DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I've bought oak sills and returns for my new windows, they've been in upstairs room whilst i've been knocking the plaster off in downstairs and in the bathroom, they have got a coating of dust on them (depsite covered in plastic).
Whats the best way to clean them off ready for varnish? dust them over with a brush then wipe with white spirit in a rag?

i'd actually run the hoover over it to get as much of the dust off as possible. i always vac woodwork prior to painting. then, as you say, wipe with white spirit and a cloth (lint free) allow to thoroughly dry then varnish or apply whatever finish. test a small area first in case of discolouring but should be fine. check compatibility of the product you are using - oak doesn't awlays hold a varnish too well. personally if it were oak i wouldn't seal it at all. it's a very resilient wood and in my opinion one of the most attractive and is just as good, if not better, left without an applied finish.