oil oil oil HELP!

[sgimbel]

I went to Home Depot and picked up a gallon of boiled linseed oil. Found a tray to dip in and did it this am. Looks really good now but did I do it right. I mixed nothing with the BLO. Should I have cut it somehow? When you say dip it is it really dip it in and right out? or do I put it in and soak it a couple minutes then hang it. I soaked it 3 - 5 minutes so it really got saturated.

[greatdane2]

I use it a fair bit on cedar and outdoor kids toys etc. BLO is a laxative for cattle, and is safe for kids. Also use it on kids puzzles. I dip into a tray or paint it on.
Alan.

[BobD]

Alan,
Are you sure you're referring to boiled linseed oil? I've never heard of it being used for a cattle laxative...some of the metallic driers are pretty toxic (these driers evaporate as the finish dries).

Mineral oil, on the other hand, is often used as a cattle laxative and as a finish for wood (especially cutting boards). Finishers often suggest against it because it technically never dries hard (like tung oil or BLO), but it works well in most cases.

As for using BLO...I never thin it with anything, but just dip it, let it drip out, wipe off any excess, blow any BLO out of the frets, and hang it to dry.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[greatdane2]

Maybe it was pure linseed oil, it said on the bottle that it was used for cows. I still have a bucket out in the shop I will go see and post when I come in for another tea break.

[USMC1126]

I used it on somw white oak and some mahogany recently. All I did was put it in a baking pan, laid my pieces in, flipped them over and took them out. Then as Bob said blew out the frets and wiped it off. I let it dry for like 3 days and then put lacquer over top. It really looks nice on both woods.

King

[Fremmed]

I agree. Much easier dipping. I like to let it soak a minute or two. Than do like the others. I like leaving it there, no other finish. I think it's because I love the smell of a newly finished piece and dont want to cover it with laquer or urethane. (ok call me wierd)

[minowevie]

Weird. just kidding, your not. just wize your friend Evie

[Bill Wilson]

Your technique is fine. Do you plan on applying a top coat? BLO isn't the greatest finish, just by itself. It really helps bring out the grain in woods like cherry & walnut. It is often mixed with varnish and mineral spirits to make, what is often referred to as, Danish Oil. Left alone, it can get a little dull over time. I don't believe the oil ever really fully cures, so even though it will be dry to the touch, it can attract dust, which hastens the dulling.

You can mitigate these issues and get a little protection by doing the same thing with a Danish Oil. If you already have all the ingredients, You can mix your own instead of buying pre-mixed products. Once you have dipped your piece in the oil/varnish mix, wipe it off and let it dry a bit. You can repeat several times to get a little bit of a build to the finish, to achieve the look and protection you want.

[Plaquerd]

Bob
Check out the MSDS for Linseed oil, both raw and boiled here
http://www.allbackpaint.com/eng/pdf/...inseed_oil.pdf

Hand rubbed boiled linseed oil cut with turpentine is one of the toughest and most beautiful finishes there is. It takes lots of elbow grease but the end results are well worth the effort. It dries hard and is very durable when done correctly. It does darken over time.