Which oil for Traveller Wood?

Post by **webbnuts** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:23 am

Hi everyone.

I am sure this has been discussed before, but I've had a good hunt through the forum and can't find a conclusive answer!

What is the best oil to use on my Traveller's wood? I think the last oil used was Tung oil. Would it be best to carry on using that or is there a better product? Its a weekend drive really, and I dont have any intentions to drive it in the rain too much, but with the British weather is bound to get showered on at some point! (Lives in dehumidified garage - rust scares me!)

Thanks in advance for any comments, and hope everyone has a nice Easter break!

Webbnuts.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:57 am

I use teak oil.

Post by **emmerson** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:29 am

Danish oil, on new wood, with three coats of Cuprinol first. The more coats of Danish Oil I put on, the better it looks. Takes a long time to dry, though.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:25 pm

i do the same .

Post by **simmitc** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:35 pm

I am sure this has been discussed before, but I've had a good hunt through the forum and can't find a conclusive answer!

That's because there isn't one! It all depends on what you want from the car. For a concours vehicle that goes only to an occasional rally, and has all new wood, then there is no substitute for hours of rubbing down and varnishing, starting with thinned coats and building up to undiluted full coats.

If you want to drive the car every day, then any of the modern finishes are better than varnish, but won't look so clean. Sikkens, Deks Ole, and Burgess to name but three all offer varying degrees of ease of application and longevity. The latter can even be applied to wet wood, and dries in about 30 minutes - a great benefit if you have to work outside.

The various oils have their own merits and advocates; and I know of one vehicle that is finished with creosote - the owner has a stock to guard against the fact that the EU has now banned the stuff.

If all you are doing is to preserve old timber that is already stained, then any of the finsihes will work well. I'm afraid that it's a question of reading the instructions and deciding which best suits your own particular style of ownership.

Post by **ASL642** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:43 pm

I certainly don't fancy the creosote - have to drive round with your head sticking out of the window

to avoid the smell!

Post by **dalebrignall** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:03 pm

its a horriable smell,i got some on my face once burned like mad very painful.