[hruukki]

Hi!
I used to paint pictures with oil colors and the general method is: use a lot of wood turpentine to dilute the first layer of paint, and on subsequent layers, use less and less - until the final layers, which are painted without adding any turpentine. Turpentine makes the oil colors dry faster - they're based on linseed oil.

Now I thought of trying the same method for finishing wood, only without the color: first apply linseed oil, heavily diluted with wood turpentine, and adding more oil to the mixture for subsequent layers, until for the final layer using oil alone. Is this a good idea, or does the turpentine harm or color the wood, or are there any other side effects?

[Keoma]

I tried this once as a suggestion from a friend. It worked really well and gave my wood a nice, natural antique glow. The smell takes a bit to dissipate, but if that does not bother you...thn I say try it. Besides you smell enough of it...not much will bother you...lol

[hruukki]

Thanks Keoma - how many times did you apply the mix, do you happen to remember?

[squbrigg]

I use a mix of Boiled Linseed Oil, Turpentine and Gloss Spar Varnish on my canes, as many layers as I can. Gives them a nice soft finish and easy to maintain. Hand rub it in too, as a final wet sanding, using the mix as a lubricant.

Bob