Finishing fourmula

[Jeffrey Cole]

I tried this on some scrap wood and it seemed to work well
1/3 Tried and True 1/3 Prat and Lambert # 38 clear varnish satin 1/3 M. S.
Would like some feed back before I use in an a project that is ready for finish
I put this on with a rag and let it set for 30 to 45 min. Then wipe it off
I put 4 coats on my test piece.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
Jeffrey

[Stan Calow]

which version of Tried & True?

[Jeffrey Cole]

Stan I used Tried and True danish oil [polymerized linseed oil]

[Jim Becker]

The relevance of Stan's question is that you must use the "oil only" version of T&T which is basically polymerized BLO. You do not want the "original" finish which has oil and wax in it. I would not recommend the varnish oil verison either for this particular kind of concoction. Honestly, if you don't already have the T&T oil, simple BLO from the 'borg is just fine for the mix you propose. I absolutely love T&T oil and use it frequently, but putting it in the mix negates the advantages it has over other oils that have metallic driers in them.

[Prashun Patel]

Danish oil is essentially what you made with the 1/3,1/3,1/3, except instead of the T&T Danish oil, normally people would add pure tung or boiled linseed oil.

If you have the T&T Danish oil, just use that. It's a waste of other product, money, and effort to make that mix. You apply danish oil the same way as your 30/30/30 mix.

[Jeffrey Cole]

thanks for the help guys. Is tried and true a good stand alone finish. I was just trying to add some toughness to the finish for the table top, without a film build up. I like the feel of wood for the finished product. any suggestions for another finish to accomplish my goals?
Jim, what do you mean by "from the borg"?
thanks again

[Jim Becker]

T&T oil-only and oil+wax are very nice finishes, but are not typically used for "hard use" type items. They are essentially BLO products without the metallic driers that are in common BLO off the 'borg shelf. For a table that will be used, a wiping varnish would be a good choice. That Pratt and Lambert #38 is a wonderful finishing product and can be wiped on with thinning no problem. It was a favorite here for many years until it became hard or impossible to get.

[Jeffrey Cole]

thanks Jim, that really helped me. I am a new to finishing. I like the feel of wood as apposed to a film finish. I think the oil+wax will work for this table. it will not see heavy use.
thanks for your help!!
Jeffrey

[Prashun Patel]

"For a table that will be used, a wiping varnish would be a good choice."

I would not use oil and wax. You'll see the wear - even on if it is not subjected to 'heavy use'. The sheen will wear unevently over time and on a large, flat surface, it'll be noticed, and you may have to fix more frequently than you anticipate.

If you want in-the-wood, I'd stick with your danish oil, or a wiping varnish.

[Jeffrey Cole]

Jim what can I thin Pratt and Lambert with? I see on another thread that someone used a wiping varnish? if so what varnish should I use?

[Jeffrey Cole]

Prashum, thanks for your reply. Is Pratt and Lambert considered a wiping varnish? if so what can I use to thin it with?

[Jim Becker]

Jim what can I thin Pratt and Lambert with? I see on another thread that someone used a wiping varnish? if so what varnish should I use?

Naltha or Mineral Spirits/Paint Thinner is just fine.

[Jeffrey Cole]

thanks Jim, will try thin in the morning. think I will start with 2/3 P&L 1/3 MS and see how it goes.
thanks for all your insight !!