Final coat finishing of Tru-oil?

[Apex Predator]

Ok folks, I'm on my 6th coat of tru-oil o my 1st fiberglass bow build, and it looks fantastic.  No matter how careful I am though, there are ridges from my fingers in the dried finish.  It is no big deal until the final coat, because I am using 0000 steel wool in between coats right now.  I would love a little less shine in the finished bow as well.  I have heard of people using Birchwood Casey's Satin Sheen, or something like that, for the final buffing.  Some have said that it will dull it slightly, but others use it to polish it more.  I'm confused!  Others have said that they spray a mist of satin poly over the tru-oil.  Is poly compatible?  Thanks in advance.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yes it is..... I use tru-oil then wiped on poly no problem what so ever

[Bradley Holley]

You might try applying the tru-oil with a rag. I have done this with good results(no ridges). Good luck!

[Apex Predator]

I applied the latest coat this morning with a small patch of cotton t-shirt.  It did seem to finish smoother.

[d. ward]

Maybe give one of those spounge brushes a try on the last coat.They don't leave any lines behind......bowdoc

[Orion]

The satin sheen contains a gritty substance.  I think it's pumice/rottenstone.  A polishing with it will remove the small finger marks and knock down the shine.  The result will be a satin finish.

[Ray Hammond]

Apex,

guys who build guitars etc apply their final finish layer with an air brush, then use rottenstone to polish by hand, and finally a big PUFFY wheel on a bench grinder motor and with almost no pressure, buff the finish. That should help mellow any differences in the finish out, especially if youare going low sheen, on knives, I 0000 steel wool then buff ever so slightly and it comes out very nice.

[jhansen]

When I Tru Oil finish gunstocks I apply very thin coats using my index finger up until the final coats.  I 0000 steel wool between coats to remove any fingerprints or other flaws.  For the final two coats I switch to Tru Oil thinned about 50% with mineral spirits.  I still use my finger but the thinned oil flows better and dries more slowly helping to prevent the prints and flaws.

To get a semi-gloss finish I wait until the final coat is completely dry and then rub briskly with a wad of crumpled up newspaper.  To get a true eggshell finish I apply the final coat and then wait until it is almost dry but still tacky and then I rub it with my bare hands.  Takes the shine right off.

John

[Bill Leeming]

Has anyone used this on a takedown bow? Do the mating surfaces have a tendency to stick together after having been assembled for a while? Thanks for any help.

[koger]

Why dont you use spray tru-oil in a rattle can. I usually rub in the first 4-5 coats on gunstocks, and ML stocks, then steel wool, wipe down with tack cloth and spray last 2-3 coats. Slick as glass,dries faster too. Brownells gunsmith supply has this online and most any gunshop can order it for you. sam.

[Apex Predator]

Didn't know it existed in spray form.  Thanks for the tip.