Subject: Re: Advice On Linseed Oil

From: [email-masked] (GRoberts)
Date: Sun, 09 Feb 1997 15:31:45 -0400

> 
> As far as the continual darkening, I look at this as a feature.  Over the
> years the piece will gain a nice patina.  Of course this means you have to
> plan for it and feel that it's appropriate for the piece in question.  I
> wouldn't use it on an entertainment center that will go in my family
> room full of light colored furniture, but it's great for my bedroom full
> of dark Mission style furniture.

Scott et al...

although my objections to linseed oil are well known on the Oldtools
list... it is used and appreciated by many.  One of the problems related to
darkening is the tendency of some oil finishes to become laden with dirt as
time goes on.  Sometimes cleaning the surface of an old linseed oil finish
thoroughly with mineral spirits will produce a surprisingly lighter finish. 
Some people finish the linseed oil with a wax overcoat... the wax holds
even more dust and dirt as time goes on.  Again, a cleansing with mineral
spirits may remove the grungy wax coating and return the piece to a lighter
hue.

Gary Roberts
[email-masked]
Boston, MA