3.5 ounces would appear to be a lifetime supply!

One quick question, should I rinse the chips off (with alcohol?) before steeping in Linseed?

There is a lot of fines in the bag and do not want to turn the oil gritty.

Suppose I could tie some up in a coffee filter just to be safe.

This even a concern?

Best,
Mark

I have never had a batch with grit in it as you describe. I would not rinse the chips in alcohol, I believe you would rinse off much of the color in the alcohol. I can see that the grit could be a concern in your oil, however. The filter idea seems workable to me, perhaps a bag of the stuff tied tightly like a tea bag and steeped in the oil for several weeks.

Grind it in a blender, throw it in the oil, place in the sun, use when you like the color. Grit is not a problem and you can strain the oil through cheesecloth or the like if it concerns you. Don't rinse it or you'll lose the color.

I'm going to try some also and it's my feeling that all the grit and other particles will fall to the bottom, I'll just pull the oil from the top.

Rob

Rob, that is what happened with the concoction I made last summer. The first steep was in a Quart jar, after 3 or 4 months I decanted half into a wide mouth pint jar and let it sit for a few days. I just pick the oil up on my finger tips to apply on the stock. I guess you could use a paint filter if you were worried about it, but it don't seem to be necessary. I also mixed some with alcohol and some with Tung oil, however I prefer the color, contrast and richness that linseed oil imparts to quality walnut.

Jim A.

So I take it we are simply talking about raw linseed oil (artists grade?)with root steeped in then applied to unfinished walnut till the desired colour is achieved?

Greg, that is exactly where I was going with this.

Best,
Mark

if you do a search, there was a thread that wound up being ~pages on thi svery topic. Just search for "alkanet root" and click on the longest thread. You will get many helpful suggestions and methods

Alkanet Thread

About 30 pages worth.

Mark,

I shall be going up to visit my son in Boston, probably end of May,
and would appreciate your source so I can order some and bring it down.

JC(AL)

JC,

http://www.naturalpigments.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=455-12S

It is about a double handfull of smallish chips and strips...I think you can get a 10oz bag for $10 as well. I had it in under 2 weeks from the day I ordered it on-line.

Any time for Northbrook?

Best,
Mark

Thank you Mark.

Northbrook?

My probable 10 day itinerary can fall between May 27 and August14, so...

JC(AL)

Mark, just saw what it was. Unfortunately the dates (May 18-20) do not fit.

Any other suggestion would be welcome.

JC(AL)