Tanning Cherry

[Jerry Thompson]

Is it OK to apply BLO to cherry before putting it out to "tan"?

[Prashun Patel]

Yes it's fine. However, if you put too much on, it can bleed back out a little as the piece heats, which can cause some gummy spots, so just watch and wipe.

[Jerry Thompson]

Me thinks I will tan first and baste later. Thanks.

[Jamie Buxton]

In my experience, cherry tans faster if it has a coat of some solvent-based stuff on it. Over the years I've used BLO, tung oil, and varnish. They all work well.

[Scott Holmes]

I've done it both ways and didn't notice much difference. Bleedback shouldn't be too much of a problem on cherry.