Shellac Over Boiled Linseed Oil

Linseed oil exposed to the air can turn dark even black if exposed to a mild acid like vinegar contained in some cleaners.

Shellac over boiled linseed oil. I also show my method of mixing my own shellac. First a coat of boiled linseed oil is applied and then 4 coats of amber shellac. Oily rags are volatile and should be hung to air dry. They all look good.

I have an old white oak three draw drop leaf table that the previous owner had finished with boiled linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil rag disposal. Brush or pad a coat of shellac. The color is beautiful but i prefer the shine of shellac.

Give a heavy coat of boiled linseed oil at least a week. Now we might use mineral spirits paint thinner instead of turpentine but this was an ancient formula surely before there was mineral spirits. Boiled linseed oil dries in a few days and can be put in moderate service. Assuming that you applied boiled linseed oil like you find at the borg and that you truly wiped on and off a thin coat then you could top it with shellac in an hour.

Linseed oil revitalizes old dried wood and gives it a new life and is a common item in a lot of woodworkers shops. 13 boiled linseed oil 13 spar varnish i never understood why it had to be spar varnish and not simply any varnish and 13 turpentine. So i would have to tell him what it was. The grain on the drawers really popped and they look great.

If its raw linseed oil that you applied then i would wait until it is dry a week more or less. Ok i caught the thread on poly over oil but this is just a bit different and i want get it right the first time. The shellac is used to seal the oil and add its own color. Other oils per the directions on the can.

Let the oil cure. Works like a dream on cherry or figured maple as well. You can use any grade of shellac you like. Boiled linseed oil or a watco danish oil followed by 1 spit coat 1lb and 1 coat amber shellac 2 3lb.

Boiled linseed oil should take 24 72 hours to dry. If its still tacky you can dry it faster with a fan and wait longer. Make sure you leave it to dry in the shade not the sun. Shellac is a good choice over linseed oil because it will adhere well even if the oil isnt fully cured.

Simple enough but not a moisture resistant furniture finish. Let the shellac dry for at least 4 hours and lightly sand just to smooth using 320 grit and remove the dust. Walnut preparation for an oil shellac wax finish. Topcoat with a lacquer or polyurethane coat or two and you have a bulletproof finish that has colour and warmth.