2/8/2026 Note: I originally posted this blog on LumberJocks back in April 2017. I m re-posting it here so I can eventually remove it from there.

We wanted a smooth, non-shiny finish, so Danish oil (Watco natural) fit the bill.

Before applying the oil, I sanded all surfaces using progressively finer grits, ending with 280 grit.

To apply the oil, I followed the procedure in the YouTube video How to Apply Danish Oil, by Fabian's Tiny Workshop. He demonstrates the process very clearly. The only thing I did differently was apply the oil with a gray abrasive pad (similar to gray Scotch-Brite, I think) instead of a paper towel. That let me skip wet sanding with 600 grit sandpaper because I smoothed the surface with each application.

Here's the unfinished case.

Here it is after the first application of oil (still wet).

I applied four "coats" before stopping. Here are a few in-progress photos.

Now that the finish has cured, it's slightly lighter and duller, as it appears in this photo of the bottom. But it still has a slight glow, which is what we wanted.

When I'm certain I won't need another application, I may follow up with paste wax.

At this point, the desk is almost complete. All that's left are the drawer knobs and legs.