BLO finishes

[Vott1]

I'm trying to improve my finishing chops, and I would really like to hear about the different blo mixes you folks use and application methods.

Particularly anyone who dunks the whole project. What kind of containers you use and how you deal with excess finish.

Thanks for any comments and advise.

[125 CSL]

 

 

I do what Steve dose.

Edited September 25, 2016 by 125 CSL

[Scrappile]

I just did a couple yesterday.  Mixed about 1 1/2 cups of BLO/MS mixed 50/50.  Poured it in an old cookie sheet my wife was throwing out.  Laid a piece in it, let it soak on one side a few seconds, and turned it over for a few seconds.  Picked it up gave it so shakes/taps to get as much of the excess off and out of the holes a possible, then hung it on a rod.  Let it hang over a piece of plastic for several hours, wiped the excess off that had gathered at the bottom, but not dripped of yet and then let it hand over night. 

[amazingkevin]

I just did a couple yesterday.  Mixed about 1 1/2 cups of BLO/MS mixed 50/50.  Poured it in an old cookie sheet my wife was throwing out.  Laid a piece in it, let it soak on one side a few seconds, and turned it over for a few seconds.  Picked it up gave it so shakes/taps to get as much of the excess off and out of the holes a possible, then hung it on a rod.  Let it hang over a piece of plastic for several hours, wiped the excess off that had gathered at the bottom, but not dripped of yet and then let it hand over night. 

sounds like a plan

[dgman]

 

 

I do what Steve dose.

Do not use lemon or orange oil or mineral oil. Those products are not designed as a finish and never really dry. Lemon oil and orange oil are cleaners and polishes. You can use mineral oil for cutting boards and such, but these products will leave residue on furniture and walls. Edited September 25, 2016 by dgman

[dgman]

There has been a lot of discussion on this forum in the past. Do a search. You will find a lot of information.

[125 CSL]

Do not use lemon or orange oil or mineral oil. Those products are not designed as a finish and never really dry. Lemon oil and orange oil are cleaners and polishes. You can use mineral oil for cutting boards and such, but these products will leave residue on furniture and walls.

Have to watch the whole video. The oil is to give the wood some moisture. before applying the lacquer.

[Lucky2]

Kip, I bought a good quality over sized cookie sheet, to apply finish to my fretwork. If I use BLO, I usually apply it with a brush. After the BLO has had a chance to dry, I lay the project into the cookie sheet and pour the finish of choice over the top of it. If I'm using a urethane or lacquer type of finish, I use a 80/20 mix, 80% urethane and 20% thinner. I usually coat each item two times, allowing it to dry between coatings. I usually get a glass like finish doing it this way, I mean smooth as glass not looking like glass. I didn't mention the wiping the excess off, or hanging the item to dry. I assume that people would know to do that, if not, they shouldn't be messing with the stuff.

Len

[WayneMahler]

I have used the 50/50 mix of BLO and Mineral Spirits and taped it dry and left hang with good success. Patience in the name of the game. Normally over night works great

[Vott1]

Thanks to all! One more question. Can you store the 50/50,or do you make a batch each time you use it?

[NC Scroller]

Thanks to all! One more question. Can you store the 50/50,or do you make a batch each time you use it?

Yes you can store in an airtight container. If it is not airtight the MS will evaporate. Do not use plastic for long term storage as some plastics will break down.

Edited September 26, 2016 by NC Scroller

[Vott1]

Thanks for all the great responses! You guys are the best!