If you’re familiar with the idiom, “Lather, rinse, repeat”, then today’s daily dispatch *might* seem familiar. Variants (ostensibly originating from shampoo bottle directions) have become shorthand for any activity that is undertaken again and again. And again. And again… If you’re a woodworker (or an attentive caretaker of woodwork), then “Oil, re-oil, repeat” undoubtedly *actually* is familiar.
More mantra than instruction, the repeat application of oil to wood is the wholesome heartbeat of an enduring and respectful relationship with wood. At Rosslyn, oiling and re-oiling is a refrain that transcends conventional categories — furniture, flooring, kitchen implements, dining and serving accessories, artwork, and boats — and that approaches reverence for the natural ingredients enriching our lives through form and function.
With that slightly overzealous unbosoming on the record, let’s revisit yesterday’s look at seasonally resealing the garapa decks.
Among autumn rituals at Rosslyn, wood sealing and resealing… [demands] patient, hands on, detail oriented application of oil to preserve and protect. (Source: Seasonal Sealing)
At the beginning of the week Glen set for himself an ambitious timeline to install Ipe Oil Plus on all of our garapa decking — house deck and balcony as well as both icehouse decks — in order to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and free himself up for a family visit. And then this good news today.
Glen: Done!
Geo: Well done! Any surprises?
Glen: Nope. Pretty smooth process other than having to go back when grasses are cut back.
Geo: Good. We could prioritize cutting the grasses back pretty soon, although the longer they photosynthesize, the healthier the roots will be. So maybe waiting is better.
Glen: Plus they look great.
This celebratory text volley commemorates another crossed out seasonal ritual. Garapa decking oiled and ready for inclement weather to come. Oil, re-oil, repeat. Bump this punch list placeholder forward by a year. Or a couple of seasons?
Glen: I almost wonder if this should be a spring and fall task. They [the garapa decks] seem to fade quickly, especially after snow shoveling.
Geo: 100% agree. We have done that at some points in the past. It’s mostly a question of man hours and weather. But I’d definitely be in favor of keeping it on the agenda next spring if it looks viable.
Glen: Okay. We will move that card to spring…
Way to go, Glen. The garapa decks look superb. Thank you!
Oil, Re-Oil, Repeat: haiku
Weathered planks sip oil,
summer spirits seasoning
wood against winter.
What do you think?