tung oil finish?

[kansas stik man]

ive completed my second knife and my scales are curly maple.  i can post pics if need be for better answers but would prefer to wait tell knife is completly done be for i post.  i used linseed oil last time and im sure its a good sealer but not very good for cosmetics.  i would like a shiny finish in the end.  i have bought some tung oil but not exactly sure how to use it and get the results i want some say to cut 50/50 with acetone, some say takes alot of coats and alot of drying time in between.  so i guess between all the different posts its hard to peace together what the best option for me is.  merry christmas to everybody here in the TG seems like a second home with all the kindness and help given to everybody.

[Cody D Works]

ok i tried tung oil on ironwood and didnt like the result. Last knife i did i used the Massey finish about 50/50 epoxy acetone mix, brushed on with sponge brush then smoothed with the dry side of the brush. no bubble and very shiny. I used it on walnut and liked the look after smoothing it out it feels better in the hand. If the epoxy mixture is too thick i noticed it felt unnatural...

[Ragnarok Forge]

I like Danish oil.  You can sand it in then let it sit and soak in for a bit.  Wipe off the excess and sand in another coat.  Three runs at it and then buff hard with a clean soft cloth.  Power buff in a couple coats of hard caruba wax if you want a glossy finish.  Quick and easy process and a great finish.

[Steve Nuckels]

Jerold, I like the Tung oil finish. If you apply it thick you can buff it out and it looks great.

Merry Christmas!

Steve
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Potomac Forge

[kansas stik man]

will the danish oil cleen of the metal easy?

[fixer]

When I use tung oil and want a gloss finish I apply it using an air brush and usually 4-5 coats depending on the wood I use.

[fixer]

I might add I usually rub in the first coat.

[OconeeDan]

Tung oil can be beautiful when applied with patience.  Air brush on, or wipe on with cloth patch.  Let dry completely before adding new coat.  Steel wool every 2-4 coats.  Eventually, the grain will fill in.  Last coat, steel wool. Then buff by hand with polishing compound for a car.
I might add, make sure you remove COMPLETELY all traces of steel wool dust before adding another coat, or it'll show up in the finish.
Don't be surprised if you end up with more coats than you planned.  I once used 26 coats on a gunstock.
Dan