im finishing a handle with tru oil. ive got 13 coats on it and ive sanded it between coats with 0000 steel wool. after it dries i still get a bit of rough feeling id like it to be smooth. if i rub it with steel wool to make it smooth then wax it will the wax bring back the shine i lost from the steel wool? if not what am i doing wrong? this is the first handle ive used tru-oil on. every other handle has been lindseed oil. thanks,willy
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smooth finish
- Thread starter willy m
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2009
- Messages
- 475
How thick are you putting on the Tru-Oil? I've done some rifle stocks using the same procedure you describe. Basically you want only a drop or two on your finger tips and rub it in until it's gone, then do another couple of drops. You should have all the pores filled by now, I would think. I've always dampened the stock before starting to lift any fibres before hitting them with the steel wool. I think the wax will bring some shine, but Tru-oil is really meant for a more subdued "hand rubbed" matte finish.
I have refinished a bazillion gunstocks over the years....a good number of them with Tru Oil. The secret to Tru Oil is very very thin coats after your initial coats fill the pores. 13 coats is getting a little obsessive in my humble opinion. About 4 coats will fill the pores. Cut it back down to the bare wood then and slick on the smallest amount you can to spread over the wood. You can indeed get a mirror finish...not hard at all to do. Fill pores, slick on a coat or two @ 0000 steel wool and then start rubbing out the finish between coats with 1000-1500 grit sandpaper. Hit it with 1000 grit and put only a drop or two on your finger...rub it out. Tomorrow hit it with 1500 grit and then another drop or two of Tru Oil. Once I get to the 1500 grit I like to hit it 3 time at that grit and you will have that mirror finish you desire.