Oiled oak windowsills

Sarathechemist

We have oiled oak windowsills in our new (to us) house.

Over the past few months we have stored oilatum, a light parafin oil based bath additive, on the windowsill in the bathroom and a fair amount has been spilt onto the wood. It has been absorbed into the wood and is very obvious.

I want to varnish the windowsills to prevent staining and water marks, but don't know if I can do this on the bathroom one due to the spilt oil.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to protect these window sills, firstly the bathroom one and secondly the ones that don't have any spillages (yet).

Thanks in advance.
Sara

DirectDebacle

You can varnish over oil as long as you use an oil based varnish. Varnish that can be thinned with white spirit is oil based eg Ronseal polyurethane.

You may prefer using a hard wax oil some of which are extremely durable. Osmo, Bona and Fiddes are all good. Google hard wax oil and read up on them. Many are marketed for use on wood floors. They are equally suitable for your window boards.

Sarathechemist

Thank you, I will look at the brands you mentioned.