Wet Sanding Wood

[ForumMFG]

I am working on my first cabinet makers work bench.  Right now I am working on finishing the worktop with Watco Danish oil natural finish on maple.  I've applied 3 coats so far to the top and bottom of it.  Man, it's keeps sucking up all this oil.  The look I am going for is the look you get after you apply it and let it sit for a couple hours.  I can get this look to hold for a couple days and then it needs to be applied again.  Is this typical for Danish oil?  Just to keep applying coats until you can get the depth and sheen to stay?  What I really want to do is get my top to look like this guys top.  He used 5 coats of danish oil and then he wet sanded with 2000 grit platin and then applied a coat of carnauba wax.  This is what I would like to do.

If you read his thread he states he puts 5 coats of danish oil on and then applies carnauba wax after he wet sands it.  Can anyone explain this process, what it is intended for, what applications it's good for, what type of look you will get, and why even do it?  How does the "Wet" come into play in "wet sanding". 

My next question is, he applied danish oil so whats the purpose of the wax?  Is it to seal in the color he got by appling 5 coats of Danish oil?

Being that he applied wax to the top surface does that mean since it's a high traffic area the wax will need to be replaced?

I know I have a lot of questions here and you will have to read the thread I am refer to , to completely understand my questions.  Thank you.

-Dave

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Think about switching to WaterLOX as it is more of a wiping varnish and will build faster than many "Danish oils".  I think it is what Frank Klautz uses on his benches.  The wet sanding will help fill the pores in the wood and make it smoother as stated above.  The wax is to smooth the surface and give an even sheen and add a little protection.  Over time the benchtop may need to be resurfaced and refinished to keep in flat and looking nice, but that is not a huge deal.

Best,
Todd

 

[AlexThePalex]

Got any pictures of the end result? How did it work out with the finish? I'm quite curious to see your handywork.