Probably daft quick Lemon Oil question

[Kalimna]

Greetings folks,
I am wanting to use lemon oil on part of a project, but first, is lemon oil a drying oil? Or does it merely soak in, like mineral oil, and not harden.
The info on the tins (for some unknown reason, I have tins from two differennt producers, neither of them used much at all) doesnt seem to say much other than "low sheen finish".

Cheers,
Adam

 

[paulm]

I've used it a fair bit on turned bowls Adam and it does dry, to a low sheen/matt finish.

A very thin oil it doesn't really build on the surface of the wood much but soaks in, but does dry, so no at all like mineral oil in that regard.

Cheers, Paul

 

[CHJ]

If you look at the Safety Data Sheets you will see that they are Naphtha Based (petroleum) (White Spirit?) The one I use certainly has that overtone until the light volatiles have dispersed.

It does not harden, will not build, and as Paul says will dry out over time, and need re-application over time for maximum 'scent' effect.

Needs care if piece is to be stood on a 'Finished' surface as Volatiles can bleed from surface, application of soft wax over the top after initial drying can help reduce this bleed rate.

 

[Kalimna]

Hmmm, thanks Paul, Chas.
The reason I asked is that I have an Indian Rosewood neck for latest guitar build that I would like finished in oil, but a very light coating, so as much of the 'wood' feel comes through. I thought perhaps lemon oil might work, but maybe a 'proper' finishing oil might be better?
Cheers, Adam

 

[CHJ]

Lemon Oiled treated pieces feel Silky to the touch, but they are not sealed and I suspect that in short order hand oil and dirt would become more prevalent on a piece subjected to constant handling.

 

[Muswell]

I have used Tru-oil with a final coat of lemon oil to stop finger marks on guitars, as recommended in the LMI article on oil finishes. I don't use a shiny finish on guitar necks, shifting is much easier with a matt finish. The violin family never has a shiny neck, except the very cheap Chinese ones. I bought one to experiment with and it was so hard to play I had to scrape the finish off.