The Framers Forum

Hello All. A bit off topic but related as it is about hand finishing a wooden banister rail. I'm doing a bit of renovation (DIY really) at home at the moment part of which includes replacing the banister, newel and stair rods. The hand rail is supplied unfinished in white oak and looks lovely.

My question is, how should I finish it. I have seen Danish Oil suggested on DIY forums but am not keen on what that does to the shade of the wood. To get it smooth I could uses a sanding sealer and wax but am not sure that would be durable enough. Any ideas?

Maybe Tung oil or finishing oil both by Liberon

I like osmo polyx
http://www.osmouk.com/images/POLYX%20OI ... 20INFO.pdf

+1 for polyox. I use it oin frames gives a nice sheen and is hard wearing, can be brushed on or rubbed on and wiped off so it dries pretty quick, which is a benefit for framing as well.

Thanks for that. I have used the Osmo UV protection oil on oak outside and it works a treat, like sun cream for wood. I have some shelves to do as well so I guess it would work on them too.

Thanks for the Osmo Polyx recommendation. Worked a treat on the banister.

Feels just like wax. I will definitely use it on frames in the future. Slightly different shade to neutral wax but very effective and much quicker.

Yes I use it all the time. I even put it over wood painted in Dulux emulsions on frames or commercial jobs to add protection.