Expert: Jamie Yocono - 1/1/2009

Question
Jamie - how would you suggest we apply oil to our home's vaulted wood ceilings (they are pine) - I have a flat rectangular applicator one would use to mop floors, and have been told to apply boiled linseed oil by wrapping cheesecloth around the pad of the applicator. What is the best way to get the oil on the cheesecloth with having a mess or getting too much on the applicator so that it drips when we go to apply it on the ceiling? And would you recommend some other oil besides boiled linseed oil? Thanks.

Answer
Sally,

I have a bias against Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO), so can I discuss that first, before talking about how to apply it? Can we talk? LOL

First, BLO is smelly stuff, it virtually always has an odor, no matter how long it dries. Next, it never gets completely dry, in my opinion. I've used it on some pieces, and they still retain a very slight tackiness that I don't like. Some woodworkers thin BLO down with mineral spirits or turpentine. It aids in drying, as well as absorption. Thinning will help it flow on your wood better, too.

But there are some much better wood products out there, with better driers in them, that will help rejuvenate your wood. Try looking at Waterlox, CWF or Watco Danish Oil (my favorite).

The real key here is the ability to dry. BLO dries MUCH better than unboiled linseed oil, but it still isn't that great. A very popular wood finish to make yourself is

1/3 BLO
1/3 Turpentine
1/3 varnish (some people like to use spar varnish)

This recipe has enough thinners in it to help aid the drying of the BLO, and it I think it's light years better than plain BLO.

OK, on to your question...

There isn't an easy way to apply oil to a vaulted ceiling. I've tried it, my old home was a geodesic dome and much of the ceiling was wood paneled. You have to keep your applicator fairly dry, so that you don't have much dripping. I don't usually employ cheesecloth, but simply a sponge mop like you mentioned, dipping it in the oil, and then wringing it out about halfway.

I have seen people use a collar around the pole, to catch some of the dripping. If you can add some sort of a collar around the pole, you will save yourself a lot of cleanup. I've seen a painter/friend of mine cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle, like a bleach bottle, and poke a hole in it, sliding it onto the pole. You could also use something larger, like a large aluminum pan for a tray.

Since you want complete absorption, you probably want to put on two thin coats, rather than one thick one. I know... twice the work! But one thick coat is liable to puddle up in some places, leaving sticky/shiny spots that you don't want.

My best advice? Use Watco oil, apply it with a regular sponge mop that you can dip in the oil and wring out. This stuff is thinner than BLO, dries well, and is easy to use. I made a video about using Watco, it's on my woodworking blog, here is a link:

http://wooditis.blogspot.com/2008/05/watco-danish-oil-come-oil-and-laugh.html

As they say - I have a face made for radio, so try to ignore my lack of stage presence. :) But I think some of what I say in the video will be helpful to you.

OK, hope this helps. Write back if you need some more help, or just a shoulder to cry on. I've oiled ceilings before, and it's not much fun.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com