The internet reveals a large number of available wood treatments, at various prices. At the top end of the market and if you are looking for something "natural", you'll find a number of enthusiasts for "Danish Oil". Looking further, it turns out that the manufacturers of Danish Oil never tell you the precise mix of ingredients. Those that say what it contains sometimes admit that it is (mostly) linseed oil. If it also has tung oil in it (and that appears to be expensive) you can be fairly sure it doesn't have much. So I've been using a simple mix suggested by the local carpenter: 2/3rds linseed oil, 1/3 turps, and a small spoonful of a drying agent. The turps makes it penetrate better, and the drying agent .... er ... helps it dry. I have trademarked this subtle blend of a natural oils and rare gums as "Denish Oil", and its main users find that it really is very effective. And compared with most "Danish" oils, it's dirt cheap, which really clinches it.
Here's the bedroom door, after treatment:
It has brought out the grain very nicely. The one curious effect is that it leaves newly planed wood almost its original colour, but if applied to wood that has been exposed to the air for a few years the final colour is very dark. In the case of old oak, almost black.
I've also been oiling the staircase: it has a wonderful shiny polished surface now. I am not sure if this a good idea. If it isn't I'll let you know.
Dennish oil looks like it works a treat! Lovely doors dad. Be careful on your new shiny slippery stairs!
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