Replies

1. 
   ak | Jan 30, 2008 09:27pm | #1

   Well, I would not recommend it. You see Danish Oil is really a kind of wiping varnish. It builds like a varnish only in many more applications cause it's thinned with other elements. Really, Danish Oil would be the only finish you would need. If you want to use Poly here's a formula my teacher taught me :

   Mix equal parts of :

   Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine
   Boiled Linseed Oil
   Oil Based Gloss Poly

   This is a great formula that works and finishes similar to a Danish Oil.

   Another great option would be Waterlox. They have a good product.

   Adam

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 30, 2008 10:09pm | #2

   Danish oil is a mix of oil, usually linseed oil and varnish.  You can mix additional varnish and will get a somewhat more hard drying finish, though you should still treat it as an oil finish, applying, let it penetrate for a short while, and then thoroughly wipe off all the residual.  This gives an "in-the-wood" finish with no surface film.  If you want a film finish then apply the varnish over the oil finish.  If you are going to apply varnish, you might as well use BLO (boiled linseed oil) instead of Dansih oil--it will look virtually identical and cost less.  Traditional resin varnish makes a better furniture finish than polurethane varnish because it is clearer, still plenty durable for anything not made to be walked on, and will rub out more easily to an even sheen. 

   By the way, you should NOT use any oil based finish inside the blanket chest.  The odor can linger and permeate the contents for quite a long time.  Use shellac or a waterborne finish. 

   
   

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   Edited 1/30/2008 7:24 pm ET by SteveSchoene

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 30, 2008 11:19pm | #3

   That would be "NOT use any oil base inside the chest".  ;o)

   Why use the danish oil. Let the cherry age itself to its own beauty.Gretchen

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 31, 2008 03:25am | #5

   Thanks.  NOT using oil-based inside is correct.  I've edited my post. 

3. 
   ak | Jan 31, 2008 12:28am | #4

   Steve's right. The odor does linger for a long time. I also agree about a true resin varnish. Poly is a decent substitute cause varnish is harder and harder to get. My teacher always preferred we use a varnish over poly. Steve suggested using shellac on the inside. I would go with that. If you do that, then what about a shellac finish on the outside as well? It will really bring out the beautiful colors of the cherry, especially as it ages like Gretchen says!

   Adam