Sanded wood, now what?

[Gad-Westy]

Just about finished sanding down (removed several layers of gloss) a large bay window sill and a door. Initially I thought the door was oak but it is isn't. Not sure what wood it is but seems more like pine in colour now that it's sanded properly. Window sill looks similar. We intend to leave both as bare wood but presumably they'll need to treated in some way. Just wondering what we should go for? Not done this before so no preference. Varnish, oil, wax, stain etc....? Would appreciate any info regarding pros and cons and how to apply and maintain.

[Simpo Two]

If you like the colour as it is, I'd use clear varnish (satin or clear finish). If you want to darken it I'd use a coloured varnish. Two coats should last for years.

[Solitude]

start with three coats of primer, followed by three of undercoat, and top it all off with six or seven coats of (lead) gloss,
That should get it looking original !!

[Gad-Westy]

Solitude said:

start with three coats of primer, followed by three of undercoat, and top it all off with six or seven coats of (lead) gloss,
That should get it looking original !!

[Gad-Westy]

Simpo Two said:

If you like the colour as it is, I'd use clear varnish (satin or clear finish). If you want to darken it I'd use a coloured varnish. Two coats should last for years.

Sounds good to me. Just brush on and leave to dry or is any intermediate sanding needed between first and second coat?

[Simpo Two]

Gad-Westy said:

Sounds good to me. Just brush on and leave to dry or is any intermediate sanding needed between first and second coat?

When the first coat is dry, run your hand over it and see. If you've trapped bits of dust or used a dirty brush so the surface feels a bit rough, give it a light sanding with very fine paper (watch it doesn't clog) before the next coat. Just until it feels smooth. It's worth buying a new 'no-loss' brush that won't drop hairs; I'm happy with a blue-handled pack of three from B&Q.

Be very careful not to put on too much, especially on vertical surfaces, as varnish has a habit of running when you're not looking. Brush it out well and catch it in the light to check for even coverage.

[Spudler]

Which ever you choose, wirewool the surfaces first, it brings out the grain.

[Gad-Westy]

Cheers folks. Looks like my weekend is sorted!

[Iain328]

Another pretty foolproof way to paint doors & sills etc is to use a 4 inch foam roller. Not so good for areas on the door that are not flat (i.e. round the edges of panels etc) but you can get a very even smooth surface with it & you won't tend to put too much paint/varnish on the thing either.

Jast wrap it in clingfilm in between coats