Salopian,
I think your basic question is excellent. I want a finish inbetween traditional oil and urethane-modified oil.
I prefer the look of linseed oil but desire more protection than plain oil but straight Tru-Oil is too glossy. So I mix the two.
  • Sealer coat; TO and turp about 50/50, the mix is meant to penetrate.
  • Filler coats are wet-sanded TO and Linseed about 30/70, too much TO in this step can make the filled pores glossier than the wood.
  • Working coats are about 40/40/20 TO, Oil, and turp.
  • Top coats are pure linseed.