Topic: New old bench

[Robert_Brenchley]

This has been sitting by the committee hut for a couple of years, gently mouldering. Nobody knew what to do with it, so it's mine. It's going to need stripping, the padding taken off, and anything necessary doing to make it comfortable to sit on, then it should be fine as a garden bench. Anyone got any idea where I could get linseed oil in quantitiy?

[flossie]

Sorry Robert, can't help with the linseed.  Isn't it a lovely bench.  Do paost some pictures when you have restored it :)

[Trixiebelle]

Robert. I think if you could get that restored professionally you might make a few quid at auction. Too good for a garden bench

[kitten]

Wow RB thats a beaut, it'll be a corker once it's restored  ;)

Can't help re the linseed oil but do make sure you post another once the hard work's done  ;D

[Jeannine]

Wow, that is smashing, truly,you are very lucky.XXX Jeannine

[Marymary]

I agree it's beautiful - too good for the garden.  Can't you grow linseed?

[Robert_Brenchley]

Dunno about growing linseed, I just need a gallon or so. Whatever happens, that padding has to come off, it's rotten. All I'm going to do it take it off, strip the paint, which is peeling, and soak it in oil.

[Marymary]

Wonder where it came from originally.  A church, a railway station, hospital?  Would be lovely alongside a big kitchen table. 

[Barnowl]

Does it have to be linseed? It looks like a hardwood so perhaps you could use one of the garden furniture oils available from garden centres etc

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's a thought. I was thinking of linseed because a lot of people are using it to treat beehives now you can't get creosote any more.

[Barnowl]

Well it always worked for cricket bats!

[triffid]

Robert: what a thing of beauty! Is it mahogany? If so, you could happily use boiled linseed oil on it, which absorbs faster than raw linseed.

Here's where I get my upholstery oils etc from -- they stock boiled and raw linseed. A gallon (well, a five-litre can) costs just shy of £20.

http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/Sundries/Oils_Polishes_Waxs_and_Wood_Dyes/?utm_id=G264&gclid=CO3nq-3go4sCFQLNXgod-U4Sfw

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's just what I need, thanks. I haven't been impressed with wood preservative paints as the wasps strip it off the surface, but linseed oil seems to be becoming quite popular now for hives.

It could be mahogany, but I'm not sure at the moment, with the surface in rather a mess. it's definitely something decent though.

[mc55]

its a gorgeous piece of furniture - can't wait to see it finished.

[Hyacinth]

Is it stuffed with horsehair Robert? Looks old enough to be.

Strange it hasn't been commissioned by one of your lot on your site already; it's really beautiful. 8)

[Robert_Brenchley]

It's not horsehair, and it's not real leather. I'm not sure the padding is original.

[triffid]

What are you going to use to replace the padding and covers, if the bench is going to live outdoors?

[Robert_Brenchley]

I'm not. They're a bit of an afterthought as far as the design is concerned, so it's just going to be bare wood. They could possibly be replaced at some point if I build a shelter round it.