tru-oil finish question

[canshooter]

I am working on a bamboo backed hickory bow and I am thinking of using tru-oil for the finish. Do I just apply 4-5 coats and leave it at that or is there more to it?

Thanks in advance, as I have never done any woodworking before.

[Leo L.]

I believe the recipe calls for a steel wool rub down between coats.

[Pat B]

Four of 5 coats will be fine but you do want to give it a good rub down with 0000 steel wool between dried coats. I use my finger to apply each coat.

[Jeremy]

I put the first 2-3 coats on before rubbing down with steel wool.  The first couple of coats are mostly absorbed by the wood, so there's not much to rub out until the pores are filled.

[MikeW]

I put the first 2-3 coats on before rubbing down with steel wool. The first couple of coats are mostly absorbed by the wood, so there's not much to rub out until the pores are filled.

What he said.
   

[bjansen]

Lately, I have used the Birchwood Casey stock filler/sealer first...2 coats sanding with 320 in between...then 4-5 coats of tru oil, 0000 wool in between each coat.  Then follow with a coat of paste wax for gloss or a spray coat of Hellmann's Eurathane for satin.

[ozarkcherrybow1]

I just discovered that applying it WITH 0000 steel wool gives a more glossy finish than with fingers. I went back to using fingers on the bow, because I wanted a more satin finish. I like about 7 total coats and then again once a year after......Terry

[elkslayer]

I just rub it on wet with a cotton cloth in one direction and if is nice and smooth when dry I just put on the next coat. I will only use 4ot steel wool when it gets dust or a rough finish. I use two coats then write on the bow then four more coats. I have never had one fail or come back so I am sure its working great. I was showed this by a Master Bowyer. Lets just say he wrote most of the Bowyers Bible #1.