Storing opened Danish Oil.

[sydknee]

This has often been a problem for me.   I think I have wasted more than I have used by poor storage practice.   I normally just put the lid back on the can and end up with a skin on the top or the oil sort of oxidation.  Lately I have been thinking that perhaps if I had a large syringe of 500ml or larger this might just work as storage as it could squeeze all the air out and leave the oil in a better state.   All ideas are very welcome as Danish oil is not a cheap item here in New Zealand.

Syd

 

[kmmcrafts]

Wish I could confirm if that would work or not.. seems like it would help a lot at least. I've never had any issues but I think I probably use it up before it has a chance to get bad. Just make sure your storage syringe can handle the chemicals.. I once used one of these to mix up some lacquer for a air brush experiment and the lacquer melted the rubber on the syringe.. 

[Wichman]

Two ideas for you;

1. Ensuring the can is well sealed, turn the can upside down any skin or oxidation will occur on the " bottom " of the can.

2. 

Https://www.amazon.com/Bloxygen-Preserver-Spray-Seal-Store/dp/B01MU589ZQ/ref=asc_df_B01MU589ZQ?mcid=9f249891fde53f0bbb3f53c97a2a3b48&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693354973425&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10633570067031530619&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016216&hvtargid=pla-647121067872&psc=1

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I have Danish oil that is at least 10 years old and still as the day I opened the can. It is Watco Danish oil. 

[OCtoolguy]

I have a small plastic tub with lid. I poured a gallon of Watxo oil in it 2-3 years ago and it seems to be fine. I just dip and hang the project. 

[Bill WIlson]

Another "trick" I've seen mentioned on woodworking forums, is to add marbles to a partially used can of finish, to take up the air space in the can.  I've never tried that, but the innerweb claims it works.

I have turned cans of oil based finishes upside down, which has worked for me.  Bloxygen was mentioned above.  I've also read that one can use propane, as from a standard plumbers torch, to displace most of the oxygen that is in a partially used can of finish, just before you replace the lid.

I think the bottom line is to make sure the can is well sealed.  That means cleaning the area around the lid and seal so that dried finish doesn't prevent the lid from sealing tightly.  I've had partially used cans of finish that aren't skinned over even after several years.  It can be done.  All the other tricks are probably iffy at best and a waste of time & money at worst.

[Joe W.]

I've just started mixing my own wipe-on finish: 1 part pure Tung Oil, 1 part MS, I part gloss polyurethane (found on a YouTube Video).
I like that I can mix it in small batches and now use the smallest container for the mixed amount as needed. 
Sometimes I've used empty prescription bottles to hold the leftover amount with no problems.    
The first couple of times I used a larger container and was surprised to see how quickly the poly started to skim over in a day or two.
Between the small container (less air space) and turning the container upside down when finished, it seems to minimize the amount of poly that skims.
I also came across the suggestion to use glass marbles to take up the air space.  I haven't tried that yet as I tailor my mix to the item(s) I am finishing.

I've only done this for applying finish to dough bowls and it's worked well - I can wipe on a coat or two a day and so far, 4 coats have produced a good finish.

 

[don in brooklin on]

It was recommended at our club to use Stop Loss Bags. 

Available at Lee Valley https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/finishing/72867-finish-storage-bag?srsltid=AfmBOorilIeR2kn4xbKTG-J9T2mGmAPsx1Xr_yRYi2jrNoDGuWFSjX9-&item=62K0410

And Amazon too but I can only find in sets.

 

 

[sydknee]

Thanks everyone.    That’s a lot of good ideas to think about.  After reading the replies I have reached the conclusion that my housekeeping isn’t up to scratch. I’m a bit hit or miss with my sealing containers.  I do like the 
‘’ No loss bags” idea. Once upon a time it had crossed my mind that I could adapt a drinks bladder for storage but that’s as far as it went. 
Thanks again.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

4 hours ago, sydknee said:

Thanks everyone.    That’s a lot of good ideas to think about.  After reading the replies I have reached the conclusion that my housekeeping isn’t up to scratch. I’m a bit hit or miss with my sealing containers.  I do like the 
‘’ No loss bags” idea. Once upon a time it had crossed my mind that I could adapt a drinks bladder for storage but that’s as far as it went. 
Thanks again.

Would scare the heck out of me. Poke a hole and all over the place. Not me. Put in  a smaller can to compensate for air. Put a piece of plastic film on top . Look up finishing sites they have all the tricks. 

https://ardec.ca/en/blog/11/how-to-prevent-finishing-product-leftovers-from-drying-skinning-or-hardenin

[Joe W.]

On 1/7/2025 at 10:29 PM, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Put a piece of plastic film on top

I like that idea better than using marbles.  Thanks!