Oil finishing question

redrighthand

ok so this isn't guitar related, but I know the answer will be around here somewhere!!

Just got a nice oak table. It's an oil finish and supplier's recommendation is to treat with boiled linseed oil before use. Of course it arrives, and before I can get some oil, we start using it. Kids spill stuff, wife wipes with a damp cloth etc.  I'd expected the factory finish to have provided some water resistance but not much it seems, because we now have lots of light patches visible, which I presume is the grain having been raised where it's got wet. Sort of visible in the pic below - you need to be at an angle to properly see it. You can feel those areas are rougher though.

So I've got the oil now, and my plan was, before applying it, to rub the affected areas down gently with some fine sandpaper. I've tried this with a couple of patches with some 1200 grit, and the finish immediately feels smooth again, however the areas still look a bit lighter. Also in one case the area around the affected area became a little bit lighter - not sure if that was just sanded particles filling up the grain as it did darken a bit when rubbed with a bit of kitchen roll.  I guess the oil might sort all this but don't want to apply it then "seal in" any problems if that makes sense. So, I thought I'd ask the resident wood experts for some advice. Am I doing the right thing?



http://i.imgur.com/u4RE41e.jpg

octatonic

Speak to the company that supplied it and ask them but I'd rub it down with sandpaper, then get rid of the dust with a tack cloth, then work in the boiled linseed.

Are you only sanding the affected areas? That probably won't work. I'd be sanding the entire surface.

WezV

I would go rougher than 1200g on a table - maybe 400 tops

if  you want to be totally safe i would test a patch under the table.  In reality I would just give it a coat or two of oil and expect it to even out. 

octatonic

Ah, I missed the 1200grit bit- yes definitely something a bit rougher.
400 is about right I reckon.

redrighthand

Thanks fellas - will take this on board.