Replies

1. 
   bleubassplyr | Mar 17, 2009 03:10am | #1

   You could mix them together and apply at the same time. You could also make a three part, wipe on, wipe off mix of Minwax poly, linseed oil, and mineral spirits. Apply one coat a day for about 3-5 days to build a finish that looks beautiful. Be sure to wipe off any excess or it'll turn gummy.

   There are more old drunkards than old doctors.  Ben Franklin

2. 
   stantheman | Mar 17, 2009 03:40am | #2

   DGaddis1

   are you talking about Minwax stain or Minwax polyurethane?  I assume you mean stain.  Yes you can use BLO after, but it may not be the look that you're after.  The advantage of BLO is the grain-popping for appearance - not much protection.  The stain could obscure the grain.  Try a test piece first.

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 17, 2009 03:41am | #3

   You can do as bleubassplyr mentioned, though in the end you just have a BLO finish, with just a hint of varnish from the Minwax stain.  It likely will look good, though you will have to refresh it from time to time, and, recognize that the finish will have very little protective properties.   You would get virtually the same appearance if you substituted an oil and varnish mixture instead of the straight BLO. 

   The admonition to thoroughly wipe off any material on the surface is important.  It would be gummy, even with the oil/varnish mix. 

1. 
   DGaddis1 | Mar 19, 2009 06:38am | #4

   Thanks for all your help guys.

   I'm gonna try to use the golden oak stain first then finish it with the Linseed oil.

   I've been doing woodworking for about 4 years now but finishing has

   NEVER been my favorate thing. I'm now trying to restore an old bookcase, which has not been my best project.

    

   again thanks

    

   -david

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 19, 2009 06:58am | #5

   JUsst an additional warning with BLO, that is particularly important for a bookcase.  You REALLY need to thoroughly, fully, wipe off all the BLO you can after each application.  Otherwise, any left on the surface will dry to a gummy mess.  You might not initially feel the gumminess, but the books will--even if you give it several weeks to cure.  That's one of the reasons I never use it as a finish, only as a first coat to pop grain, that is going to be topped with a clear finish. 

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 19, 2009 06:48pm | #6

   >> I'm gonna try to use the golden oak stain first then finish it with the Linseed oil.I don't think I would do that. Minwax Wood Finish (Minwax's name for their oil based pigment stain) contains a small amount of varnish used to hold the pigments onto the wood surface. Because it is a varnish, it will effectively seal the surface and pores of the wood. This will prevent any absorption of linseed oil. Look at the product label. It clearly says that the product "Penetrates, Stains and SEALS." All that will happen is that the oil will set on the surface and will be almost entirely wiped off when you wipe off the excess. Why do you want to use the linseed oil? It's the poorest finish you could apply. It has not protective qualities like water or watervapor protection. It certainly won't stand up to an applicaion like a shelve that will hold books.Howie.........