TCooper wrote:Most quality finishes are clear or amber in colour. The refinishing process involves: old finish removal, sanding, stain, and then finish. Some people will also use a filler but some stains will already have fillers in them. Many people will use the oil finish for a filler/sealer.
My preference is to stain as a separate step, before finishing. This allows grain patterns to show through the clear finish.
HTH,
Todd
Most oils are clear and can be tinted. Some can be brough tinted.
Tru-oil has a light brownish tint to it.
Like Todd said clear shows up the grain patterns better with stain.
Tinting the oil gives a more even color finish. Covers up some unevenness in the staining, if you didn't do a good job in the staining process.
Tinted oil also allows you some control on how dark the finish turns out after the staining. The more coats the darker.
The slight tinting in Tru-oil makes easier to get a good even looking finish. However, the tint dulls my colorfully RM laminate stock a bit.

I'll probably redo my laminate stock with Danish oil this summer.