Totally get where you're coming from—linseed oil can be tricky around water-heavy spots like sinks. Good on you for giving hardwax oil a shot, sounds like it's working better. Might have to try that myself next time I'm refinishing...
Hardwax oil's been great for me too, especially around the kitchen island. But have you noticed any difference in drying times compared to linseed oil? Last time I refinished my dining table, linseed took forever to cure properly...wondering if hardwax might save me some hassle there. Curious if humidity levels affect it as much, since that's always a battle in my place.
I've noticed the same thing about linseed oil—it's like watching paint dry, literally. Hardwax oil definitely cures faster in my experience, especially if you apply thin coats and give it good ventilation. Humidity still plays a role though...I refinished a client's coffee table last summer when it was super muggy, and it took noticeably longer than usual to fully harden. But overall, it's way less finicky than linseed oil.
Another bonus I've found with hardwax oil is that it doesn't yellow as much over time. Linseed can sometimes give lighter woods a bit of an amber tint after a while—not always ideal if you're aiming for a specific look. Plus, maintenance is pretty straightforward; touch-ups blend in nicely without needing to redo the entire surface.
Definitely worth giving hardwax a shot next time you're refinishing furniture—could save you some frustration (and drying-time anxiety).
"Another bonus I've found with hardwax oil is that it doesn't yellow as much over time."
Totally agree on this point—especially for lighter woods or minimalist interiors, that ambering can really throw off the look. Hardwax oil's been my go-to lately...way easier to manage and looks great long-term.
I've been curious about hardwax oil myself, but does it really hold up as well as traditional finishes in high-traffic areas? I've heard mixed things—some folks swear by it, others say it needs more frequent touch-ups. Definitely agree about the yellowing though; nothing worse than spending ages picking the perfect pale wood only to watch it slowly turn into a weird honey mustard shade...
