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My favorite for cherry is 1/3 BLO, 1/3 spar varnish, 1/3 mineral spirits. The oil emphasizes the dark red cherry. What you used originally is probably almost the same thing.
Mike B.
One thing is for certain though. Whichever method you use, you can be absolutely certain that you are most assuredly doing it wrong. Axehandle, 2/24/2016
Do not get in to much of a hurry buddy... Arlin, 5/18/2022
Apology excepted. TT. 2/25/20223
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I like BLO followed up with poly as a top coat. I am not a finishing "guru". I do think the boiled linseed oil, warms the cherry up and gives it a nice color.
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03-14-2023, 10:52 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-14-2023, 10:52 AM by rwe2156.)
The last two pieces I used ArmRSeal over shellac. Think I like that better than oil.
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The only finish I use on cherry:
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I've used BLO before, but it does take a long time to cure and can be blotchy. If you're going to use BLO, I recommend a light coat of sealing shellac (blonde, unwaxed shellac) prior to applying BLO. You'll need to wait for the red patina to naturally show up. I have a tool cabinet I made from cherry and it took about 2 years inside the shop for it to age to a beautiful, deep reddish-orange.
Still Learning,
Allan Hill
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I like Antique oil by Minwax. Comes in a red can. Has a lot of BLO but it dries and can be recoated in 24 hours.
Tom
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All finish is food safe once it cures.