Russ Filbeck’s signature finish is an oil finish sanded into the wood, then protected with clear paste wax. The sanding works oil and fine wood fibers into a slurry that fills pores, helping reveal the wood’s figure and create a smooth feel. The documented method calls for wet/dry abrasives, careful wiping, and patience while the oil cures; it is not a quick, one-size-fits-all coating.
What Filbeck’s finish is—and what “award-winning” establishes
A 2002 San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association newsletter describes Filbeck sanding oil into wood for a smooth surface. A later Wood magazine article presents the method as a way to bring out figure and feel. The available sources explain the technique, but do not verify which award the title refers to or establish a measured performance advantage over other finishes. The association newsletter identifies Filbeck as an associate professor in Palomar College’s Cabinet and Furniture Technology Division at the time.
Materials for the documented method
- Oil: The magazine article identifies Liberon Finishing Oil as Filbeck’s preferred oil. It quotes him saying, “It penetrates deep into the wood without becoming sticky prior to absorption.”
- Clear paste wax: The article names Liberon Wax Polish and says other high-quality clear waxes may also work.
- Wet/dry abrasive: Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper in 220, 320, and 400 grits; 3M Wetordry is named, with other abrasives intended for wet use as alternatives.
- Handling supplies: A small squirt bottle, clean lint-free rags, and gloves.
The article’s product names and availability statements reflect its publication context; they are not a check of current stock or formulations.
How to apply the oil-and-wax finish
Follow the directions for the specific oil you use, and test the process on scrap from the project first. The steps below describe the magazine article’s method, not universal instructions for every finishing oil.
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- Prepare the surface. Sand the wood smooth before applying finish. Remove dust so it does not become trapped in the oil-and-fiber slurry.
- Apply oil and sand it in. Wet a small area with oil, then sand with wet/dry 220-grit abrasive. Keep the surface lubricated as you work; sanding oil and fine wood fibers together forms the pore-filling slurry.
- Wipe away excess. Use a clean lint-free rag to remove excess oil and slurry rather than leaving a wet film on the surface.
- Repeat with finer grits. Continue the process with 320- and then 400-grit wet/dry abrasive, wiping the surface after each stage.
- Allow the oil to cure. Watch for oil that bleeds back out of the wood and wipe it away. The article advises allowing more time between coats for slower-curing oils and notes that some woods need longer; it does not give one curing time that applies to every oil and wood combination.
- Apply and buff the wax. Once the oil has cured, apply clear paste wax and buff it as directed for that product.
What to expect—and what it does not promise
Appearance and feel
The sources describe a natural-looking finish that makes wood figure visible and leaves a smooth surface. The 2002 newsletter calls the result “sensuously smooth.” The magazine article explains the pore-filling role of the oil-and-fiber slurry.
Time and renewal
The method takes more effort and patience than many finishing techniques, particularly because curing depends on the oil and the wood. The magazine article says the finish can be repaired by sanding in more oil. A forum participant also describes renewal, but that account is not controlled evidence of long-term durability.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR BLEND OF LINSEED OIL & BEESWAX: Tried and True wood finish is a superior blend of linseed oil and beeswax. This time-tested combination of oil and wax provides a warm soft appearance and adds protection against water, liquids and daily use.
- EFFICIENT CURING: This linseed oil for wood is polymerized for fast curing without the use of toxic drying aids found in boiled linseed products. No solvents means a little bit goes a long way. Safe to apply indoors with no PPE.
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: Tried & True’s original oil finish provides long-lasting durability and the ability to touch-up or repair the finish without needing to strip or sand the wood. This makes a potential heirloom to pass down for generations.
- SAFE & NON-TOXIC: This wood finish is ideal for many projects including food contact applications like cutting boards, knife handles, butcher block and wood cabinetry. It is also safe as a wooden toy finish and pet items.
- EASY APPLICATION: Sand the piece up to at least 320, wipe it on, buff it dry, wait a day, burnish with 4/0 steel or synthetic wool, repeat as desired. See videos and product label for in-depth application instructions.
Protection for the project
The sources do not establish that this finish is waterproof, food-safe, or more protective or durable than another finish. For surfaces exposed to spills or wear, decide whether the finish suits the object’s use rather than assuming oil and wax provide a particular level of protection. One forum contributor described using a harder varnish on a tabletop while leaving other parts oil-finished; that is an individual example, not a tested recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Filbeck’s woodworking context
A 2012 association notice confirms that Filbeck demonstrated basic oil and shellac finishing and discussed tung- and linseed-oil products; it does not identify either as the oil in this particular method. The notice provides context for his teaching, while his class page describes chair-making instruction. The Carter Center has also named his book, Making Ladder Back Chairs with Russ Filbeck, and described items finished with his signature oil-and-wax finish in its 2024 event information and auction catalog.
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- Polishes all wood surfaces to a soft luster with a protective coating of Carnauba Wax and Beeswax
- Introduces conditioning oils that “feed” the wood and helps keep it from drying and fading
- Enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain in finished and unfinished wood
- For use on antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wood doors and trim, etc.
- Helps to prevent further drying of the wood and deterioration of the finish. Contains no silicone or linseed oils
Rank #4
- SUPERIOR BLEND OF LINSEED OIL & BEESWAX: Tried and True wood finish is a superior blend of linseed oil and beeswax. This time-tested combination of oil and wax provides a warm soft appearance and adds protection against water, liquids and daily use.
- EFFICIENT CURING: This linseed oil for wood is polymerized for fast curing without the use of toxic drying aids found in boiled linseed products. No solvents means a little bit goes a long way and is safe to apply indoors with no PPE.
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: Tried & True’s original oil finish provides long-lasting durability and the ability to touch-up or repair the finish without needing to strip or sand the wood. This makes a potential heirloom to pass down for generations.
- SAFE & NON-TOXIC: This wood finish is ideal for many projects including food contact applications like cutting boards, knife handles, butcher block and wood cabinetry. It is also safe as a wooden toy finish and pet items.
- EASY APPLICATION: Sand the piece up to at least 320, wipe it on, buff it dry, wait a day, burnish with 4/0 steel or synthetic wool, repeat as desired. See videos and product label for in-depth application instructions.
Rank #3
- Polishes all wood surfaces to a soft luster with a protective coating of Carnauba Wax and Beeswax
- For use on antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wood doors and trim, etc.
- This unique blend of beeswax, carnauba wax and orange oil enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain in finished and unfinished wood
- Helps to prevent further drying of all wood finishes
- The perfect follow-up to Restor-A-Finish to maintain newly restored finish wood finishes
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