Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 04, 2003 08:59pm | #1

   Oil/varnish finishes are either homemade or purchased as "Danish Oil", "Tung Oil Finish", "Antique Oil" etc. A good example is Watco. A reasonable facimile can be made by mixing varnish or poly varnish, boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits in equal amounts.

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 04, 2003 10:16pm | #2

   Steven,

            Garret Hack had an article on a finish mix in a FWW not to long ago.  I can't find the issue number, but the finish is great.  It is equal parts boiled linseed oil, turpentine or mineral spirits, and polyurethane.  I really like the results.  You mix the three parts and brush them on.  Wait about 15 minutes, then wipe it down really well with a cotton rag.  Repeat the desired number of times, using steel wool between every third coat or so, and wala!  If you want to stain the wood, you can add a little stain into the mix.  He recommends the Minwax line, and mix it very lightly.  You don't have to worry so much about dust with this process either.  Hope that helps.

                Steve

1. 
   batman | Mar 05, 2003 03:53pm | #3

   thanks, I'm going to give it a try on a newly finished project (maple & walnut).  Can this be used on inside of drawers?  I've heard that any sort of oil finish on the inside of drawers usually brings on a musty atmosphere.  Thanks again...

   Steven

1. 
   KraigY | Mar 05, 2003 06:05pm | #4

   Hello-

   I have used the 3-part varnish-linseed-turpentine mix on a decorative box that I recently made from mistol and purpleheart.  The finish is simple to apply and leaves the wood looking simply beautiful.  I have yet to see anything else that can bring such depth and clarity to wood color and grain.  I would not however use it in the inside of drawers because it is not the most pleasant smelling concoction and it will take a very long time for the smell to dissipate in a closed up drawer.  I used shellac on the inside of the box instead of the mix.

   Good luck,

   Doc in Carlsbad CA 

1. 
   batman | Mar 05, 2003 06:14pm | #5

   Thanks a lot Doc.  I appreciate all the advise.

   Steven

2. 
   Gretchen | Mar 05, 2003 07:11pm | #6

   Do not use any oil based product inside of drawers. It will give an odor forever.  Leave them unfinished or use shellac.Gretchen

1. 
   batman | Mar 05, 2003 07:23pm | #7

   Thanks...I thought I read it somewhere but you just confirmed it.

   thanks...

   Steven

3. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 05, 2003 08:18pm | #8

   Steven

       Not sure quite yet.  I just used it on the insides of a few as an experiment.  Seems to me that if the drawer gets used fairly often then mustiness shouldn't be a problem.  It does take a while to quit smelling like linseed oil, so perhaps.  I'm sure there are people far more experienced then me reading this.  What do you all think?

                   Steve 

1. 
   Gretchen | Mar 05, 2003 08:44pm | #9

   It isn't mustiness that is the problm. It is the odor of the varnish oils.Gretchen

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 05, 2003 11:55pm | #11

   Gretchen,

        I wish now that I would have used shelac in the drawers too, but at the time it seemed like a good idea to use the other stuff.  How long do suppose the smell will linger?  Next time I'll do it differently.  Luckily, the smelly drawers shouldn't be a problem on that project.

                    Steve

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Mar 06, 2003 02:32am | #12

   Lacquer is another good finish for drawers and cabinet interiors. Like shellac, the odor will be gone in 1-2 days.Paul

   F'burg, VA

3. 
   bleubassplyr | Mar 06, 2003 06:00am | #13

   The 3 part finish works very well.  I also read Garrett Hack's article in FWW and tried using Turp in place of mineral spirits in equal proportion to Spar Varnish and linseed oil.  I used it on a loft bed/ desk I made for my son.  What a stink!  I'll never use Turp or Spar varnish in that mix again.  I usually use Polyurethane, Linseed Oil, and mineral spirits (oderless is good).  I mix almost equally, with a little less mineral spirits.  You apply a generous amount, let it sit on the surface for about a half hour, then wipe off.  For the second coat you can apply the finish and lightly sand with a very fine grit or steel wool just after applying, let it sit, and wipe.  On most pieces 2 coats are sufficient.  Table tops should have 4 or more coats to build a light film.

   Remember to dispose of oily rags properly to avoid spontaneous combustion.

4. 
   Gretchen | Mar 06, 2003 04:25pm | #14

   Luckily, the smelly drawers shouldn't be a problem on that project.

   If it is or you want to correct it shellac over it to seal the odor.Gretchen

5. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 08, 2003 12:06am | #15

   Gretchen,

   Very good idea, thanks!

   Steve

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 05, 2003 08:52pm | #10

   The rule is never to use an oil or oil based finish on the inside of drawers or inside a carcase that will contain clothing or cloth items. The oil odor takes forever to go away and it will quickly permeate cloth. Use only shellac, waterborne or nothing.