deep, glowing, warm
Couple this with the extraordinary woods that I am fortunate enough to have around me and, the result is, well...
stunning  beauty!

Teak Oak

Some folks wonder, WHY Teak oil vs. other oils, such as tung oil?
Several reasons:.
1) You can apply a poly finish over teak oil.
Unlike many other oils, if allowed to dry for a minimum of 72 hours, teak oil will hold a poly finish. Other oils will not hold the poly finish or, they will hold it for varying degrees of time before it separates and begins to peel.

2) Teak oil has a natural UV inhibitor.
UV or ultra violet rays (of the sun) will degrade the finish color over time. Even indoors, if a piece is exposed to direct sunlight, these rays will eventually work their fading process. Thus, Teak Oil adds a bit more protection and that is a plus.


What is the PRETTIEST of finishes?
Actually, the greatest BEAUTY in finishes that my years (60),  has encountered is multiple coats of hand rubbed oils. A 12 to 15 coat hand rubbed oil finish is astoundingly

Why?
The penetration of oils into the wood grain brings OUT the beauty vs build UP finishes that tend to build up OVER the grain, hiding some of it's natural beauty.

Untopped, oil finishes take more maintenance to keep it's beauty. It requires periodic (6 month) oilings, wiping, and a buffing. It also more easily water marks from spills. However, I have devised a way to overcome this (see best of the best, below).

If you desire the best of the best. Hand rubbed oil finishes (more) on this figured wood is it!
Let me know. I am happy to oblige. They are LOVELY!!!

MORE - Best of the Best - REAL hand rubbed oil beauty with protection AND lower maintenance.

If you have read this far, and have read the narrative on hand rubbing (here) ; a question begins to arise. How do we protect this beautiful finish? Or well, that sounds great for a china cabinet or a fireplace mantel but how would I ever be able to practically use such a finish on a dining table that will be used as a dining table?

In another of my writings, I mention the use of urethanes as "toppings" for the oil finish. Still another writing I state that urethanes are "build up" finishes and hide minute details of the wood rather than enhance it. Both are true.

First, I will explain HOW I top and protect the beautiful hand rubbed oil finish. Then, I will explain the WHY it works to make a low maintenance and still hold REAL hand rubbed beauty.

I top the multiple coats of hand rubbed oils using a Hand rubbing of poly. NOT brushing or spraying but the use of the hand. This time, however, rather than the bare hand, I use thin latex gloves to protect the finish from entering my blood stream while at the same time allowing the heat of my hand to work thru the thin latex. These are skin tight, special ordered, surgeons gloves. O.K., that's the how of it.

WHY it works, the urethane NOT to cover up the beauty of the hand rubbed oil finish.
An explanation of what finishes are is required here, first. Finishes were devised by man for two purposes. The first and primary purpose was to seal the wood. To slow down the natural hydroscopic process of wood. That being the constant taking on and giving off of moisture (from the air). This process causes movement; swelling and shrinking (unwanted movements). The second reason people apply finishes today is to enhance the beauty. Onward.

The beauty of the hand rubbed oils is not tarnished when I apply the protective (lower maintenance urethane)  for two reasons:
1) I use a special urethane that was developed for the purpose of hand rubbing. It CAN be rubbed in TO the wood.
2) Only one or two coats is required because we have more than achieved the sealing of the wood aspect with multiple coats of hand rubbed oils.

Thus, resulting in
the Best of the Best