This may be an easy question, but everything I am finding on the Internet is kind of confusing (I am a computer guy not a carpenter!). Essentially, I want to know what I could use to finish my tabletop I purchased at IKEA.
For reference, here is the table top I purchased: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50106773/
When I purchased it, I forgot to purchase the wood oil that went with it at the IKEA store. Here it is for reference: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40186303/
The closest IKEA is far, so I am looking for a replacement of the oil that is recommended by IKEA in my local hardware store. I love the color of the desk and I am not looking to compromise that, just finish it so I can add some durability to it.
Some recommendations I have found say that I am perfectly fine to use this Linseed oil from Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_206533-34228-CR.BL.M.41_0__?productId=3024054&Ntt=linseed+oil&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dlinseed%2Boil&facetInfo=
Some other recommendations say I could use Tung oil.
The problem is I have no idea what the difference between different wood oils are or if these things are going to compromise the color or not.
So, I have a few questions:
- What wood oil can I use on my IKEA table top to improve durability and not the color?
- What's the difference between different oils I could use?
- I've heard of applying a seal. What is that? Is there a difference between applying that and a finish?