The Sanding Sequence
Coarse Grit: 120-150
Begin with coarse grit sandpaper to remove tool marks, scratches, and surface imperfections. The wood should feel rough but uniform. Work with the grain, applying even pressure. This stage establishes the foundation for everything that follows.
Medium Grit: 180-220
Progress to medium grit to smooth out the scratches left by coarse sandpaper. The surface should begin to feel smoother, with a subtle sheen when viewed at an angle. This stage refines the surface without removing too much material.
Fine Grit: 320-400
Finish with fine grit to create a surface that feels silky smooth. The wood should have a slight luster and feel almost polished. This final sanding stage prepares the wood to accept the finish evenly, ensuring uniform penetration.
The First Soak
The initial application of oil is called the "first soak" because the wood should absorb as much as it can. Apply the oil liberally with a clean, lint-free cloth, working it into the wood with circular motions that gradually transition to long, smooth strokes following the grain.
Watch how the wood responds. Dry areas will darken immediately as they absorb the oil, while areas with natural oils may resist slightly. Continue applying until the entire surface has an even, rich appearance. The wood should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
Allow this first coat to penetrate for at least 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess oil that hasn't been absorbed. The surface should feel smooth and slightly warm to the touch, indicating that the oil has begun to penetrate the wood fibers.
Subsequent Coats: Building Depth
After the first soak has cured for 24-48 hours, apply subsequent coats more sparingly. Each coat should be thin and even, applied with smooth, long strokes following the grain direction. The wood will absorb less oil with each application, building up layers that create depth and protection.
Between coats, lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool to create a smooth surface for the next layer. This "scuff sanding" creates microscopic scratches that help the next coat adhere while maintaining the smooth feel of the surface.
Most projects benefit from 3-5 coats, depending on the desired level of protection and sheen. Each coat should feel smoother than the last, with the final coat feeling almost glass-like under your hand.
The Final Burnish
Preparing for Burnish
After the final coat has cured completely, prepare for burnishing. The surface should be smooth and free of any raised grain or imperfections. If necessary, use very fine steel wool (0000 grade) to smooth any rough spots.
Burnishing Technique
Use a soft, clean cloth and apply firm, circular pressure while moving across the surface. The friction generates heat that helps the finish settle and creates a subtle sheen. The wood should feel warm and smooth under your hand.
The Finished Feel
A properly burnished finish feels silky smooth with a warm, organic quality. It should have a subtle luster that enhances the wood grain without appearing glossy. This final step brings out the depth and character of the finish.
Sensory Guide: How It Should Feel
Understanding how the wood should feel at each stage is crucial for achieving excellent results. After initial sanding, the wood should feel uniformly smooth with no rough patches or tool marks. When you run your hand across the surface, it should glide smoothly without catching.
After the first soak, the wood should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. It should have a warm, rich appearance and feel smooth to the touch. If it feels sticky, you've applied too much oil and should wipe away the excess.
Between coats, the surface should feel smooth and slightly matte. If you feel any roughness, it's time for light sanding before the next coat. The final burnished surface should feel like polished stone—smooth, warm, and inviting to the touch.
Common Considerations
Temperature and humidity affect how finishes cure. Work in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperature (65-75°F) and humidity (40-60%). Extreme conditions can cause finishes to cure too quickly or too slowly, affecting the final result.
Always test your finish on a scrap piece of the same wood before applying to your project. This allows you to see how the finish will look and feel, and helps you adjust your technique if needed.
Patience is essential. Rushing between coats or skipping steps will compromise the final result. Natural finishes reward careful, methodical application with beautiful, long-lasting results that improve with age.