NYCkayaker NYCKayaker Digest, Vol 32, Issue 7

[Geoff K.]

Please, please be very careful with disposal of linseed oil rags! Danish 
oil is essentially polymerized linseed oil. Improper disposal of linseed 
oil soaked rags can cause spontaneous combustion. The oxidation process 
for linseed oil is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat. Collections of 
used rags have been known to ignite because of the combination of excess 
heat and fumes. Be very careful to follow disposal instructions. There 
are many manufacturer's warnings along the lines of soaking used rags in 
water in a covered metal container or washing thoroughly before disposal.

The caution at the bottom of this page <http://tinyurl.com/45clp> from 
AllPro boiled linseed oil provides a good set of guidelines for 
disposing of used materials soaked with linseed oil.

Danish oil gives a great matte finish, and keeps the feel of the wood. 
It takes some time to fully oxidize and stop giving off that distinctive 
linseed oil smell, but it's worth it. Just be careful with the leftover 
finishing materials.

-- Geoff
> Thanks to all who made suggestions!  Clearly oil is the way to go.  I've got
> my Watco Danish Oil, unexpectedly found at Lowes, tomorrow I'll start
> sanding...
>
>
>
> Joy 
>
> ********************************************************
>  
> Joy Hecht
> and Matilda, 1989 burgundy vanagon
> www.joyhecht.net
>  
> ********************************************************
>