Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 25, 2010 07:37am | #1

   End grain is always recalcitrant, absorbing more oil that you could imagine.  And, BLO isn't really a finish, it's just a colorant to wet out the wood which makes it a bit translucent which emphasizes the figure.  But you can keep the same basic look with a finish that will generate a bit more sheen by using a mix of oil and varnish instead of the pure oil.. 

   First remove the wax with mineral spirits or naphtha,  Use plenty of both the solvent and rags to remove it wax asit is dissolved.  Then apply the oil/varnish mix (equal parts oil, varnish, and mineral spirits is the standard recipe, but you can tilt a bit toward sheen by weighting the varnish portion a bit heavy. Apply as you should the oil, apply liberally, keeping it wet for about half an hour.  That will mean additional applications to the end grain as it soaks in.  You can also assist in filling the pores that show particularly on the end grain by sanding the wet oil/varnish mix with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper.  Then, before it starts to get tacky, vigorously wipe of all the excess.  Come back to it every half hour for a while just in case the finish weeps out of the pores.  Let it cure 24 hours and repeat the process. 

   Still you won't get to a high gloss finish this way.  The "oil finish" is meant to be an "in-the-wood" finish that keeps the surface of the wood looking mostly natural. 

   Wax if you like, it can enhance the sheen, but it is a constant chore to keep looking good.  It won't add protection of any consequence.