BLO as a finish

[Harry Brink]

I've used BLO for the finish on some scroll saw work. I like the ease of using it and the look it leaves.

I'll be making a music box for a friend out of oak and wondering how durable it is? Should I spray some clear finish over it or forget the blo and just spray it?

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Harry Brink
Bulldog Woodworking
Montana

[Mike Dillen]

My experience has been you can put a top finish over BLO but you have to let it cure for about 7 to 10 days sometimes longer depending on the temperature for the solvents to completely flash off.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

[Fred Wilson]

Same as Mike.  If NOT using the BLO, I partial to Deft Lacquer - quick drying, nice sheen, 0000 steel wool between coats.  Be careful not to spray on too heavy, though.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21 (Presently on the floor. Using my 6-year old 788 ! ! ! ! !
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

[Greg Aksdal]

I'm with Fred on the deft it is a good topcoat, easy to use and durable. I also like to use Zinzer spray shellac, but I think the Deft is more durable. Mike has a good point about the cure time, even though I don't usually wait more than 48 hours.  

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

[Gene Howe]

A music box is going to be handled frequently. I'd use a few coats of Poly. OK over BLO. Just because I have it on hand, I use Watco instead of BLO. They both warm up the wood color, I think.

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

[John Morris]

As Gene says, the warmth is what you'll get with the BLO, that is why it goes on every thing I do with a good finish. I like the Honey glow it gives and I usually coat over it in about 48 hrs with no problems in drying. If you want some depth and warmth, use the BLO. But your project would look just fine with the other coatings the guys are talking about.

Gene Howe said:

A music box is going to be handled frequently. I'd use a few coats of Poly. OK over BLO. Just because I have it on hand, I use Watco instead of BLO. They both warm up the wood color, I think.

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

[Harry Brink]

Ok. the music boxes have the BLO on them. Now in a few days, maybe Sat, I have a few more "SANTA" visits, then they should be dry to add a top coat. I have the Deft and I'll spray them between the garage and then down to the basement to keep warm.

I'll post pictures before I deliver the first one. My wife claimed the second one so I'll have 2 more to work on in the next few weeks.

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Harry Brink
Bulldog Woodworking
Montana

[John Morris]

Looking forward to the photos Harry!!!!

Harry Brink said:

Ok. the music boxes have the BLO on them. Now in a few days, maybe Sat, I have a few more "SANTA" visits, then they should be dry to add a top coat. I have the Deft and I'll spray them between the garage and then down to the basement to keep warm.

I'll post pictures before I deliver the first one. My wife claimed the second one so I'll have 2 more to work on in the next few weeks.

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Harry Brink
Bulldog Woodworking
Montana

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

[steven newman]

   I use that smeellly stuff on the plane handles I make.  Usually about two coats of the stuff.      Stinks.      i have yet to coat any of them with a top coat.     Turns the Black Walnut a real dark brown.    i'll wait a while yet, still trying to smooth them out. 

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