BLO & Stain

[valpo guy]

BLO over stain or stain over BLO?  Comments on either, good or bad.

[Roberta Moreton]

I stain first.  Wait a bit before wiping. When I am happy with the stain, I let it dry and apply the topcoat. 

[Roberta Moreton]

2 minutes ago, Roberta Moreton said:

I stain first.  Wait a bit before wiping. When I am happy with the stain, I let it dry and apply the topcoat. 

I don’t use boiled linseed oil.  

[Wichman]

On 7/16/2026 at 2:15 PM, valpo guy said:

BLO over stain or stain over BLO?  Comments on either, good or bad.

It depends on what you are trying to achieve and what type of stain you are using (dye vs pigment) and the solvent for the stain.

So what are you trying to achieve?  

[Bill WIlson]

I think using both seems sort of redundant.  I believe most oil based, pigment stains (like Minwax), use BLO as the base. 

What is it that you are trying to accompish by using both products?  Basically both are colorants and both should be top coated with some sort of clear finish.

[tomsteve]

the stain must be fully cured. 

never tried stain over BLO. I don't think it would soak in much as cured BLO would seal the grain

[Roberta Moreton]

Stain needs to be applied to Sanded, Raw, wood.  Read and follow the instructions on the can.  I have Never not wiped the stain before it dried.  Stain, wait a bit, wipe, allow to completely dry, topcoat.