Suggested procedures for common timber species, Jarrah, Mahogany, Cedar, Blackwood.
Two coats of Red Oil liberally applied, waiting 24 hours between coats and the excess wiped off before it becomes tacky. The effect is to increase "Patination" or "Depth" through a
reaction with the timber. Note that this product may not greatly enhance timber of the Quercus group such as American Oak, European Oak and so on, and is not always suitable for a blond timber, such as Pine - if in doubt try on a piece of scrap or an unobtrusive area. Red Oil is a useful base preparation for some possible options as follows :-
Option 1 - Satin Matt Finish:- Three or more coats of Chinese Wood Oil over seven days, liberally applied and the excess thoroughly wiped off 10 minutes after application. (Keep using the same lint free rag to apply the oil storing it in a jar or plastic bag between coats). Rub hard.
If you are guilty of not wiping off the excess thoroughly, you can apply the final coat with fine steel wool. Place a little Oil in a tray or dish - dip a generous handful of steel wool in the oil - cut only in the direction of grain - wipe off the excess thoroughly to arrive at a quality finish.
Additional coats of oil will add to the lustre of the finish, and by now there should not be a need to apply a lot but rather just a thin even coat. (You will only wipe the excess off anyway.) At this stage, or after a further three or four coats and a week to allow full curing, use a good hand sized pad of 000 steel wool to evenly cut back the surface with the grain, patting the pad frequently to dislodge the build up of waste material - when finished burnish vigorously with a soft, dry cotton cloth - press firmly, rub hard, generate some heat!
Repeat as desired, more coats of oil after this will only improve the lustre further, a layer on the change of season, every sixth months or so can help if the item is outdoors, or exposed to the elements.
Option 2 - Eggshell to Gloss Finish:- After the Red Oil has been totally absorbed, apply three to four coats of Seedlac, (see section on Seedlac for application details) with four hours between coats.
Seedlac is tack free in 10 minutes and touch dry within one hour at 16 C or 60 F. (Full hardness 2 weeks to three months depending on the prevailing conditions)