Wondering about Linseed oil

brewcitymike · Apr 12, 2012

I just got my first Wetterlings and I plan to stain the handle to a darker brown and I wanted to know if I should then soak it or rub it down with Linseed oil? If I soak it, for how long? Thanks

markv · Apr 12, 2012

yep, rub some Linseed oil on it. let it sit for ahile. rub some more and let it sit for awhile.
if you use boiled linseed oil there is a drier additive in it , it should dry in an hour or two, if you use raw linseed oil there is no drier

M3mphis · Apr 12, 2012

brewcitymike said:
I just got my first Wetterlings and I plan to stain the handle to a darker brown and I wanted to know if I should then soak it or rub it down with Linseed oil? If I soak it, for how long? Thanks

Some stains also seal and your BLO won't absorb much. I'd try to get ahold of a dye. I've used minwax a couple times, but both times have been disappointed with the feel of the finish in use.

bearhunter · Apr 12, 2012

M3mphis said:
Some stains also seal and your BLO won't absorb much. I'd try to get ahold of a dye. I've used minwax a couple times, but both times have been disappointed with the feel of the finish in use.

i recently got a crosscut saw and restored it. the handle was in good shape, just needed cleaned and stained. well, i cleaned it up and all i had was a waterbased leather dye, so i used that.
come to find out, it worked like a charm. i have put a couple of coats of linseed oil on it and it soaked right up...
sooo, if you have any leather dye...

brewcitymike · Apr 12, 2012

How long do I boil it for? Just a rolling boil or a certain period of time?

trailmaker · Apr 12, 2012

brewcitymike said:
How long do I boil it for? Just a rolling boil or a certain period of time?

"Boiled linseed oil" is sold at most hardware stores so it's ready to go, no need to do any boiling. Rags that have been soaked in BLO can combust so take precautions. I usually pour some in a cup and then wipe it on wearing rubber gloves. I wipe off any excess with a rag.

HandAxeProMan · Apr 12, 2012

Boiled linseed oil works well. If you don't wipe off the excess, it will make a sticky spot and some oil and finish will come off on your hands for quite a while.

nickzdon · Apr 13, 2012

Many oil finishes are simply BLO and pigment. I've used Watcos 'Danish Oil' with good results. And you can reapply it as needed, just like BLO, you can also apply BLO over the top.

FoxholeAtheist · Apr 14, 2012

Most modern "boiled linseed oil" has petroleum additives and metallic dryers. Not something you'd want to ingest any of. Raw linseed oil is safe to consume. just FYI

Also: BIG WARNING Rags wet with linseed oil can spontaneously combust. When they dry, they give off heat (exothermic reaction), which causes them to dry faster, which causes more heat.... Never throw the damp rags into a garbage can without rinsing out the oil or otherwise making it safe.