Boiled linseed oil: conflicting info!

[carefulann]

Hello! I'm a complete newcomer to finishing wood. I have a new unfinished pine dresser and I'd like to oil it. The person who made it said to use boiled linseed oil -- but when I asked someone else, he said NO NO NO, linseed oil is flammable and should only ever be used on outdoor things and that if I put the finished dresser too close to a heater it would burst into flames. Needless to say, I'd rather that didn't happen. I've searched all the threads here, though, and there seem to be people using linseed oil on indoor furniture -- so I'm confused. Any thoughts?

Second question: if linseed oil is okay, should I cut it with turpentine or use it full strength? Again, I've had conflicting answers. Someone yesterday told me that if I cut it with turpentine, it would soak too deeply into the wood and I'd never be able to refinish the dresser.

Third question: would tung oil be better/safer?

Many thanks --
Erin.

[Sir Chiz]

Erin,you have to be careful with any rags used to apply boiled linseed oil "blo",if left wadded they can spontainiously combust!
Blo soaked rags should be spread out flat to dry BEFORE disposing them,preferably on a non flammable surface,ie,metal,cement floor etc., better if you can lay them flat outdoors till they dry.
When BLO cures,it produces heat,if a rag is left wadded the heat can't dissapate and heats up to the point of combustion.
That said...you can use BLO for a finish but it alone won't offer much protection to the wood,it will form a film but it's relatively soft.
I use a 50/50 mix of BLO and naptha(also flammable) to add color(amber)and it helps hilite
the grain in wood.Then I used an oil-base varnish over it for more protection.
Turpentine will make drying time much longer and it stinks longer.Mineral spirits would be better and naptha will dry even quicker.
All should be used with "adequate ventilation", the fumes aren't good for you.

Depending on the "look" you want should dictate the finish you use,BLO will give you a matte to satin finish,if you want more gloss,you should probably use a "wiping varnish".
Minwax Antique Oil is a wiping varnish that is easy to use and produce a semi gloss.

DO NOT put an oil based finished on any inside surfaces like drawers etc.,the smell will never go away and permeate any cloth items in it.

What "look" are you after? Matte,semi-gloss,gloss?
What will the piece be used for?

Phil.

[soundman]

sounds like anothe job for the polishers handbook!

[globak]

I am the Australian Distributor for Minwax products. I can supply Antique Oil Finish of required. I have a large range of quality Minwax products for sale.