Boiled Linseed Oiled Stock?

[lshel]

I've started doing a BLO of my Garand stock and handguards. I have applied two coats so far. I wipe stocks down with BLO and leave on heavy for 1 hr then wipe down excess. First coat was dry in 12-14 hrs. Most information says it takes 12-24 hrs to dry. The most reoccurring instructions are to apply BLO once a day for a week. It also says after applying coats to let cure for a month before using. How many coats is considered adequate? On You-tube a person is showing where he applied 16 coats, I can't see how an oil finish can still seep into wood for that many coats. What is others experience on cure time before installing receiver/barrel? A month seems long. I plan on doing 3 coats on interior surfaces and seven coats on exterior surfaces. Then let stock/handguards cure for sometime prior to applying wax. But I'm not sure what that wait time is. Any input from anyone that has done boiled linseed oil finishing would be appreciated.

[TrickyNicky]

I think the benefit of so many coats isn't so much that you need that much to seep into the wood (although with some open grained woods you may), but more to build up the finish. Building is especially important if you plan on wet sanding and polishing to achieve a level and smooth finish.

[peejman]

You'd be amazed at how much oil some types of wood can soak up.  Depends on the wood and the oil.  That said, 16 coats sounds like about 10 too many.  If you want a finish that deep, just lacquer the thing and be done with it. 

[enfield]

I did 10 coats of tung oil on my M1 carbine and my 1894 Swede.  They came out really nice.

[ttocswob]

I'm a rank amateur, but...

 

To me the best thing about BLO is that after the first 2-3 coats, all you have to do is add a small amount, just wet the tip of your thumb and hand rub it into the wood. Do this while you watch tv or whatever. Eventually the grain starts to fill, and that wet glossy look doesn't go away anymore when it dries.

[lshel]

I have 5 coats added so for. I plan on doing 2 more coats. I have not gotten to point where surface has a wet glossy look after drying. Instructions say to wipe down surface when it looks wet/glossy. If wet/glossy it says will be tacky for linseed oil is on surface of wood, not in the pores. How many coats does that take?

Edited February 25, 2013 by lshel