Traditional stock finishers "Red Oil" is chopped Alkanet Root left to soak in Linseed Oil for up to eighteen months to attain that unique smell and deep colour. It is best applied to the stock by putting a small pool of oil in the palm of one hand and applying it, then rubbing it in with both hands. Leave to soak in for about an hour then remove any excess with a cloth, repeat after a couple of days until you obtain the colour you require. I have always found that Alkanet root in oil gives a richer and warmer colour than Alkanet root in Turpentine or spirit.
