The close-grained hardwoods will build up a nice satin finish with about 4-5 coats of Watco. Put on the first then wait a day or two between subsequent coats. The nice part about oil is you can apply it with a rag, just enough to dampen the surface. I have some furniture I made for home that I used my bare hand to rub in the last couple of coats - that was almost (gasp!) 40 years ago now. Do not use on something subjected to significant moisture.