[jartzh]

I need to know about applying multiple coats of tung oil. I get great results with a single coat.(followed by more in about 10 minutes) but the can recommends applying a second coat 24 hrs later and keep applying for more gloss. I am been adding more coats every day and it seems I am just rubbing off the new coat . I am applying with a rag and trying to get a glass finish since its a snake and needs to be smooth and slick.

Does rubbing in more coats give you a glossier slicker finish?

[Dan Wegiel]

Not sure about Tung oil, but I use a lot of Danish oil and you have to let it set for 30 minutes or so to soak in, the longer it sets, the harder it gets, then rub off the excess. The more coats I put on, the glossier it gets. Hope this helps.

Dan

[Irishman]

It sounds like you've reached satuation point with the tung oil if you feel like your just rubbing it off with it sitting on the top. This is how I approach it so see what works for you...keep in mind that the type of wood can influence how it should be applied:
I usually start by thinning the pure tung oil with spirits to increas absorbtion and drying time. Within a half hour, I'll wipe of any access and apply the same recipe. In another half hour or longer I'll apply the tung oil full strength. I usually only leave it on for a half hour as it will become sticky if left too long. It's a challenge to get a gloss look with tung oil...that's why I use it because I don't want a gloss look. Depending on your wood grain might determine if your able to get that gloss look. See what others have tried as well. Good luck.
Patrick

[BasketballJones]

I use tung oil all the time on wood projects (no time for carving now). I like Formby and you can purchase it in High Gloss or Regular finnish. As far as applying multiple coats, it depends on the humidity, type of wood, and how much sunlight it will get. It will soak up fast but if you oversaturate it, the piece becomes sticky and attracts dust while drying, then you have to buff it out. Furniture that sits under a window like a dresser, I put 5 - 7 coats on it and the kids can beat it up with no problems and the sun fades it with 1 or 2 coats. It almost has the durability of polyurethane. If using High Gloss, you need to wear sun glasses with 5-7 coats.

Tung oil over bare wood is also a nice finnish, or you can put it over a light stain. You get best results when you give it time to soak in; if its tacky to the touch you're wasting it by applying the extra coats. After about 20 -30 minutes I'll get a soft rag or foam applicator and sometimes hand rub it with my fingers, just adding a tiny amount to avoid the tacky streak marks. Then I let that coat sit 24 hours.