06-12-2018, 10:12 AM
Lemon oil, orange oil, sheep juice (lanolin), and other non-drying oils don't really do much other than leave a slow evaporating film that's only good for collecting dust, smearing, smudging leading to a build up that will eventually need to be cleaned, and that's about all.
If you ever want a good laugh and some insight into how little furniture polish and cleaner manufacturers know about wood and wood care, read their labels.
"Nourishes the finish", or "feeds the wood" are some of the more hilarious enticers offered.
Drying oils like tung and linseed oils can potentially harm lacquer and shellac finishes due to the chemical reaction involved in their drying processes and eventually darken and turn the finish black. Unless the piece was originally finished in an oil, avoid these.
Mineral spirits, vinegar and water, even Windex are good cleaners. For a shine on an intact finish (lacquer or shellac) just plain ol' Johnson's paste wax is the way to go.
Silicone is best avoided, no matter what.
If you ever want a good laugh and some insight into how little furniture polish and cleaner manufacturers know about wood and wood care, read their labels.
"Nourishes the finish", or "feeds the wood" are some of the more hilarious enticers offered.
Drying oils like tung and linseed oils can potentially harm lacquer and shellac finishes due to the chemical reaction involved in their drying processes and eventually darken and turn the finish black. Unless the piece was originally finished in an oil, avoid these.
Mineral spirits, vinegar and water, even Windex are good cleaners. For a shine on an intact finish (lacquer or shellac) just plain ol' Johnson's paste wax is the way to go.
Silicone is best avoided, no matter what.
