Vol.1 No.17
13 November 2002

• Question 1: 3-in-1 v. Penetrating Oil
• Question 2: Toning Down Gold Leaf

Question 1 - Answered by Julian Biggers

Hi Julian,

Your forum is great! Question--what, if any, is the difference between the multi-purpose 3-IN-ONE oil and a penetrating oil such as Marvel? Can they be used interchangeably?

Thanks. Fran

The following question generated a series of responses/reactions. They will be reported in the order of occurrence as an answer.

Q. What, if any, is the difference between multi-purpose 3-IN-ONE oil and a penetrating oil such as Marvel? Can they be used interchangeably?

A. (1) "Say what?"
A. (2) "Danged if I know."
A. (3) Facetious answer.

3-in-One has a mild nose, smooth on the tongue, and a slick after taste.

Penetrating oil has an acidic nose, tart on the tongue, and lingering after taste.

Both can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

A. (4) Serious answer.

The purpose of oil in this context is to reduce friction/wear between two metal parts. 3-in-One is a highly refined oil with a very low viscosity. It is meant to be used on such things as hinges and light duty machinery. It will not take heavy use or heat. I give my scroll saw a couple of shots through the oil port every 25 hours of use, but I would not use it on my furnace motor.

Penetrating oils are similar to 3-in-One, but with an additive to make it even less viscous. The oil is able to flow into/among the rust particles, thus, loosening the parts that are frozen. It does not have quite the lubing quality of the oil alone. However, you would probably need controlled conditions to tell the difference.

Use 3-in-One for general lubing jobs. Use the penetrating oils when 3-in-One is out of stock. Or is you have frozen parts, use the penetrating oil, and follow-up with 3-in-One.

A. (5) You know you are in a Redneck's shop when all you find is a roll of duct tape and a can of WD-40.

-Julian

Question 2 - Answered by Therese Bahl

We have a gold leaf frame around a mirror that we would like to change. It is just too bold! We would like to tone the gold down. What can we apply over the gold leaf to tone to a more neutral metal look?

Thanks, Sandy

A. There are various ways to tone down gold leaf. All of the materials are available at craft stores. Usually a BURNT UMBER (brown) glaze or wash is used. If using oil paint, Burnt Umber and paint thinner in a thin mixture is painted on. Then rubbed off lightly with a soft cloth.If using a water based product, for example Delta Ceramcoat Antique Gel in Burnt Umber, apply the same as oil base. Leave more color in crevices as this helps to soften the gold leaf.

-Therese Bahl