Tung polymerizes into larger light-scattering strings, imparting a satin
finish look. I prefer transparency.

Don't stuff sanding slurry into the pores, unless you're into smooth and
featureless. Use a nice transparent finish, and let the various angles of
reflection/refraction return sparkle to your eye. Shellac is nice, poly's
ok, especially if you want some UV protection.

"DamnYankee" wrote in message
...
Ya may want to consider mixing your BLO with mineral spirits in a 50/50
mixture; the mineral spirits usually helps BLO soak in better.

In the future, you may want to consider tung oil - it's been around for
centuries and gives a stunning finish; but know it'll darken the wood a
tad rather than turn it yellow (as BLO will). You'll need to apply
several coats but it dries so quickly that you can put several coats in
a day.

As for the sanding question, you should sand and use finer grit with
each successive sanding; since the oil is already inside the wood, all
you are doing is popping the grain.

You can look at sanding 1 of 2 ways; either it sucks and you hate it, or
it sucks but you know as you continue to each successive grit, the
beauty of the wood stands out *that* much more.