Do I need to wear gloves when using Tried & True? No, Tried & True finishes are completely 100% safe for skin and food contact. You do not need the added protection of gloves to apply Tried & True finishes.
Can you use Tried & True wood finishes to finish hardwood floors? Yes, you can finish hardwood floors with Tried & True. For the easiest application, follow these floor finishing instructions.
I've heard that linseed oil is not food grade. Is that the case with your products? There are a variety of ways to process linseed oil from flaxseeds, and one should not confuse "boiled" linseed oil with "polymerized" linseed oil. Many producers of boiled linseed oil add metallic driers to their blends to decrease the overall dry time of the finish. However, by adding these metallic driers, it no longer is a food grade product. Tried & True uses "polymerized" linseed oil in the blends which do not contain metallic driers, solvents, or VOC's.
I've heard that using linseed oil makes the cure time much longer, sometimes weeks to cure just one coat. Is that true with Tried & True products? This is not true. There is a misconception in our industry that more is better. Tried & True products are meant to be applied at VERY THIN applications, and the number one reason for a long cure time is over application. If after 24 hours you still notice some finish remaining on the surface, take a lint free cloth and rub vigorously until the surface is dry.
Is there a shelf life to Tried & True products? There is no known shelf life to any of the Tried & True products. As long as the container is sealed up, the product inside will be good.
Can I use Tried & True finishes for making my own pigmented stains? Yes, you can. The Tried & True Danish Oil can be used in combination with oil-based paints to create your own stains.
Can I use Tried & True products on outdoor furniture or as a deck stain? No, Tried & True Danish Oil, Varnish Oil, and Original Wood Finish are intended for interior use only.
Can I apply Tried & True with a brush? No, all of the Tried & True finishes are hand applied with a lint-free cloth. This ensures that you do not overuse the product and will allow you to extend the coverage rate. Tried & True products are 100% solids. While the coats are thin, it will cure to a tough and durable finish that will protect and last for years if applied properly.
Should I heat up the finish before trying to apply it? Tried & True finishes are formulated to flow the best at room temperature. It is not recommended to heat the product up.
Can I use one Tried & True product over another? Yes, there are many added benefits to layering our products. You can use the darkening effects of the Danish Oil, the scratch resistance of the Varnish Oil and the liquid protection of the Original Wood Finish all on the same project. However, it is imperative to know that once the Original Wood Finish is applied, the only other finish that will bond to it is another wax based finish. If you try to apply a non-wax based finish on top of the Original Wood Finish, it will result in the top layer gumming up and never developing a good bond. It is wise to apply the Original Wood Finish coats last.
Can I use Tried & True to finish anything besides wood? No, Tried & True wood finishes are meant for wood only.
Is it necessary to burnish with steel wool between coats? This step is highly recommended. Burnishing with 0000 steel wool will help bring out more of the sheen to the wood and help to highlight the grain while polishing the wood finish to a smooth texture.
Do I need to worry about ventilation when using Tried & True? No, Tried & True does not contain any solvents or VOC's so you do not need to worry about toxic fumes.
How much finish is a "thin coat"? It is recommended that you use as thin of a coat as possible. Start by taking a small dab in the corner of a lint free cloth and work from the center of the wood out towards the corner.
Does room temperature or humidity affect how a Tried & True finish dries? Yes, both temperature and humidity will affect cure times. Generally speaking, the colder the temperature and higher the humidity, the longer the cure time.
Can Tried & True products be diluted with a solvent or citrus solvent? It is not recommended to dilute the Tried & True products. This will compromise the integrity of the product and will also cause the finish to no longer be food safe or environmentally friendly.
Tried & True Danish oil is a superior penetrating linseed oil finish that is polymerized for fast and easy application on interior woodwork and furniture. It is also ideal for wood paneling, cabinets, salad bowls, wood utensils, butcher blocks and surfaces that come in contact with food. Danish Oil Finish is commonly used by woodworking professionals for application to bare wood or overtop an already-stained piece. Danish Oil will darken the wood slightly and can be combined with oil-based pigments to create wood stains.
