Changed my mind about using polyurethane on a dresser I found at a flea market in Dayton

I always thought polyurethane was the only way to go for durability. But I saw a Facebook post from this guy who did a Danish oil finish on a 1950s nightstand. After 6 months, his still looked good and mine had yellowed and started to peel. I tried Danish oil on a old oak dresser I got for $20. The finish came out way better and you can actually feel the wood grain now. Has anyone else had luck with oil finishes on old furniture?

2 comments

2 Comments

lewis.drew1mo ago

Honestly, same thing happened to my dresser, Danish oil is the way to go.

the_jana1mo ago

Yes Danish oil is a total game changer. I had this old nightstand that was all dried out and sad looking, after a couple coats it looked like completely different furniture. The wood just drinks it up and gets this nice warm glow that polyurethane can't touch. Plus you don't have to worry about brush strokes or bubbles, just wipe it on and let it soak in. I actually tried using regular mineral oil first because I had it around and it did nothing, total waste of time. Danish oil is the only way to go for furniture that sees any real use.