BLO rambling and thanks to Loyalist Dave…

[John Spartan]

Done a lot of stocks over the years with straight BLO per “all the books and knowledge” putting it on and using whatever dry and wipe time is on the label.
My latest stock (which started as bare wood) I’ve done exclusively with a trick learned here (from Loyalist Dave) is mixing BLO with Mineral Spirits. Other stocks I’ve tried the mix on have been refinishes (or coats alternated with pure) so this was a good test.

Anyway I fully feel I am getting much better coverage, absorption, looks, and ultimately protection with this mix. Loyalist Dave recommended a 50/50 mix, and I’ll admit I thought that was a bit much, but looks like he was right on the money based on this piece of wood. Seems odd that “less BLO gets you more” but that seems to be the case here. And, bonus, its much much easier to work with.
Thanks Dave!

 

[waksupi]

Yep, mineral spirits lessen the viscosity of the oil, allowing deeper penetration.

 

[ELewis]

I use 50/50 BLO with Gum Turpentine + a small dash of Japan Drier (about 2 oz per gallon) for the first few coats, with a "gray" 3M pad in between coats. I apply the mix with my hands only, usually using the pad of my thumb and base of thumb to rub the mix in and warm it up. For the last two coats, I cut back on the Turpentine and it's just BLO with Japan Drier. Depending on the wood quality, I'm usually using 4-6 coats total for any "military" arm since they weren't usually glossy.