I have lots of info for you to consider.  However, I am by no means a
professional.

I found that without exception "lemon oils" are mineral oil with added
color and scent.  Double check me.  I use the SDS to see and compare the
"ingredients" in lots of products.  Pure mineral oil is what is recommended
for wooden cutting boards though some people recommend thickening it with
beeswax to make a cream or paste that will last through washing a little
better.  In their 100% pure form, both mineral oil and beeswax are "food
safe".  Neither mineral oil or bees wax will ever "dry".  They do not
naturally give off VOCs and will only ever simply be absorbed, or washed
away.  Warmer temps encourage more and faster absorption.  Some people have
reported mildew as a result of using "lemon oil".  I have not experienced
this at all and would suggest that the primary cause of the mildew is high
moisture.  You will most likely find that most "teak oils" are basically a
mineral oil though some may have additional UV stabilizers and blockers.
Teak oils are also often colored brown instead of yellow but this is
aesthetic more than anything.

Linseed oil is a common wood finishing product and comes in 2 variations.
Boiled and raw.  Similar to mineral oil, raw linseed has no (or low) VOCs
and will never dry thought I believe it is slightly thinner than mineral
oil and will get better absorption.  As I understand it raw linseed and
flaxseed oil are basically the same thing though unlike pure mineral oil
and supermarket flaxseed oil, linseed oil should not be consumed.  Probably
not an issue, but it is worth keeping in mind should you be looking for a
product to condition your cutting boards.  I use raw linseed thickened with
bees wax as a natural preservative on my bee hives.  It definitely seems to
make a difference over unprotected wood.

I seem to recall that boiled linseed oil is not linseed oil at all but
rather a chemical concoction that actually has VOCs and ultimately dries.
As a single application it will go on similar to raw linseed or mineral
oil.  It will quickly absorb like raw linseed but has the advantage of
ultimately giving off those VOCs and drying.  A second application can
result in a slight shiny or satin finish as the second layer is now
building up on the dry layer below instead of soaking in.  A third
application can give a semi-gloss finish.

Now on to Danish oil.  Danish oil is akin to a very very thin colored
polyurethane .  It can be applied with a rag in the same manner as the
above mentioned products.  It comes in a variety of colors.  It will dry.
I like to use Danish oil on fresh, raw, neglected, or weathered decorative
interior wood as a base coat.  I find that applying it with a foam brush
leaves enough to soak in.  It is thin enough that it will soak in quite
well.  While it is wet you can keep applying more to get better and better
penetration.  Per the directions you would come back a few hours after
application to wipe away any extra and then allow to dry thoroughly (24
hours-ish).  When wiped away it leaves a natural finish that will be
resistant to being washed away.  Since it comes in various colors you can
also add back some youthfulness to greyed out wood as well as more closely
match existing wood.  This product is also a good fit for traction surfaces
and high moisture surfaces such as the stairs and the shower bench.  Once
the base is established, maintaining it with an oil product from above is
much less involved and lasts longer.  Just keep in mind that if the oil
product does not dry then it will impact slip resistance.

Hope this adds some options for you.

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C&C+
Solomons, MD

On Sat, Mar 27, 2021, 19:19 Dean McNeill via CnC-List <[email protected]>
wrote:

> Spring chores on the new-to-me C&C 34… every piece of the beautiful teak
> interior is coated in Cetol. It makes it look so DARK! I’m successfully
> removing the Cetol with a heat gun and scraper. After a light sand, I’m
> wondering if I varnish it or leave it uncoated (natural). I’m not a fan of
> oiling as it seems to attract dirt and grime. Obviously I’ll be treating
> any exterior woodwork… but what about the interior, varnish or natural? Or
> something else?Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the
> list to help with the costs involved.  If you want to show your support to
> the list - use PayPal to send contribution --
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu
Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the list to help with the 
costs involved.  If you want to show your support to the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

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