Greetings, all –
Twenty years ago, I helped build a set of kitchen cabinets for a guy. He had a great one-step finish system that went on with a rag, after which you wiped it off, and you were left with a hard, stained finish. The color happed to be walnut on red oak for this project.
Question is, does anyone recall, or know of, this finish? It came in a rectangular metal gallon can, maybe yellow on the label. It was oil-based, but definitely not an oil finish like Watco. It left a much harder finish after a day of drying.
I have a 3400 sq. ft. house to paint/stain and trim. If I could find this stuff, in a different color, I’d consider using it on the works … doors, windows, trim. Any help out there?
Thanks in advance, since I’ll be away from the ‘pooter for a few days.
Bruce
The High Desert Group LLC
Replies
I've used Tung Oil which comes in different colors. It definitely hardens the surface. You've got to be careful and get it off before it dries completely (15 -20) minutes, or it gets gooey. Then you've got to use some real elbow grease. I've only used the natural tung oil, but have seen other color stains in stores.
Sounds like Old Village paste stain or varnish, which comes in a yellow can. It has the consistancy of pudding. Only problem is, there is paste stain, and paste varnish; the two are not combined (not that I know of, and definitely not 20 years ago.)
So maybe it is, maybe it ain't. FWIW, I swear by the Old Village paste varnish. When I finish cherry furniture, I apply 3-4 coats Watco, then 5-6 coats paste varnish, followed by 2-3 coats of wax. Finish is like satin, almost frictionless.
Took a picture, maybe that will help. As they say on TOH, have a look...
This stuff was one part, thin like conventional oil-based stain, but was a complete finish. You could just turn over the can onto your wadded up rag, or pour a puddle right on your piece, and start spreading it around. Thanks for yours and everyone's responses though.The High Desert Group LLC
Waterlox. A long varnish rather than an oil finish. High, medium and low gloss versions. Easily tinted, just wipe it on. Does not come in colors, but pigments and dyes work fine. A great product thats been around for 75 years or so. Don't know why more people don't use it. Durable and repairable. No scuffing between coats. Only drawback is 24 hours between coats and a week for full cure. 3 coats for a nice finish, 6 for rubbed out high-gloss mirror finish. But, even 1 coat doesn't look bad.
Maybe Waterlox?
Watco Danish oil, or minwax wipe on finish, probably one or the other.
It is Waterlox, and the best deal you will get, if it is not sold locally, is to go directly to their website and buy it there.
Best stuff I have ever worked with. No brush marks, none. Use the sealer/finish first, then the finish, either satin or gloss.