Flyboytj
Member
What does BLO do in the CA finishing system?
BLO question
- Thread starter Flyboytj
- Start date
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dalemcginnis
Local Chapter Leader
I don't know about others but for me when I use BLO I've never glued my paper towel to the blank:redface: For me that's enough.
My experience is the BLO makes the CA application a little more predictable. I use a drop or less of BLO on the paper towel before drizzling on the CA. If I omit the BLO the CA may flash hard almost immediately, or it may not harden quickly enough depending on humidity, temp, phase of the moon, hours of sunshine in the weather forecast for tomorrow, how long my hair is, and various other unknown factors. With a tiny bit of BLO the response is predictable and managable.
Bree
Member
BLO has two functions when used in conjunction with CA. First it is an accelerator. It assists the CA in curing quickly... not as quickly as spray accelerator but at a quick controllable rate.
Second, it acts as a lubricant allowing the CA to spread easily and smoothly across the blank. When you are done applying each layer, you will see that little or no sanding is required as the surface is smooth and glossy like glass.
Note that the BLO is applied AFTER the CA. It does not go on the wood. If you put it on wood it ceases to have these functions and simply becomes an oil finish for the wood. That means it must be given adequate time to dry which is usually measured in at least a day or mores time.
Hope that helps.
Second, it acts as a lubricant allowing the CA to spread easily and smoothly across the blank. When you are done applying each layer, you will see that little or no sanding is required as the surface is smooth and glossy like glass.
Note that the BLO is applied AFTER the CA. It does not go on the wood. If you put it on wood it ceases to have these functions and simply becomes an oil finish for the wood. That means it must be given adequate time to dry which is usually measured in at least a day or mores time.
Hope that helps.
dalemcginnis
Local Chapter Leader
Note that the BLO is applied AFTER the CA. It does not go on the wood. If you put it on wood it ceases to have these functions and simply becomes an oil finish for the wood. That means it must be given adequate time to dry which is usually measured in at least a day or mores time.
Hope that helps.
Sorry Bree I have to disagree with you on that. I apply my BLO first and use the CA immediately after and never have a problem. I also use the BLO between each coat of CA.
witz1976
Member
And thus the reason why everyone will agree that each develops their own method.
I tried BLO and couldn't get a good finish so I don't even use it.
I tried BLO and couldn't get a good finish so I don't even use it.
Sberger
Member
Gosh, I use BLO directly on the wood first and get a good gloss on the wood. Run it fast and get a little heat and it shines much better. Then CA to preserve the shine, and repeat about 4 times. But then again everyone develops their own method, so who cares.
its_virgil
Member
Like Dale I apply the boiled linseed oil onto the wood first then the CA. I also apply boiled linseed oil between coats. I've had no issues with the CA nor the oil taking any longer to dry than when I apply boiled linseed oil on top of the CA. I do both(over and under) on the same pen sometimes.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Note that the BLO is applied AFTER the CA. It does not go on the wood. If you put it on wood it ceases to have these functions and simply becomes an oil finish for the wood. That means it must be given adequate time to dry which is usually measured in at least a day or mores time.
Hope that helps.
dankc908
Member
The BLO will also, slightly, darken the wood. It also 'pops' the grain. I like the effect but I know of others who do not.