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What is your favorite finish and why?

I'm personally a big fan of BLO/wax finish. I haven't turned yet, but uses this finish on many flatwork pieces in the past. While not a durable finish, it can be readily re-touched and offers such a warm natural glow. If it's good enough for Richard Raffan it's good enough for me.

Like you I'll be interested in others responses to this topic. So much to learn, so many possibilities. Hopefully you find what you are looking for in this thread.

Gregory
The two finishes I use most are Tried and True and a mixture of walnut oil and beeswax which I prepared.
 
Tried & True for me, all three versions (Varnish Oil, Original Wood Finish, and Danish Oil).
I use them almost interchangeably, but if I want a bit more surface build for some minor protective reason, I use the T&T Varnish Oil for its pine resin film, but it will not build like multiple coats of Minwax Wiping Varnish or Waterlox (I've used tons of both of those over the years, and homemade blends). Thin coats, thin coats with T&T! Apply as directed. I typically stop after two coats. A can lasts a long time when used as instructed. I use it exclusively now because of no other chemicals in the recipes.

I'm not a fan of mineral oil-based finishes. It might look nice, and it's food-safe, but mineral oil does not cure (polymerize into a solid), and will wash away on food contact pieces that are washed- detergents will wash it away.
 
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