Sealing red oak

[Al Dente]

A friend has made a red oak board bow.  Looks great, but he is insisting that one coat of tung oil is all that it needs.  After being around wood for a long time, I know that it is not the case.  I have used custom bows and basses, and never have I heard of one coat of anything.

It already looks like it is drying out on him.  How many coats should he apply, and then what to seal it?  Wax, poly, or something else.  I'd hate to have him lose it cracking or splitting.

[PEARL DRUMS]

At least 3-4. Then add a carnuaba wax over that every month. Tung oil needs a little help sealing. I applied 4 coats to my sons hackberry recurve and he was out shooting for an hour in sprinkles and the bow sucked water right up, not good. Its okay now but needed a week to dry out so I could seal it again.

[Grey Taylor]

Have your buddy call the technical department of the tung oil manufacturer. They'll tell him how many coats are required for sealing and he can't very well argue with them, can he?
Or... all the tung oil I've seen has directions on the can which also say how many coats are recommended. Three seems to stick in my mind for the one I have in the garage.

Guy

[PEARL DRUMS]

My Formbys says one coat. That obviously isnt the case for outdoor use. Most all containers will state one coat and add as needed. Thats a toughy.

[vanillabear?]

[Crimson mist]

I found this stuff  http://www.realmilkpaint.com
/oil.html and was wondering if any of you had experience with it as I was thinking of getting some to try as I have not had the greatest experience with Formby's even with several coats and I noticed the wax I put over it was giving most of the water protection.

[Al Dente]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the input.  I will pass it on to him.