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Don't Get Checked!

Written by Posted On Monday, 26 October 2015 14:57
Caring for Wood Properly Caring for Wood Properly Black Canyon Woodworks (http://blackcanyonwoodworks.com/)

Wood checked that is!

We’ve been getting a lot of questions from terrific customers regarding their wood items, like doors, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, or furniture that have been finished with a penetrating oil finish that are now drying out and “checking”. “Checking” is the cracking of wood that happens parallel to the grain of the wood when the surface dries out. Proper care of wood to prevent checking is important. Be proactive to avoid a problem that is often challenging and expensive to address!

An example of checked wood. A difficult, if nearly impossible, problem to address.

An example of checked wood. A difficult, if nearly impossible, problem to address.

 

Look for wood surfaces in bathrooms, like this custom walnut vanity, that may need regular treatment!

How do you know what finish you have?

 

There are two common categories of finish: 1) A film finish (like lacquer, polyurethane, and paint), or 2) a penetrating oil finish (like linseed or tung oil). These finishes each have their advantages and disadvantages. To understand the difference, a film finish stays on surface, while an oil finish soaks in the wood. For comparison, a film finish has low maintenance and simply needs to be kept clean. An oil finish needs to be reapplied on an annual basis, similar to the annual sealing of natural stone tiles.

Bathroom and kitchen cabinets, countertops and furniture are commonly finished with a penetrating oil finish. If you don’t treat them often enough, then checking occurs. As a rule of thumb, treat them annually. However, how often you need to apply the oil finish depends on where you live. In drier areas, like the high desert area in Bend, Oregon, applications should be done more often than annually. Also consider where the wood item is in your home. Bathrooms and kitchens can see big differences in moisture and temperature. Items in mud rooms may also see more than their fair share of water during the winter months. Check in with a local cabinet or wood shop to see what they recommend for your area.

If application of a penetrating oil finish is not done often enough, checking occurs and repairs are very difficult to do, if not impossible. In some cases, cracks can be filled with glue and the surface can be refinished. Sometimes an intensive application of a penetrating oil finish will cause the wood fibers to expand and the appearance of the cracks minimized. Checking is not a quick or easy problem to fix so be proactive and treat the wood on a regular schedule.

To get started, go to your local paint supplier and get their recommendation for a high quality penetrating oil finish. High quality oil finishes have real oil, not just water and wax. They may cost more, but are definitely worth it in the long run. Wear quality gloves to protect the skin, eye protection to keep your eyes safe, and use only clean, lint-free cloths for the application.  Generally, you simply wipe the surface and allow the oil to soak in, and then gently wipe off excess. However, every product is different so be sure to follow the specific manufacturer's directions.  More at: https://www.blackcanyoncuttingboards.com/blog/

Oil finished walnut counter top with copper-filled bark intrusions.

 

Custom walnut vanities finished with an oil finish can see a lot of temperature and moisture swings.

Custom walnut vanities finished with an oil finish can see a lot of temperature and moisture swings.

 

Look around for wood items like step stools that get a lot of use and do a quick oil treatment.

Look around for wood items like step stools that get a lot of use and do a quick treatment.

 

Custom rulers are another example of an oil finished surface.

Custom rulers are often another example of an oil finished surface.

If you have comments or questions, please share! We’d love to hear from you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jeremy Graham

Jeremy, president/owner and artisan of Black Canyon Woodworks, has always had a passion for working with his hands. Beginning early in his childhood, he learned the joy of building things alongside his grandfather.  He graduated from Oregon State University in 1997 as a civil engineer, enjoying the challenge of design and construction. He continues to focus on marrying traditional techniques with modern ones, and emphasizes how this craft in the production of his furniture carries over to the company's cutting boards.

https://www.blackcanyoncuttingboards.com

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