Years ago I spent a lot of time pulling my hair out, wondering why finishing wood seemed so cool, but was so difficult to achieve optimal results. Then I discovered an article in Fine Woodworking magazine about a simple finish, using Boiled Linseed Oil and furniture wax. I tried it and fell in love!
Now boiled linseed oil is one of my favorite wood finishes because it’s quick, natural, easy to apply, and it gives a natural beauty. Buffing a layer of furniture wax on top can boost its sheen. I especially use it on the wood handles of my traditional woodworking hand tools.
However, there are trade-offs. A Boiled Linseed Oil finish (BLO) does take several days to completely dry and it doesn’t offer amazing protection against water stains, etc. But if you’re more into functional furniture (rather than French Polished period pieces) then a boiled linseed oil finish should work great for you.
Check out the video, then share your favorite wood finishing recipes with me in the comment box below!
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Hi Joshua,
I have also jumped into hand tools. I restored an old plane that looked pretty bad when I started and was pleasantly surprised when completed. My first lesson in using bench planes (last summer) was to always lay your planes on their sides to avoid damage to the finely honed edges. I’m just getting started and found Youtube a great resource.
Paul, that’s great that you’re getting started! Funny that you mentioned laying hand planes down. I also thought hand planes should be layed on their sides. However, I just met Don Williams today and we discussed this. He informed me that historically joiners layed their planes sole down to protect the blade, not side down. I guess the blade is more likely to get chipped & dulled if it’s exposed. But, at the end of the day, I’m not sure… Read more »
Hello Joshua,
I have been delighted to follow you from France over the past years. I haven’t posted any comments until then but I thought that I could send you the link of the finish that i use in my Workshop company: http://www.abbayedemaylis.org/nos-produits/cire-encaustique/
It’s made by monks and it’s has a very ancient receipe. We mainly do patrimonial/historical work.
Hi!
i have recently purchased a solid oak dinner table that is still raw wood. id like to protect for many more years and was wondering if you suggest using BLO or anything else