All About Oil Finishes on Woodcarvings!

I spent a LOT of time on this one, both in preparation, research, and TIME. I wanted to know for myself what the differences were in these oils and not just to know but to see and feel the difference. I do my level best to explain all of that for you from the standpoint of a carved surface and what it will look like or be beneficial for in that light. Hope you enjoy it!

If you find any kind of value in this video, like it and subscribe, please! That will encourage me to make more! If you want to help out in other ways, head over to my Etsy and buy a carving sticker for your water bottles, carving totes, or work space!

Thanks for stopping by!

[werdnacole]

Thanks Johnny. The best explanation of oils and finishes I've heard.

[kennymackay]

This was fantastic. Really useful information. Wish I had this when I first started out.

[daveo.]

Interesting video, I'm not a wood carver like you but I used to make recreations of early American long rifles. I used a lot of BLO and BLO based finishes. I used turpentine as a thinner when a thinner was needed. I also used it on the rust browned metal because it penetrated the browned finish and polymerized it. I used to lay any rags that had BLO on them flat on the concrete floor and let them dry before disposing of them.

[JohnJude-dped]

I've used tung oil for woodworking it's my favorite.For handrail they seem not to ever get dirty or dull, My handrail I made 8 years ago and I am guilty of working often in my garden and garage and then showering down in my basement that's a great testimony for how great it stays clean and still like the day I hung the railing.
Only once did I start to clean with
Johnson and Johnson Pledge furniture lemon wax .I stopped myself because I had noticed it was great and nothing to clean up.
Johnny you definitely did a great investigation.
I've never heard so much interesting information about the oil finish.
As a first under cost I like Danish oil and it claims best for undercoat for the most finishes.Dainish oil is one of the fastest ones to dry. Linseed I use on handles to avoid blisters
Thanks good information

[mikereed]

Johnny! I'm happy to see I'm not the only crazy carver out there that has spent way too much time researching oil for wood. I haven't found a way to enjoy painting yet, so I've done a lot of experimenting. Right now I soak my carvings in mineral oil and let air dry 2-3 times, brush on a thick layer of homemade 50/50 mineral oil and bees wax paste, then clean it off and buff with a clean rag the next morning.

[michaelgalis]

This video was just what I was looking for! Thanks for making it! Also I love your reference to the Wolf of Wallstreet haha

[khullain-paints]

A very informative video man. As someone just getting into carving the headache around what finishes do what etc has been kinda frustrating

[brianschleinkofer]

Great video. I can't imagine the time you put into this research and video. I use mineral oil only. It's quick and easy and doesn't stink. You convinced me to try the Danish oil, we'll see how that works out.

[whittler]

Great info Johnny .. wonderful info of finishes and the use ..Thank you so much for sharing

[Vukadluk]

Very good comparison. Can you suggest one of them for Briar Pipes?

[Ray_Steinhart]

Thanks for the video. I use blo before paint, then Howard’s feed and wax after. Seems to work well, but always looking for variations. What’s your favorite before, and after?

[thomasjohnson]

I have used Howards on painted carvings I applied mineral oil to unfinished carvings I didn't like it . I mostly paint on washed down carvings . I have used natural 209 and blo on unpainted carvings but I can't tell a lot of difference in oiled or just bare wood when painting. I also used Deft spray on painted carvings

[mikereed]

Using Tung Oil on a cutting board sounds very wrong, but let me know if I'm missing anything you considered. This would form a polymerized layer when it cures, which would then be damaged by your knives and enter your food. Is that safe? Is Tung Oil a scent or flavor you want to include on something that touches your food?