Posted by Mike Field. on May 14, 2001 at 16:22:50 from 203.26.98.4:
In Reply to: Varnish or linseed oil posted by JOHN NICHOLSON on May 14, 2001 at 10:40:32:
It's fine to use either, John. Linseed is simpler to apply, and to renew. If you're using it, thin it with a bit of turps, too, the first couple of times. Give it four or five coats over a few days. (Varnish will need six or seven coats at least -- the more the better.)
The main difference in appearance is that the varnish gives a gloss finish, the oil a duller satiny one. In a dirty atmosphere, which I don't imagine you have in Wales, oil can darken in time as it picks up pollutants from the air.
Either is OK protection-wise. But varnish can peel off and oil can dry out, so neither is fool-proof. Oil is much easier to maintain, though -- just slap a bit more on whenever necessary.