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(03-08-2022, 01:10 PM)®smpr_fi_mac® Wrote: Customer wants oil based poly on the walnut table I'm building. I like using Varathane's oil poly cut 50% with mineral spirits to make a wipe on poly.
As we all know, walnut looks amazing when BLO is poured over it. My question is this: Should I apply BLO and then the oil poly or should I just apply the oil poly? Will the application of the BLO even be noticeable?
Or should I mix up a batch of 1:1:1 poly, mineral spirits, and BLO?
Yes, BLO really brings out the colors in walnut, especially air-dried stock. And yes, you will see a difference if you use BLO first. In any case, it doesn't take much; you do not want or need to pour it on. You need nothing more than a very light coat wiped on with a rag and then left to cure before applying the OB poly. 24 hours at 70F should do it.
That's the approach I'd take if applying a poly topcoat. Your other approach of using a varnish/oil/MS mix does not require nor need pretreatment with BLO.
John
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The film of the danish oil may be a little softer than straight varnish, and may not be as durable as the varnish applied over the BLO. Just something to keep in mind.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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Mix it all together. It'll cut your cure time quite a bit. I've seen the 1:1:1 MS/BLO/Poly mix recommended in several sources - even on this forum.
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Allan Hill
