Woodworkers; I need some advice

I made a game table for my son and having warping issues. I am going to replace it. Here is my question: I have 100+ year old barn boards. My plan is to use a planer; then fill in wormholes with melted crayons and of course use several layers of polyurethane and stain. Will aged boards still warp in a new environment?

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anythingoes477 · M

One thing you can try.......is back sealing all wood with a sealer of some kind that penetrates. Boiled linseed oil for instance.......or varnish that has had a bit of Mineral Spirits added to it so it's thin-ish. Put on a coat..let it soak in and dry...then a second coat to finish the seal. Sand so the underside is smooth and then finish the top side as you like. Tung Oils do not really seal....to keep moisture (even humidity) out of the wood you will need a coat of something with a surface film.....varnish or Boiled Linseed oil.

trackman11 · 61-69, M

@anythingoes477 excellent. I did not realize that. Thanks 477. 🙂

anythingoes477 · M

@trackman11 Moisture can enter wood to make it warp...from BOTH sides. Sealing one side does virtually nothing to stop warp caused by humidity.