Bathroom

Bathroom Cabinet

The top surface of the bathroom cabinet was in need of repair.  The finish on it had worn and water gotten under it causing black mold in places where water collects.  I was too frightened to deal with it in case I wrecked the wood - but bit the bullet. Unfortunately even after sanding and treating the wood the black didn't disappear.

Tip:  Put a plastic bag over the taps to remind people not to use the bathroom and possibly wet the wood....!

I used Cabots Danish Oil - and at this photo I had done two coats of it.  It was starting to get a sheen to it.

There was a bit of mold at the back of the cabinet.  You will see where I have sanded a lot as it is lighter in colour than the rest of the cabinet top.  I

After three more coats it would be definitely protected  - but now it is too shiny and plastic looking...what to do.....

Did some research online to see how to deal with the Danish Oil going too shiny rather than keeping a more natural satin/matt finish.  I have to do the cupboards underneath now as it looks too different!

I had been doing it all wrong (don't follow the directions on the tin!). What you do is apply the Cabots Danish Oil and lightly 'wet sandpaper' it with 280grade sandpaper - the filings enter the grain of the wood.  Leave it for 10 minutes then buff with a cotton cloth (old t-towel). This takes the shine off.  You do have to do this procedure three times - slowly letting the danish oil seep into the wood and maintaining the more natural matt/satin finish.

Apparently Osmo is an even better oil to put on wood and good for wet areas - doesn't it rock your boat when you find better alternatives.  I have to put the doors on the unit yet and the handles on of course - but much happier with the finish.

Now the walls are starting to look terrible!!

I did a bit of an experiment with the bathroom door which was in need of restoring. As you can see just one coat of Danish on on the left hand side of the door has made a huge difference to the look of it. 

So I continued - this is just one coat. Doing the gentle rubbing in of the wet oil with fine sandpaper. Leaving for 10 minutes then buffing off with a cotton t-towel.  I am so rapt with the difference - it looks like a new door! :)

Am wondering now whether to paint the wainscotting white to make the bathroom lighter and brighter - keeping the door and cabinet natural wood.  You can see the cabinet doors on the chair - they are just waiting for another coat of oil before being put back on again!  Neverending......