Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Mar 27, 2007 04:33am | #1

   Your table sounds very interesting.

   I'm assuming by your question that you want to do a linseed oil followed by a varnish (please correct me if I'm wrong)

   If so, there are two schools of thought with linseed oil. One is to flood the surface for about ten to fifteen minutes and then vigorously wipe away the excess. You'd need to go over the surface a few times to get all the oil off the surface.

   The other way is to apply it sparingly; use just enough to have it alter the color. It is a little less work overall this way.

   With BLO, let it sit at least a few days before proceeding. Longer is better as it cures by oxidation not evaporation.

   Be very sure to dispose of the rags used for this properly. Beware of spontaneous combustion.

   I like to seal an oiled surface before varnishing. Seal Coat by Zinseer is blonde shellac and is my first choice. If you've never used shellac before don't be put off by it. It's solvent is denatured alcohol. You can thin it as desired. I usually thin it about 25% for a sealer coat. You can practice brushing it under your table top. You can also pad it on. Do a little research with any of the finishing books out there for more details.

   There are also oil based sanding sealers out there if you are more comfortable.

   Keep the sealer to one or two thin coats at the most. When dry sand with 220 or 320 and clean the dust off.

   For the top coat there are a number of choices. Waterlox is a very easy varnish to use and will give you a very serviceable finish.

   If you want more of a surface build, consider one of the brushing varnishes like Behlens rock hard.

   A note on brushing; you can buy a very expensive brush or you can use a foam brush. Guess which type I use? This is, as with any aspect of finishing, up for discussion. If you use a foam brush apply a few drops of mineral spirits to dampen it first. Dip it into the varnish without pressing it down into it. This would create a lot of bubbles that you don't want. I dip it in and then turn it up to let the varnish" charge" the brush. Initially I'll do that a couple of times. When you start varnishing don't over brush it. Lay it on and keep going. Using the method I just described I've had people ask me if I sprayed the surface.

   Be sure to let each coat dry well and then sand as needed with 320 or 400 grit paper. I would do minimum of four coats of varnish.

   Keep me posted.

   Peter

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

1. 
   AlanCurtis | Mar 28, 2007 01:16am | #2

   Peter,Thank you for your reply. My original plan was to make a mixture of boiled linseed oil, turpentine and varnish, applying multiple coats. After reading your suggestion I'm convinced that it sounds better for a dining room table.
   Thanks again
   Alan

1. 
   peter28 | Mar 29, 2007 03:11am | #3

   Alan,

   You'll find the time spent doing a varnish,in my opinion, will pay off in longevity.

   Can you post a picture when you're done?

   Have fun.

   peter