Originally Posted by
INLAND44
RLO is not a 'finish' per se as much as treatment. The idea is that it soaks into the wood and does not 'dry' on the surface, creating a gloss that would not be desirable on a military weapon. Still, it does manage to give the stock a sheen over time which is very easy to remove by steam or just washing. Blo acts more like a varnish in that it will dry and build up on the surface forming a hard finish. RLO is applied with a small cloth or rifle cleaning patch in small quantities rubbed into the wood. Turpentine (mineral spirits) cuts it and makes the penetration faster while providing a solvency for cleaning. It also works with BLO the same way and to some extent helps cut down on the gloss if you use it as you would RLO. With either RLO or BLO you get the authentic scent that's like walking into a military gun room in the '50s. Linseed oil is also the scent that hits you at a gun show (along with old web gear) that guys think is Cosmoline ('I love the smell of Cosmoline in the morning'). You must have this stuff on/in your carbine stock or any other US mil surp with a wood stock. Then every time you open your safe/cabinet it's like walking into that gun room with racks of carbines. Just a little 'time machine' of sorts, if you will.