Tru-Oil advice

[AlanF]

I am working to finish a bow blank from Mike at 7 Lakes Longbows    .  Just finished putting the 4th coat of Tru-Oil on the wood portion of the bow.  I've been using a paper coffee filter cut into a small patch to apply the thin coats.  Sanded between each coat with 600 grit paper after allowing the coats to dry throughly.  My question is how do I get the coats smooth?  I find that the coats are just not as smooth - has lines and waves from my wiping it on.  I'm really concerned since I will eventually be applying the Tru-Oil to the glass portions of the limbs and really need it to be smooth.  Any advice appreciated.

Alan

[macbow]

Alan, I use a lot of Tru oil .
First between coats I use fine steel wool. This helps take any high spots off and scratches up the previous coat for the next.
Then wipe with a soft cloth to remove any steel fibers .
The absolute best way to lay down the oil in my opinion is by hand. But since Oiled up hands aren't good I use rubber gloves. The key is each layer should be,as,thin as,you can get it. That is where the hand rubbing comes in.
Ron

[eagleone]

Try applying with your finger, that's what I do and I have not had a problem with waves.

[Living_waters]

Same as has been been mentioned. use rubber glove and finger for first 6 coats scuffing with steel wool in between each coat. then switch over to a tee material for next few coats. wet sand with 600 between next two coats then switch to 1000 and wet sand always careful to not sand through true oil. I like to use DuPonts automotive finishing glaze but gun stock wax works good also.The Trick like has been said is to do thin coats.

[SportHunter]

I use my fingers, sand lightly every few coats then top coat with minwax spar spray can for several coats.

[scrub-buster]

I use small cosmetic wedges when applying it to selfbows.  I like that much better than using my finger.  It leaves a very smooth finish.

[AlanF]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll try the suggestions.

[vanillabear?]

[George Tsoukalas]

The short answer is follow the directions on the back. Sounds like you are putting it on too thick.  Rub in small amounts. Go for multiple coats. Steel wool between coats. Jawge

[MoeM]

Isn`t it possible to put the oil on and let it dry for 10-15 min and then wipe of the rest of the oil carefully with a smooth cloth?
I`m sorry hope thisisn`t a foolish question but with linnen or flooring wax this way works excellent on my bows. (I`ve never worked with tru- but im going to change this soon^^)

[scrub-buster]

I don't think that would work MoeM.  Tru-oil starts to get tacky pretty quick.  Like George said.  Multiple thin coats is the way to go.

[Living_waters]

I done my first Gun stock when I was in high school, I thought the trick to get that mile deep browning finish was to put it on thick. Looked like poop. The next one I talked to a custom stock maker and he told me to wipe on as thin a coat as I could and when it is dry use steel wool to just scuff the fibers that lift off.  He said if I was leaving ridges it was too thick.
The more coats the more gloss.

[Roy from Pa]

Several thin coats, lightly buffing with steel wool between coats.

 

[monterey]

Ditto all of thwe above.  As you add more and more coats, it will go on, and must be put on, thinner and thinner.  I hand rub and use steel wool about every other coat.  In addition to wiping the steel wool frags off, I go over it with a large refrigerator magnet.  It always seems to pick up a few stray pieces.  Also, you can get tack cloth at the paint dept in the lumber yards and home supply type stores.

[7 Lakes]

Hey Alan,
Looks like I need to update directions on finishing.  All these guys are right, if it's applied thick enough to make ridges it's to thick.  There is an art to wiping it down just to the point where it's about to be to tacky to wipe.  

PS
Heavy coats will look worse on the glass.

[kurtbel5]

Try using original formula Armour All along with the Truoil,kind of like a 2 part finish.

1st a small amount of Truoil then a small amount of Armour All and rub briskly with your finger for some friction,do 6x6 areas it blends easily and goes on real thin,

Found out about this on a gun forum, Google search for more info
It really works well on both the glass and wood and by far the easiest way to apply truoil I have found.