Just to be clear in case it isn’t obvious, this isn’t for eating, but for treating untreated wood. If you try to ingest it, you’ll have some major problems — so let’s not be confused about this.

My Uncle Mike gave me this recipe, which was passed down to him from his Uncle Allen (my great-uncle). He had the original written instructions framed and occupying a place of honor in his garage workspace.

There is no stain in this, but it will darken pale wood to a nice golden color. Darker woods will darken a little more. I used it on a poplar basket, which had a very pale color when untreated (below). Two coats doesn’t create a smooth gloss the way polyurethane alone would. It’s possible that more coats will do this eventually, but Uncle Allen’s recipe said to finish the wood with a wax paste, which would add a little smoothness and shine. I just applied two coats yesterday, so I may post an update later on if I try applying with wax.

Uncle Allen’s original recipe said to mix everything in an empty coffee can. While this should still work, I would recommend using an empty paint can. This comes with a metal lid that you can seal securely, which will help preserve the treatment between uses and make it easier to shake to mix. He also said to stir with a wash rag, and I’d recommend using a paint stir stick instead.

1 part Valspar varnish (or other brand of polyurethane)
1 part boiled (linseed) oil
2 parts turpentine (mineral spirits)

You’ll also need:
Empty paint bucket (or coffee can, as Uncle Allen recommended)
Disposable brush (or a regular brush + separate can with mineral spirits for cleaning it)
Nitrile or latex gloves
Paint stir stick
Rags

Set up your work station outdoors or in a well ventilated area. These chemicals have strong odors and will give you a headache if you don’t.

Measure pour lines on the paint stir stick. For a 5-inch-tall paint can, try 1 inch each for the varnish and linseed oil, and 2 inches for the mineral spirits. Add each ingredient with the stick in the can, filling up to each pour line.

Stir very well to mix. This will take a couple minutes to get everything evenly incorporated. If you are using a paint can, you can also affix the lid securely and shake to mix.

Put the mix on a small surface and leave on for about 5 minutes (or a little less). Rub off with a rag. Then spot some more. Leave on for 2 days. Repeat until you have as many coats as you want — it will get darker. Wax with paste mix.