Hey everyone! I recently picked up a white oak console, but unfortunately, it has a really unpleasant smell, kind of like vomit. I've heard that staining it might help eliminate the odor, but I'm also remembering a past experience where a finished piece of furniture kept smelling. Should I try spraying it with vinegar or is there something else I can do before applying any finish? Is this a common issue with oak furniture? Would it be better to just return it?
2 Answers
If you finish the console properly, the smell should go away once it dries. Just staining it won't cut it since stain isn't really a finish. You’ve got plenty of options like polyurethane, lacquer, or even Danish oil. Just make sure to apply a solid finish afterwards, and it should be fine!
It sounds like you're dealing with that typical wet oak smell! It's not the best, and many people end up returning their pieces for this reason. If returning it isn’t an option, I’d recommend trying to seal it first. A dewaxed shellac-based sanding sealer can really help get rid of the smell and give you a more uniform stain. You can even use it inside the drawers!
Got it! Just to clarify, are there any specific brands you recommend for polyurethane or lacquer?