Sparetime Scroller Posted August 8, 2017 Report Share Posted August 8, 2017 I've been caught by that animal puzzle bug like many of you. I've been dipping them in Danish oil as a finish but I'm not really happy with the results. I cut them in poplar and the finish gets too dark for my liking and kind of drab looking. I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that mineral oil was being used. Does that keep the poplar a little lighter? And is it the regular mineral oil you find at Walmart? Any help would be much appreciated. Ray F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iguanadon Posted August 8, 2017 Report Share Posted August 8, 2017 Hi Ray, Welcome to Animal Puzzle Anonymous... we feel for you... Yes, food grade mineral oil is what I use. I buy it from Amazon by the gallon and I get 350-400 puzzles out of a gallon. I dip the entire finished puzzle in, shake off the excess and then place them on a home made drying rack for up to 4 days to air dry. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VNI1JI0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Iggy SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iguanadon Posted August 8, 2017 Report Share Posted August 8, 2017 I forgot to answer your question... mineral oil does not make them darker, but it does bring out the grain and natural color in the poplar. Here are ones I just cut and have drying... Every time I go to Lowes/Home Depot for wood I look for varying light and dark pieces. Some animals look better in a darker tone. SCROLLSAW703 and wombatie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted August 8, 2017 Report Share Posted August 8, 2017 I use BLO/mineral spirit mixed 50/50. Can be handled in a day but takes a few more to cure. I also found that sanding to 220 grit before the finish provides a better sheen in the finished product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodmaster1 Posted August 9, 2017 Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 I like the drying rack Iggy. I think I will have to make one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparetime Scroller Posted August 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 Thanks for the information. I'm going to find some mineral oil and try that. Going to Lowes tomorrow to get some more wood and cut out some more puzzles. Ray F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted August 9, 2017 Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 7 hours ago, Iguanadon said: I forgot to answer your question... mineral oil does not make them darker, but it does bring out the grain and natural color in the poplar. Here are ones I just cut and have drying... Every time I go to Lowes/Home Depot for wood I look for varying light and dark pieces. Some animals look better in a darker tone. I've so many stains never used,I;m working on straightening out my shop now that i can stand.I've 25" of machines i can't use from the clutter from day one here from the move.I like the look of your mineral oil ones thanks for showing.That's one i don't have is mineral oil But lots of gallons of blo NEW $2.00 A GALLON mismarked at lowes i bought all years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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