Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 11, 2011 10:12pm | #1

   First lets rule out pure tung oil.  Almost no protection to the wood.  Difficult to apply to get an even sheen.  If you want an in-the-wood finish,  an oil/varnish finish would give a look very similar to the tung oil but somewhat more protection. 

   Why would a brushing lacquer be thought of as child proof?  If I were going to use a film finish, I'd use an oil based wiping varnish.  One of the lighter colored  varnishes such as Pratt & Lambert 38, mixed 50-50 with mineral spirits would make a good wiping varnish.  If you wanted to darken the wood a bit, Waterlox,Sealer/Finish would make an excellent wiping varnish. Either would be tougher and more protective than the lacquer. 

1. 
   Westchester | Apr 12, 2011 11:11am | #2

   Oak Wood

   I'm not 100% sure what they are making cribs out of today but I'm thinking oak is too splintery (if that's a word ?) to be used for crib lumber.  Is it oak wood for sure - or are you after an oak color ?

   SA

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 12, 2011 11:55am | #4

   Oak isn't splintery if the edges are eased, particularly if it is finished. 

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 12, 2011 11:20am | #3

   Tung oil or Watco can only be used on virgin wood or wood that has had all the prior finish removed with a chemical paint stripper.  They are finishes that need to be absorbed into the wood.

   Lacquer is not a particularly durable finish.

   I would suggest you wipe down the crib with mineral spirit drying with lots of paper towels.  Then sand the surfaces with 220 paper sanding in the direction of the grain.  Vacuum and apply 2-3 coats of one of the varnishes suggested in Steve's response.