Varnish/poly also provides the most durable finish.

   Jeff Jewitt has an article at this link - Selecting a Finish - that covers the topic well. Choose a finish that you're comfortable using and has the properties you want.

   Paul

   Furniture Finish Wizard