Oak finishing
Andy Dingley wrote:
On 6 Sep, 21:51, S Viemeister wrote:
Why would you not use linseed oil?
Mostly because it yellows with age. Not too bad on fumed oak, but a
disaster on pale wood.
Also because it's a quite strongly oxidising oil and really only
suitable when you're deliberately trying for forming a heavy film. The
main function of oils on fine wood finishing (especially under
shellac) is optical - you soak the top surface in something that fills
pores with a transparent high refractive index, highlighting the
chattoyance of maples or "popping the grain". Although this is an
important step, you want it to happen without "seeing the oil doing
it", if you see what I mean.
I do use linseed, but pretty much only as a hot-boiled oil with lead
driers, for doing repro work or making oilcloth. I boil my own.
Thank you. Excellent explanation!
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