Tung Oil finish ?

[Tx Bass Tech]

I'm putting some handles on a couple of kit blades and I have been using a Tung Oil/Citrus Solvent 50/50 mix from the "Real Milk Paint Company" to finish the wood. I sand the wood by hand to 800 grit, then I put about 6-8 coats of the tung oil mix on. I have been using maple, walnut, jatoba & mesquite for the handles. I like the feel and the satin look I'm getting, but I wonder what would happen if I tried to buff these? Would I end up with a big goey mess?

I don't even have a buffer but I may get one soon.

 

[oconeedan]

If you LIGHTLY buff with white compound on a clean loose wheel, it should buff up nicely. If you haven't used a buffer with a loose wheel before, careful! It'll grab things if you are not careful.
A harder wheel may be too aggressive and melt/damage the handles or finish.
Dan

 

[Sticky]

I stumbled across a polish on my tung oiled handles..i was using mothers billet metal polish on the blade and got some on the handle. i rubbed on it just a couple minutes with the same paper towel i had been using with the black stuff on it and the wood shines like glass now.

 

[Dan Morgan]

I've buffed handles before with a tung oil finish. I used White Diamond and a loose buff. Don't press hard, and keep contact time minimal. If you leave it in contact for too long, it can burn the buff and/or the wood. It also depends on the grain of the wood. If the wood has a very large grain (like wenge) you'll fill the grain with polishing compound, and that looks ugly.

-Dan

 

[Phil705]

Tx Bass, could you post a picture of a handle finished with a tung oil mixture? I'd like to see it and try it.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I've used tung oil in the past but have switched to Minwax Antique oil finish. I like the finish much better. I do two coats and just buff with a soft cloth after the second coat.
Scott