Brush, foam brush or cloth?

[wsteer]

Hi, having done all the preparation I am going to try oil instead of varnish on the brightwork this year. As a rule, is it better to use a brush, a foam brush or a cloth to apply the oil?
Any comments would be appreciated..

 

[mormargh]

We have found the foam brush to be quite effective. Less surplus left to rub in afterwards. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Seagreen]

What sort of oil is it? A varnishing oil like Varnol or LeTonkinois, or (god help you) Linseed? Don't ever use linseed, It'll go black, unless that's the look you want. I've used Varnol with a brush and foam, and I prefer foam, though my local specialist paint shop sells excellent and 'king cheap varnish brushes. Foam is better for cross grain application, though really there's not much in it except for disposability - foam is almost expendable, though I get several coats out of a single brush. If you are putting on a Danish wood or teak oil, then as its a bit thicker, use a small cloth - cheap and effective, as you won't be looking for a shine.

 

[Dayspring]

Sorry seagreen, but I've been using linseed (boiled) mixed with an antufungal like cuprinol for ages, and only needs redoing every 6months. I fell out of love with varnol!

 

[Seagreen]

So do you get a nice glossy finish? What's your mixture? Anything to keep my varnish bill lower!
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Seanick]

The 'secret' to good brightwork is good covers that fit!

 

[Seagreen]

Absolutely. Good covers will pay for the time they save you in unnecessary varnishing work. Not many good covermakers about anymore, sadly.

 

[Dayspring]

Oh, a bit of one and a bit of the other. got to be fairly thin. It's more to feed the wood than a layer. It is fairly glossy though. It's not the bill, but the amount of work involved in varnish that puts me off. can't bear all that sanding back and prep nonsense! and I agree, slapping it on is much easier! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif