But when all is said and done, what kind of finfish does BLO provide?

Minimal protecttion, but a satin finish that makes the suface look like
*wood*

What is the proper prep for BLO?

sanding

Does it buff out to a nice sheen?

Nice is subjective.... a relatively low-gloss finish.

How long does it take for the smell to go away?

Weeks

How durable is it?

Does not offer much resistamce to water chemicals or abraision

Some folks think it pop's the grain when used prior to a film finish
(shellac/varnish). IME a washcoat of shellac works as well.

Some folks suggest flooding the surface on the first coat. IMO this is a
huge mistake with cherry. Flooding the first coat of anything (BLO, tung,
shellac, poly) will exacerbate Cherry's tendency to blotch. I always put on
the first coat thinned, but more importantly, light.

Cheers,

Steve



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