Using the Real Original

1. Preparation: When refinishing, remove the non-wood parts from the piece or isolate with tape. Use your favorite paint/varnish stripper to remove the old finish and follow their directions (we generally use Strip-Ease). If dents in the wood are encountered these can generally be removed by placing a damp cloth over the dent then putting a hot iron on the damp cloth taking care to not burn the wood or yourself. Scratches can be sanded but take care to remove only a little wood at a time. Be particularly careful if sanding a portion of the piece where a non-wood part will be reattached for this may ruin the fit. Wipe the piece with lighter fluid and let dry. Rub the piece with 000 (fine) steel wool before applying the first coat of Lin-Speed. Apply any color stain to the piece desired and let it dry according to manufacturer. The stain can contain no sealer or polyurethane. Do no “grain-raising” or “de-whiskering.” If checkered areas need refinishing use a brass brush of moderate stiffness with the paint/varnish remover.  When finishing a new stock be sure that all sanding and other means of preparation have been made to your liking.  Again, there can be no other finish on the piece that may prevent the penetration of Lin-Speed into the wood.    
   
2. Application: Just dip the tips of your index and middle fingers into the Lin-Speed and spread it over the piece evenly.  We suggest pouring a little Lin-Speed at a time as needed into a second container and resealing your original jar.  This will prevent any debris from getting back into the fresh jar of Lin-Speed and keeps the Lin-Speed from hardening in the jar. Spread thinly just enough Lin-Speed to fill the pores of the wood. Putting too much Lin-Speed on will not help to build the finish and will only delay the dry time. Dry time (2 to 6 hours) will depend on working conditions. Conditions that are relatively dry and warm are best (room temperature and low humidity). Do not heat Lin-Speed! When applying Lin-Speed to a checkered area put no more that two coats brushing out excess with a clean small paint brush trimmed back to enhance bristle stiffness.  Treat the first coat as though it were stain.  Rub just enough Lin-Speed to cover the entire stock then wipe the stock with a clean lint-free cloth and let it dry for a few hours.  Then you are ready for another coat.  Three coats should be plenty. 
   
3. Final Finish: A beautiful Lin-Speed finish is obtained by applying around three coats. Between each coat, which has been allowed to fully dry, rub the piece with 000 steel wool down to the wood and wipe with a clean dry cloth. This helps the finish in the wood pores to level off with the rest of the finish and prevents the finish from building up away from the wood. The last, one or two, very moderate applications of Lin-Speed Oil should not be reduced with 000 steel wool and the clear finish deep within the wood (with almost none on the surface) will reveal all the natural beauty of its grain.

Important: The best results will be had when Lin-Speed Oil is the only finishing material used. Especially do not use a sealer as it will prevent the penetration of Lin-Speed which is vital to the Lin-Speed finish. Apply only to wood of low moisture content. Keep lid closed tightly and store jar upside-down. Discard if contents begin to noticeably thicken.