Le Tonkinois & Danish oil

[Storyline]

I am just about to varnish some interior Sapele using Le Tonkinois. I have been told I can optionally use Danish oil prior to varnishing. Has anyone any thoughts as to whether this is a good idea or not ?

 

[RobinBirch]

I have in the past used Danish oil as a first coat. A couple of advantages - Danish oil is 'light' compared to varnish and soaks into the grain. The other advantage is that it has a slight colour to it and if the surface you are applying it to is a little patchy this can even out the colour.

Put the Danish oil on with a brush and then wipe away surplus and leave to dry.

Good luck -bit cold for varnishing!

 

[varnishman]

Do not use Danish oil. The FAQ page at [url="http://www.letonkinoisvarnish.co.uk/"]http://www.letonkinoisvarnish.co.uk/ [/url] says the varnish should be applied as it comes with no thinning or preparatory coat.

For longest life you want the varnish to bond into the wood, not to the Danish oil. Le Tonkinois sinks into the grain as deeply as Danish oil.

The advice confusion may be because Le Tonkinois is made from Tung and Linseed oils so can be used over surfaces that have been previously coated with Danish oil but note the surface must be washed with white spirit to remove most Danish oil before applying.

I agree with the cold advice, the chemical reaction with oxygen in the air that hardens Le Tonkinois slows down considerably as the temperature drops so it can take days to dry. Additionally the varnish flows less so the finish is not as good. Best to wait till the Spring.

 

[Storyline]

Thanks LaTouche & Varnishman.

I have a huge quantity of aft Cabin at home at the moment so plan to varnish it here. I think a heater is needed for the boat.