Storing oil based stains

I wouldn’t do it I would suggest canning or other types of glass jars.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

I agree with Jim.
Also besides the problem with some plastics dissolving (melting occurs with heat) they also are not totally “vapor” proof and some of the volatile solvents can actually pass through the plastic and evaporate if kept for any period of time.
Many paint stores sell empty metal cans which would be even better.

-- Les B, Oregon

Thanks that is what i thought

-- There is no such thing as a mistake. Its called a design modification Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI

Jim and Les are correct. I’ve had Tung Oil do strange things to some plastic containers. Those empty metal cans from the paint store are inexpensive a great way to store oils.

-- varmit, Michigan

I use glass jars or metal cans and fill the air space with marbles or nuts rinsed in denatured alcohol.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

i had a plastic container with tung oil and poly mixed catch fire on it’s own from heat – dont do it

-- -erik & christy-

Hey Barry: Do you take out the nuts, rinse them off and eat some every now and then? lol. Yummmmy!!

-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!

So for storing oil stains plastic is a no no, but can I use plastic for mixing and applying? The reason I ask is I have saved a lot of cheap plastic containers from lunch meats specifically for using in mixing finishes (when that time comes which hopefully is still in 2009). If not oils, is it safe for other types of stains/shellacs/varnishes?