Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 18, 2008 02:59pm | #1

   I've never run into anyone who has claimed real differences in the boiled linseed oil or pure tung oil commonly available.  Now there are some differences among these products--look at a high end artists supply web site, but those are very tiny niches, and many of the differences proclaimed among the varieties artists may choose may be more of the emperors new clothes variety, I don't really know. 

   But for "popping grain" or for making oil/varnish mixes, I wouldn't worry at all about whether it was from Ace or Woodcraft.   

2. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 19, 2008 07:28am | #2

   I have used pure tung oils.. I threw it in the garbage! Did not dry well.. Maybe just me though!

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 19, 2008 08:57am | #3

   Pure tung oil is very frustrating.  It typically takes three days to dry, even if will wiped off the surface, it needs sanding between coats, and it takes 5 coats to get an even sheen.  And, the end result--a quite unprotective oil finish that can be almost exactly duplicated in appearance by an oil/varnish mix, but in 1/4th the time, with more protection from water spotting, and with no risk of getting a "frosty" appearance if you move to fast. 

   That's why so many manufacturers make a Tung Oil Finish that contains little if any tung oil and may be either a oil/varnish mix (Minwax Tung Oil Finish) or is a wiping varnish (Formby's).  The complaint against such products isn't that they are not good, but that they attempt to sell by misleading consumers that they are using tung oil, around which an almost totally unfounded mythology has developed. 

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Sep 21, 2008 06:57am | #4

   Steve,

   Typically only three days to dry?  From stories (maybe they are just that) I've heard, pure tung oil can take months to dry.  I see no reason to use it.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 21, 2008 02:26pm | #5

   Three days between coats, in warm surroundings.  But to be well cured, you are quite right--it could be months.  I don't recommend using it either.