Reply by Cosmicsniper

Not sure that I agree with that, Clint. To some extent, the solvent does work as a carrier, changing the viscosity of the oil. Thinner viscosities of anything will penetrate more deeply. This is why polymerized tung oil is mixed with a solvent, otherwise I’d be too viscous to do the job. But the question can be argued, “How much diluting is required to give more penetration?” IMO, this is the main reason that everybody has their own preference of ratios for oil-varnish blends.

But in porous woods, I think it’s obvious that there is a proper mix that best works to get deeply into the wood.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com