What should I use on my doors?

[skier-hughes]

Now that the doors have been made and some hung, what should I use on them?

Linseed Oil?
Something else?

We have two cats who love to rub up them, plus two Border Collies who are in and out all day, and in this weather are not what you'd call clean :shock: so they will be passing by many times a day. Me with dirty hands opening them all the time.

I need them to be wipeable clean if possible!! At least until Jo comes home and sees them in situ!!!!!

Graham

 

[Penners]

What are they made of, Graham?

 

[skier-hughes]

Ooosp, mentioned it on another thread.

Oak. I'll get a picture for you in a bit.

 

[Penners]

Received wisdom suggests that linseed oil is best for oak. Although you don't have to finish it with anything, of course. Left "naked" the oak will eventually weather to a lovely silvery colour. Oiled it will have a warmer, richer appearance.

With linseed, there is always the "raw or boiled" question. Again, it's often said that raw is fine for finishing oak.

However, as you know, I have a problem with my oak front door that I suspect may have been caused by raw linseed oil. The door is very mucky, and I have a feeling (although no proof) that this happened because raw linseed oil was used by the last owner of the house, who installed it.

Raw linseed oil takes longer to dry fully than boiled does, and it may be that the muck was blown against the door before the raw linseed was properly dry (we live in a windy location). It's now a b*gger to get off! Even linseed oil soap won't do it. :wink:

 

[skier-hughes]

Even linseed oil soap won't do it. :wink:

Blimey, doesn't it!!!!!!!!!

 

[skier-hughes]

Picture here, but with no light and my phone it looks dire.... but also very dirty already
Here

 

[Penners]

Well, I can only recommend that - if you are going to oil the door - you give it a really good clean before doing so. Sanding would do the trick...



... or a good wash with linseed oil soap. :lol:

 

[Moo]

I think it looks lovely, just the way it is.

 

[skier-hughes]

If we leave it naked will it just soak up the wet dirt as the dogs rub past it when they struggle to get in first?

 

[biffvernon]

With linseed, there is always the "raw or boiled" question. Again, it's often said that raw is fine for finishing oak.

There's oil and oil. The raw linseed that Holkhams sell, cold pressed from Sweden, seems very different from the raw linseed that the diy sheds sell.
Lighter in colour, soaks in quickly leaving the surface dry within a few hours. Lovely stuff.
Gervase recommended the variety sold as horse food suplement from agricultural merchants.

 

[skier-hughes]

I hyave the oil from Holkhams.
I'll do a piece of wood left over and pop it up by the door and let Jo decide.

 

[Moo]

I hyave the oil from Holkhams.
I'll do a piece of wood left over and pop it up by the door and let Jo decide.

But not before you've rubbed it well with dog.

 

[Gervase]

How about you oil the dog and let it do all the hard work? :wink:

 

[skier-hughes]

One of them just drinks the linseed oil like water.... was doing the fence adn I turned round to get some more on the brush and my pan was empty with Lucy licking her lips!!!!

 

[Penners]

I'd allow about an hour or so - then you'll probably see it again.

 

[Nemesis]

Gives them very shiny coats!