Handle finishing

A

Angus McGunnigl

Joined
May 22, 2002
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I am in the process of actually finishing a knife and I'm using walnut for the scales.

I bought Formby's Tung Oil (Low Gloss) and I'm following the instructions so far. Rub in a coating, let dry, buff with fine steel wool, repeat until satisfied.

How many coats of the stuff will it take to really protect this wood well ?

Any ideas?
 
I would think that depends on how thirsty the wood is . Just make sure you let each coat dry well .
 
Since you are finishing walnut I would do things just a little different.

Brush or wipe on a liberal coat of oil. While wet use 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper (the gray stuff) and wet sand the wood. Wipe lightly with old t shirt. Repeat until it looks right to you. Usually at least 6 or 8 coats.

By wet sanding it makes a slurry that will fill the open pores in the walnut. This will give a smoother surface like on higher end gun stocks.
 
I'll agree with Burl Source but will add alittle. This will need to be an in the house project for you this time of year, unless you keep your shop @ 65-70 all the time. Bring in the walnut 3-5 days before putting on the first coat of oil, bring the oil in also. Tung oil likes the warmth. Tung oil is I guess you would say heat activated. It likes heat from friction of the t-shirt. Put the oil on with the sandpaper and go at it. Wipe off excess slurry lightly then buff it until you get heat from the friction. If you buffed it well enough it will be dry and hard in 24hrs if not it will still be tacky. Stop buffing after 4-5 coats unless you want a glass finish. If you want it to look like it's in glass keep buffing while applying the oil.
 
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