Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Dec 25, 2004 12:01am | #1

   Oil-base stains contain the equivalent of a danish oil (linseed/tung oil and resins) Bill, so they're not a good choice for an oil finish (e.g., linseed or tung oil).

   Dyes are a good choice depending on the species of wood and/or how dark the dye is.

   Paul S
   Website

2. 
   lwj2 | Dec 25, 2004 02:18am | #2

   I make my own stains from oil pigments (can be bought at an art supply store or a craft supply such as Michael's), tung oil, linseed oil (raw), turpentine and Japan drier.

   Generally I start with a base coat of shellac, sand lightly, stain, sand lightly, then finish with a tung/linseed combination, sanding lightly between coats.

   Stain:

   1 37 gram tube of oil paint pigment
   1 ounce raw linseed oil
   3 ounces pure tung oil
   1 tablespoon ( ½-ounce ) Japan drier
   Pure gum turpentine to make 16 ounces

   Add paint pigment to linseed oil, stirring until smooth and uniform.
   Add tung oil to mixture, stirring until smooth and uniform.
   Add 8 ounces turpentine, stirring mixture as it is added.
   Add Japan drier, stirring into mixture.
   Add turpentine to make 16 ounces.

   Store in a lidded jar. I recommend wide-mouthed Mason jars. Stain may need to be shaken up prior to use.

   To make a deeper colour stain, use more than one tube of pigment.

   Colours can be mixed to make different shades/tones.

   This formula will not work if paint thinner or mineral spirits are used instead of turpentine, don't know why. For some reason, the turpentine mixture has about a two-year shelf life, if mineral spirits are used, it tends to clump after a month or two.

   Same formulation minus pigment works for an oil finish. To increase viscosity, reduce amount of turpentine. Solids such as resin or amber may be dissolved in turpentine then added to make a varnish.

   Good luck.

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA
1. 
   BillBradburn | Dec 25, 2004 04:12pm | #3

   Excellent --- & most appreciated, thanks for your response

    

1. 
   lwj2 | Dec 25, 2004 10:10pm | #4

   My pleasure. Hope it's of some use.Be well, happy new year.Leon Jester, Roanoke VA