Best way to bring out the wood look

[ayabrea38]

I have nearly finished rubbing down my banister rail and I am wanting to bring out the wood grain,like when its wet.I dont want to varnish it and was thinking along the lines of some sort of wax.Any advice
Cheers all,
Aya

[smurfchops]

Try some Beeswax, usually comes in a jar, or wood oil for kitchen worktops. Even furniture polish might help.

[bednobs]

having not long waxed my bannisters i would urge you not to do it - they just look dirty and in fact are slippy!

[smurfchops]

bednobs you might have used the wrong type of oil - you can't use kitchen worktop oil on oak, it goes glossy and looks awful. Aya find out what the wood is and ask at your hardware shop. I can't see there being a problem with beeswax.

[bednobs]

as per my post, it was beeswax

[mjwman]

Danish Oil. Dries matt and not oily. Brings out the grain and colour beautifully.

[JMR27]

I agree with mjwman Danish Oil gives a superb finish and it's so easy to apply - with a cloth rather than a brush.

[Seusse]

What about coffee for dark wood, tea for lighter wood *how clean is your house tips* lol

[ayabrea38]

Danish oil sounds good,after all that prep putting it on with a cloth sounds nice and easy.My aim is to bring out the grain and the matt finish is ideal.I think I scraped off about 100 years of hand grease in places-yuk.
Thanks very much for all who answered
appreciate it(tempted to try a tea stain though)
Aya

[slinkycat]

We did the same with our stairs, would recommend a product called Patina, wipe on with cloth and it brings the grain out, looks really good

[ayabrea38]

Is it a protective type coating?sounds like the thing I need if it is.also where do I get this and Danish oil-I guess online?

[JMR27]

Hi ayabrea38 You can buy Danish Oil in any DIY store like B & Q or Homebase.

[ayabrea38]

Thanks,when I asked in Wickes for wax,he looked blankly at me and said'we have floor polish'.But saying that I do have to go to B&Q soon so I will have a good nose around.
Thanks all
Aya