tung oil finish/ poly?

[Tim Besmer]

Does anyone know if you can put polyurethane over Formby's tung oil finish? I like the tung oil finish but don't know if is waterproof enough?

[Roy from Pa]

Tung Oil is not made for outdoor furniture but it works great on hunting bows that get wet once in a while. Never tried to put poly over it but I'd bet it would work. Try it on a scrap piece first.

[CamoZ]

Hi Tim.. I was wondering that same thing..I asked around too as I thought the poly might crack or not take well to the bending..from the feedback I have got from other builders on here a polymerize tung oil (lee valley tools has a great poymerized tung oil product 2 in 1 type..used it on other carvings and it is excellent) works well for bows too..

[spsrodco]

Tim, I use a tung oil based varnish over a pure tung oil dip on bamboo rods. The product is made by Sutherland Wells and is fantastic.  I would not trust the bond of the poly over the oil.

[JamesV]

I used  Tung Oil for the first time and could never get the flow and finish I liked. Scuffed it off and put 3 coats of polly over the tung oil for a beautifull job.

[MoeM]

Guess tung oil works the same way as a primer for following coats of poly ar acrylic than linen oil does.

[michaelschwister]

The formby's "tung oil" is not tung oil.  Get some 100% tung oil and it will be VERY waterproof after about 5 coats.  I would sand the formby's all the way off.  It is soft, shiny, and does not repel water.  I think it is desgined for hand rails and bannisters.  Wood crafter carries and excellent 100% tung oil.  I have a 12 ounce bottle, have done more than a dozen bows, and still have most of it left.  Just remeber to push ALL of the air out of the bottle between openings

[Tim Besmer]

Thanks for all the replies.This was my first attempt at an osage bow and was so exited that it tillered out, and made weight that I could'nt wait to get a finish on it. It turned out to be a  great, looking,and shooting bow.
 I kinda jumped the gun.I Should have researched first acted second. I'll probably leave this one as is. I'll know better next bow.