I was going to reframe an old painting and realized the original wood frame (at least 40 years old) is still in perfect condition. I opted them just to redo the matting around the painting as it was torn and worn.
But I still sanded the wood frame and under the dark stain found the original wood has a nice blond color. My wife likes the color and the rough unstained looked so my question is how can I preserve the wood now? Is it fine just to oil the wood or should I still treat it in some way?
You should use a ‘flat laquer’.
clean the frame and keep it oil free
buy a spray can of ‘flat laquer’ (not shinny)
if possible, hang the frame in an open space.
apply the first coat lightly
lightly sand with 220 grit
apply second coat (lightly)
lightly sand with steel wool
apply a third coat and let dry for 24 hours
This is a near permanent treatment that should leave it looking good for a lifetime.
bees wax, once every month or so would be fine.
[quote=“Maceck”]You should use a ‘flat laquer’.
clean the frame and keep it oil free
buy a spray can of ‘flat laquer’ (not shinny)
if possible, hang the frame in an open space.
apply the first coat lightly
lightly sand with 220 grit
apply second coat (lightly)
lightly sand with steel wool
apply a third coat and let dry for 24 hours
This is a near permanent treatment that should leave it looking good for a lifetime.[/quote]
Sounds good. Have you seen flat lacquer in Taiwan?
Yes. Should be available at your local B&Q. You may have to brush it on though, spray cans might not be available. I’ve never actually bought it here, but I’m 80% sure i’ve seen it.
If you brush, make sure to use a high quality synthetic or natural brush.
Ouch. Priapism can be painful! Pseudoephedrine is often effective, though. 
(Yes, I know, this is going straight to temp. I just couldn’t resist, though. Happy New Year!)
A friend of mine who was very good with wood swore by chicken shit. Put your wood in a chookpen for a few years and let the chickens put a nice thick layer of chook poo all over it, then scrape it off. It only works with a good hardwood though and you have to be patient.
I shall contact Dulan Drift pronto.
Yes, B&Q sell flat lacquer in spraycans, I couldn’t be bothered with the liquid stuff so I sprayed our office floor trim with it.
I shall contact Dulan Drift pronto.[/quote]
My chickens stand ready!
Might be a good idea to test the laquer on an underside surface of the frame first. I’ve found it hard to find laquer here that doesn’t turn the wood a big shiny, honey color. Even the ones that say ‘flat’. If you do find a flat one that doesn’t change the natural color of the wood too much, then let me know.
I shall contact Dulan Drift pronto.[/quote]
My chickens stand ready!
Might be a good idea to test the laquer on an underside surface of the frame first. I’ve found it hard to find laquer here that doesn’t turn the wood a big shiny, honey color. Even the ones that say ‘flat’. If you do find a flat one that doesn’t change the natural color of the wood too much, then let me know.[/quote]
Paint it gloss, and then steel wool it, problem solved.