"Generic" finish

[PerranOak]

I have made a few simple things for the shop; mostly boxes and "things" from cheap pine and plywood to keep bits-and-bobs in.

I'd like to finish them with something just to tone down the very blond look (but not too dark) and help preserve them - the room is well ventilated but dampish, oddly(!)

What could I use for a simple, cheap finish?

I looked at boiled (also raw) linseed oil or something called just "finishing oil" also danish oil (darkens the wood?). They are cheap.

Cheers.

 

[wizer]

yes finishing oil or danish oil would be ok.

 

[lurker]

I use liquid parafin quite a lot on turned stuff.
Its food safe & gives a clear matt finish

I buy Liquid parafin BP from one of those country stores that sell stuff for horses. Its about £4 for 500ml

Works a treat so long as you are not in a rush over drying times between coats- overnight seems to work.

I've been advised to get similar from IKEA but life is too short to visit that place.

 

[lurker]

Wilkinsons hardware sell Rustins Danish oil cheap

 

[Geno]

I'm fairly sure the fellas bottling Liquid parafin BP for the horses weren't expecting it to be used for woodwork!!

Good thing to know tho, even if its a long way from the intended use!!

 

[PerranOak]

Thanks all.

So, boiled linseed oil is no good then?

 

[jlawrence]

I use linseed oil for finishing all sorts of stuff - normally just the raw linseed that I put on my cricket bat.
Thanks for the tip, next time I'm passing Wilkinsons I'll pick up some danish oil.

 

[jerryc]

Not sure whether you are hooked into an oiled finish. One finish that would tone down the raw timber look and give a warm glow is of course shellac.
Easy to apply and gives a depth no other finish can. Also it's cheaper than danish oil.
If you go along that path then buy flakes and mix your own.

Jerry

 

[PerranOak]

Thanks all.

I've tried linseed oil (adds no colour!) and will now try a danish(!)

Not hooked on oil, I thought it might be cheap and cheerful. The shellac sounds like fun though!