How Many Coats of Tung Oil???

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How Many Coats of Tung Oil???

Posted: 12/21/2005 5:57:20 AM EDT

Okay, I refinished my wood and put a satin finish on it. I had it that way for a bit and decided I wanted it to have a nice gloss finish to it rather than the satin (I know, the satin just ain't right.) So, I have about 8 coats on the wood now and was wondering when I should stop. I have been putting it on with a cloth and they are very light coats. Again, just wondering if this is excessive and unnecessary. Thanks for your help.

Posted: 12/21/2005 6:03:54 AM EDT

[#1]

Just put it on until you get the "depth" of finish that looks best to you. I usually do 3-4 and use a non-gloss so it looks somewhat more authentic.

Posted: 12/21/2005 8:29:15 AM EDT

[#2]

What kind of tung oil are you using?

Posted: 12/21/2005 9:06:06 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
What kind of tung oil are you using?

it is Formby's

Posted: 12/21/2005 10:09:54 AM EDT

[#4]

Thats what I use. Funny thing, it actually doesn't have a drop of Tung oil in it. It is a wiping varnish technically.

They have a low gloss/satin and a high gloss...which are you using.

Posted: 12/21/2005 11:08:35 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Thats what I use. Funny thing, it actually doesn't have a drop of Tung oil in it. It is a wiping varnish technically.

They have a low gloss/satin and a high gloss...which are you using.

hmmm, okay - i didn't read the ingredients but will take a look tonight. i am using the high gloss

Posted: 12/21/2005 11:37:21 AM EDT

[#6]

www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish2.html

Posted: 12/21/2005 12:14:59 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish2.html

thank you for the link - very revealing and useful info. so...how many coats of wiping varnish is too much? the 8 or 9 coats i have on it now look good and i don't think a few more coats will do it harm. if anything, i think it will just protect it more. again, thanks.

Posted: 12/21/2005 12:30:33 PM EDT

[#8]

You kind of know when its done...How long are you giving it inbetween coats?

Posted: 12/21/2005 1:09:34 PM EDT

[#9]

i give between 10 to 12 hours. it is dry and not tacky when i apply another coat.

Posted: 12/21/2005 1:33:07 PM EDT

[#10]

Before the next coat, the previous has to be hardened....I would leave it inside for about 24 hours then hit it again...How are you applying it? What i did on my top coats was get it sopping with the formbys, let it sit a few minutes till its sticky...then buff it into the wood...I am no pro but it worked for me.

Posted: 12/21/2005 3:06:12 PM EDT

[#11]

Having used Tung oil quite a bit on my other
milsurp rifles, let me add that you want to cut down
the surface using steel wool wet with tung oil between
coats. DO not go over it dry, make sure you are
using tung oil liberaly with your wool, then wipe
clean with paper towels, THEN apply a light coat
of oil by hand ACROSS the grain, you are trying
to fill the pores in the wood.
Let dry well, then repeat, you can get a nice smooth
finish and if it's TOO glossy you can always cut it back
down with the steel wool.
I also use the Finnish stock wax which is a
mixture of BOILED linseed oil, Terpentine, and Beeswax
in equal parts.
Melt the Beeswax in a double boiler then add the
Terp and BLO, pour into tins and give them
to your friends for gifts etc.
Apply SPAREINGLY after shooting
Rub in by hand let sit for a few hours, then buff with
a soft cloth.

The stuff works great,
I also have a recipe which is BLO 90%, Terpentine 5%, and Beeswax 5%
which the Swedes use after hunting. Just a drop or two in the palm of the
hand rubbed in, till the stock is warm.
Enjoy.

Sure wish I could build my Suomi!

Posted: 12/21/2005 3:08:50 PM EDT

[#12]

Hope ya'll don't mind the big type,
I've got rather thick glasses, but still manage
to hit the target, after all these years it's some
kind of Zen thing...contemplate the front sight blade
and the rest of the world falls into place....

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How Many Coats of Tung Oil???

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