Mineral Oil finish

[will8989]

I read in this month's magazine that Kayla uses a 5 gallon pail of mineral oil to finish her stuff. Has anyone ever used this? What are your results? It would be cheaper than tung oil, boiled linseed, etc, but I am not sure if the quality of the result would be the same. Any comments?

Betty

[PuzzledMoose]

I read in this month's magazine that Kayla uses a 5 gallon pail of mineral oil to finish her stuff. Has anyone ever used this? What are your results? It would be cheaper than tung oil, boiled linseed, etc, but I am not sure if the quality of the result would be the same. Any comments?

Betty

Erm ...from me - only one - what IS mineral oil - sorry if it's a dumb question!

[Marsha]

I read in this month's magazine that Kayla uses a 5 gallon pail of mineral oil to finish her stuff. Has anyone ever used this? What are your results? It would be cheaper than tung oil, boiled linseed, etc, but I am not sure if the quality of the result would be the same. Any comments?

Betty

Betty, I would be interested to know what type of stuff she is finishing.

I have used mineral oil, but only on things that I knew would come in contact with food, food cooling racks, wooden spoons, and some candy bowls. My results were fine, the mineral oil seals the wood and makes it easy to clean, but the mineral oil needs to be re-applied every once in awhile. I have never used tung oil, boiled linseed etc. so I can not compare mineral oil to these products.

I'm sure Mac will come along with a complete explanation of the use of mineral oil.

Marsha

[William Young (SE BC)]

Marsha is right. Mineral oil is the choice of most woodworkers for food related articles like wooden spoons, spurtles bread boards etc because it is an edible oil (to an extent) . Don't drink it though . It is sold in drug stores as a powerfull laxative
Most other woodworking related oils are preferred over mineral oil though for fretwok and scrolled items. Mineral oil soaks in well and takes several applications but it just leaves a dull finish on most woods and is apt to collect dust quicker than some of the other oils that cure better . We seldom see mineral oil used as a "finishing" oil.
W.Y.

[Dragon]

I thought I was wrong yesterday and didn't post but it is sold in drugstore and you make what is called a cocktail with it. Mix one tablespoon with orange juice and drink (yuk) the whole glass and it is used to try and induce labor also.

[will8989]

Thanks for everyone's answer! I can see where it would collect dust faster as it is rather thick and probably doesn't rub off that easily. Guess I'll just keep on using what I get the best results from. And no I won't be using it to try to induce labor! Way past that stage of my life. Just awaiting the arrival of my little angel grandchild!!

Betty

[PuzzledMoose]

Speaking of babies - isn't Baby Oil mineral oil???

[Dragon]

I am not sure of that but I don't think so Ian
Diane

[PuzzledMoose]

I am not sure of that but I don't think so Ian
Diane

2nd bullet point in the pink box http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/products/oil/baby-oil

That would make the wood smell nice ..lol

[Dragon]

I guess you are right about that Ian. I am not sure how it would work on the wood. Better try it on a piece of scrap first but yes it would definitely smell very nice.
Diane

[workin for wood]

How about suntan oil for them outdoor projects that have to sit in the sun all day. perhaps an spf 50 would keep the bench cooler?

lol

[Jediscroller]

As far as I know, mineral oil never actually dries either. I've read this in several places. I primarily use Watco Danish oil with a clear overcoat for virtually everything I build.

[Marsha]

As far as I know, mineral oil never actually dries either. I've read this in several places. I primarily use Watco Danish oil with a clear overcoat for virtually everything I build.

Kevin, I know we've read and heard that mineral oil never dries, but I'm not quite sure what that means. Are you thinking that the wood stays greasy or oily feeling after applying mineral oil? This is not the case, the mineral oil soaks into the wood very quickly, it does not leave an oily feeling on the wood.
Marsha

[Jediscroller]

Marsha,
My understanding is that it "bleeds." This should be simple enough to see, dunk a piece in mineral oil and when it's dried (or whatever it would be called for non-drying oil, hehehe), lay it on a paper towel for a while and see if the towel gets wet.
As I said though, I don't worry about it as I use a drying oil and haven't ever used mineral oil.

[hillmanjim]

Mineral oil is a by-product of crude oil. It is used in medicine as a lubricant, both internally and externally. It is a common ingredient in most skin lotions as well as tooth paste and other products. Internally it is a lubricant which produces a bowel action similar to a laxative therefore is called a laxative. It can remove Vitamin A from the intestine, therefore should not be used frequently. Also, it will "leak" if used more than a few days in regular doses. It comes as 'light' mineral oil which is used in baby oil and other skin oils. 'Heavy' mineral oil is used internally, but I think either could be used as a finish on wood. I do not care to use it as it can be wash off or out with detergents. It will also become rancid on exposure to air. Personally, I would find another oil type finish for wood products. These statements are generally true, but not "gospel." (Vaseline is also a heavier mineral oil). Make dust, friends.