Tried & True

[Roy Wall]

Just picked up some T&T from our good friends @ Lee Valley....

I've never used the product before so wanted some input / suggestions..

From the label it looks like very safe stuff! Does zero VOC mean I don't have to crank open a window while its drying (just apply in the basement)????? Surely I need some ventilation....

Also, it says to cure 8-10 hours before buffing - if I want multiple coats, do I buff anyway, or just start adding another coat??

Thanks guys!

[Jim Becker]

Tried and True is basically polymerized linseed oil. "Safe" is a marketing term...all finishes sold today are safe once fully cured. T&T, in theory, is "stafe" even when dripping wet...but I wouldn't consider drinking it, however!!

I like to let each application cure for a day before the next one goes on. Once I have the coats I want, I wait about a week before buffing. That's just my personal preference.

It also helps to heat it up to about 135 degrees in a water bath to promote quicker absorbtion of the oil into the wood. I just use a cheap hot plate, a cheap pan with water in it and the can in the water. The temp is measured with a cheap candy thermometer.

Off course, I'd be remiss in saying that you will pretty much get the same effect from garden variety Boild Linseed Oil in the gallon cans from the big box...for a lot less money. But I really like the T&T product (straight oil or the oil/beeswax mix) for decorative items that don't need a varnish or lacquer finish.

[Mark Singer]

Roy,

If it is the Original Finish then you apply a thin coat with a rag...rub in good. Leave on for one hour and rub out... wait at least 3 days and give it a second coat.

The Varnish oil is different...I don't use it often

The Danish Oil , I have never tried

There are 3 products....the Original is the most popular and the one I use often

[Jay Knepper]

Tried and True is a very nice finish, notible for its lack of "nasty" ingredients. It's one of my favorite finishes.

Some people advocate warming it to about 120 F in a water bath. I have not tried this yet, but I intend to since it is rather thick at room temperature. Warming it should cause it to soak in faster. I wipe off all coats to the point where a nice glow appears.

You can pick it up at Woodcraft as well as Lee Valley.

[Roger Myers]

This will be the second time today I have agreed with Mark
T&T original is a great finish - emphasis on the word THIN coat....it says it on the can, but many people still lather it on thick....won't help any and makes it much harder to use....
apply thin...let is soak an hour...
clean rag and rub till you have removed all excess...
I only wait a day until I apply a second THIN coat (wait 1 hour and rub out excess)
Repeat...I generally give at least 4 or 5 coats...
Great on cherry....nice on maple
I avoid it on open pore woods like oak...
Roger

[Roy Wall]

Roy,

If it is the Original Finish then you apply a thin coat with a rag...rub in good. Leave on for one hour and rub out... wait at least 3 days and give it a second coat.

The Varnish oil is different...I don't use it often

The Danish Oil , I have never tried

There are 3 products....the Original is the most popular and the one I use often

Mark - I got the stuff per your suggestion in other posts!!

LOL---I got the Danish Oil!!! LV recommended it the most for furniture....
It does say to "apply Very thin coats" right on top of the can - with brush, cloth, sponge or dips. I'll do two coats.

I will warm it up - thanks for the info.....on a register duct just for test -- along with the warm water bath....

I don't have a heated garage - would the fumes be safe in the basement?

[Mark Singer]

Dispoe of the rags in water. The Danish Finish is probably a little more viscous. Next time try the original...All their products are great!

[Andrew Alexander]

I got an old crock pot from the goodwill store for a couple a bucks that work well for water baths for warming finishes...can be used to melt hide glue flakes as well...a

[Corvin Alstot]

I don't have a heated garage - would the fumes be safe in the basement?

Roy/
I just bought the Original Wood Finish; I am applying it to an antique silverware box that I am restoring. I am using this stuff indoors, in my office, and my wife has not made one comment on the odor. She also loves the finish so far.

I am sure it will be safe in your basement!

[Roy Wall]

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips!!! I will use ALL of them........

I knew SMC would be a virtual library

This rookie is very appreciative ........