Garden seat - original church form

[strain]

I have an old church form presently used as a garden seat - it is dated 1899.  It had been painted over the years and I have stripped it back to the bare wood although there are still traces of whiteness to the wood which I think may be pitch pine - I was planning on sanding it but a neigbour has told me that he doesnt think that the sander will do much good - I dont really  want it painted again but would prefer it to look natural - any ideas would be welcome

[woofgang]

beeswax or teak oil?

[Foxglove]

Get it dipped. You can find details of local businesses in the telephone directory. They come up beautifully and you can oil them or whatever when they have been 'done'. I have had a church pew done recently: a beautiful result.

[nfn]

I can't believe you've destroyed over 100 years of history. Pews are beautiful, whatever their state.

[derekpara]

For all of its church life the pew would have remained in its bare form- probably varnished with 'Church Varnish' ( true!) when first installed and polished by countless bums.The paint would have been applied after it was retired to the garden, so in my view stripping it was no sin (sic !) . Dipping is a little harsh but the quality of timber used in these items will withstand it. Several coats of Brywax polished with a brush after 30 minutes will resurect it ( sorry ! ). I am a wood lover and believe the grain should be seen, the item used and enjoyed, and the mind engaged on thinking of the many hundreds who have been there before. Treasure it. 

[KARL]

I support your idea of keeping it in the natural woodgrain. If you do decide to have it stripped (dipping is more aggressive than dressing and washing) then you will probably find that it will need to be sanded afterwards. In any case ensure the alkali of the stripping process is thoroughly neutralised or else you will find that it is reluctant to take any new finish. I have used old church wood (both yellow and pitch pine) extensively in my 120 year old house and it is widely admired. Wood is a wonderful material and good wood is full of warmth and beauty. Congratulations on your efforts.

[derekpara]

Karl and I seem to be of like mind, but my previous answer applies only if the pew is to be used indoors. It is almost certainly some form of pine, which is not durable in exterior situations and will eventually start to rot after long exposure to rain. Varnishing would delay the process but water would enter the wood via the end grain, lift off the varnish and begin the rotting process - all very sad and unsightly. Keep this lovely object indoors where it belongs if you can and it will delight many more generations.

[smudge]

After removing all the paint etc., Briwax is a firm favourite of ours & works a treat. You can buy it in Wilkinson's & most hardware stores for around �4.75 a tin. It comes in different shades of brown, is easy to apply & lasts for ages. Click on any picture for a run down - good luck:

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=briwax&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images