Cohasset Colonials - Oil Finish Fact Sheet

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Oil Finish Fact Sheet

IMPORTANT: If you decide to use an oil finish containing linseed oil (example, Cohasset Colonials® Oil Finish) or tung oil, you should read this fact sheet and the special precautions described below before opening the can.

Why Use Oil Finish? There are many reasons why oil finishes are a popular choice for finishing furniture and other wooden items

Ease of Application. Oil finishes can be easily wiped onto and off the object being finished. Since the excess oil is wiped off while it is still wet, there is not the problem of drips and runs associated with varnishes and shellac.
Appearance. Oil finishes provide a pleasing, clear, low gloss look to wood surfaces.
Repairability. An oil finish, if scratched, can be easily repaired by applying another coat of oil finish to the damaged area.
A Natural Product. These days when synthetic materials are increasingly used, many people like using oil finish because it is a natural product derived from plants.
Appropriate. Oil finish is a historically appropriate finish to use on many types of reproduction furniture including Cohasset Colonials® reproductions.

Precautions You Must Take. Please read these carefully.

Health Hazards

DANGER: Contains gum turpentine, a toxic substance. Do not take internally -- can produce nausea, serious illness, or even death if swallowed. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when handling -- can irritate skin or cause dermatitis, and will irritate or damage eyes. Use only with fresh air and adequate ventilation -- prolonged breathing of vapors can produce headaches and dizziness. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Safety Hazards

DANGER: Contains linseed oil and gum turpentine, a combustible mixture. Do not use or store near heat, sparks, flame, or other sources of ignition. Oil Finishes can cause spontaneous combustion.

What are Oil Finishes? These are finishes containing either linseed oil (Cohasset Colonials® Oil Finish) or tung oil that cure by a chemical reaction that gives off heat.
What is Spontaneous Combustion? This means that materials can burst into flame all by themselves without anything else igniting them.
What is the DANGER? If oil soaked rags, steel wool, newspapers, or other oil soaked waste are not disposed of properly, enough heat can build up to cause spontaneous combustion. They can burst into flame.
What PRECAUTIONS must be taken? To avoid the danger of fire, oil soaked rags and other waste should be placed in a sealed water-filled container immediately after use. Another alternative is to spread the rags outdoors away from buildings in an airy spot until they are thoroughly dry. Close the container after each use.
What are safe DISPOSAL procedures? Keep water-filled containers outside and away from buildings. Replace the cap on the empty Oil Finish can, so that residue will not soak into waste paper or trash. Check with your local fire department for local regulations on disposal.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

First Aid

If swallowed, DO NOT induce vomiting. IMMEDIATELY call physician or local poison control center. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. For eye contact, IMMEDIATELY flush eyes thoroughly with water, then remove any contact lenses. Continue to flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. For headaches and dizziness, IMMEDIATELY leave the area, go out of doors and breathe deeply. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

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