Tung Oil Polishing

[Paul T. Radovanic]

Tung oil has a natural satin sheen. While it's possible to rub a gloss
finish *down* to any level of semi-gloss, satin, or matte, you can only
"rub up" a satin finish a small amount. Another coat of tung oil,
rubbed in with 0000 steel wool, followed by a gloss paste wax will make
it glossier, if only a little.

Or, you could scrub it clean, and then apply a coat or two of shellac.

Paul

BigBill234 wrote:
> About 20 years ago I finished a walnut long-case clock w/ tung oil. No problem
> w/ drying, etc., but the finish has never had any sheen at all - it is just
> plain dull, like flat paint. How could I give it a bit of lustre?

[jim mcnamara]

Paul's right - pure tung oil doesn't have much sheen.

There are really several ways to build sheen,
but require that you clean the old finish with a rag soaked
in mineral spirits to remove the 20-year-junk buildup.

Choices:
1. Apply another coat of pure tung oil. Let it cure about
30 days, then wax.
2. Use a tung oil finish (pure tung oil & varnish & thinner).
Several applications will build up some surface sheen.
Plus, you can apply the last coat as a 'rub-on' using
maroon 3M material, which will create a satin sheen.
3. Apply a film of either 1.5# shellac, brushing lacquer, or varnish.
Apply 2-3 coats, following the label directions. Then
you can rub out the finish to whatever gloss level you require.
If you choose varnish, consider using an alkyd varnish
rather than polyurethane, as it adheres better. Also if
you decide on this option, you will need to give the old
finish a light buffing with #0000 steel wool to increase
adhesion.

Since you apparently applied only one coat of tung,
you might want to consider another coat of pure tung oil prior
to applying film finishes. Let it cure completely --30 days.

jim mcnamara

Paul T. Radovanic wrote in message <35643B25...@concentric.net>...

[Shawn Grossman]

BigBill234 wrote:
>
> About 20 years ago I finished a walnut long-case clock w/ tung oil. No problem
> w/ drying, etc., but the finish has never had any sheen at all - it is just
> plain dull, like flat paint. How could I give it a bit of lustre?

Use a high gloss tung oil. If that's too glossy, just rub it down with
some fine steel wool.

[Mike G.]

Howdy Bill

Lotsd and lots of coats with lots of of rubbing of each coat.
Personally I'd go with a Danish oil, the small amount of resin (in
comparison to varnish) in it will give you a quicker build with fewer
coats.

With either though, you will eventually build up to a very nice soft
luster for a finish, but you will never get a high gloss finish

On 21 May 1998 02:20:49 GMT, bigbi...@aol.com (BigBill234) wrote:

>About 20 years ago I finished a walnut long-case clock w/ tung oil. No problem
>w/ drying, etc., but the finish has never had any sheen at all - it is just
>plain dull, like flat paint. How could I give it a bit of lustre?
>

A thought
Mike G. AKA mtcowboy
mj...@tiac.net

[David and Beth Laskey]

Try a 5 to 1 mix of oil and hard bees wax as a top coat. Melt the bees wax
and oil in the microwave or using a double boiler (be careful!). When
cooled, will have the consistency of peanut butter. To apply, wipe on with
0000 steel wool and wipe back off after 10 minutes or so (not to long). Make
sure to get it all off (especially in corners and cracks). Let cure for 2
days, then reapply. 2 coats should do it. I get a perfect (not to much)
sheen.

BigBill234 wrote in message
<199805210220...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...