Diall Decking Oil clear.

Any oil, linseed, tung, whatever, on what is probably a softwood will darken the colour, as the oil is absorbed into the pores and brings out the true colour of the wood.

Bound to happen. Only when the volatile components in the oil have all evaporated will the smell go. The warmer the weather, the faster it'll happen. Pray for sunshine.

Oil finishes are liked by furniture makers etc for just that reason - they tend to reveal the true colour of the wood. On pine etc you will get some darkening - similar to that you get with pine as it ages anyway. On hard woods like walnut the transformation is quite spectacular, going from mid brown to a deep variegated brown, allowing the grain to visually "pop".

If you are concerned about preventing the colour change, then you can reduce it by applying a thin coat of clear shellac prior to oiling. Alas in this case its too late for that.

Wait. It takes a few weeks in some cases for the oil to fully cure, and all the volatile compounds to boil off. A few hot sunny days will help.

It always smells as its supposed to sink into the wood to protect it. Brian

Everyone should know this, have you never put up a shed and protected it in your life? Its no different really. Brian

"Revitalise and nourish your decking with this decking oil from Diall Simply apply using a brush and leave for 8 hours to dry."

AIUI the oil oxidises to a sort of varnish. BICBW.

Andy

You're right, like all 'drying oils' they polymerise when oxidised in air. Linseed oil and its derivatives are the commonest, but e.g. Tung oil is much the same. They can get quite warm, which is why you're advised to be careful when disposing of linseed-oil-soaked rags, as they may spontaneously ignite.