Tung Oil Finish

[sdb321]

I just purchased a set of Ahrends grips from a member and I want to apply a tung oil finish. I have removed the poly finish with fine sand paper, scotch brite pads, and steel wool. Do you just rub the tung oil in with your fingers and let it dry between coats or what? Any info is helpful. You guys are the best!!!!

 

[patrickd]

I have done several rifle stocks with tung oil and they turned out fantastic. First prep as you have already done. Find a lint free cloth and simply wipe the oil on evenly. Allow a couple days to dry then lightly sand them and reapply. Thats all there is to it. One good coat would do it, but the first coat always dries rough for some reason. If you lightly sand or scotchbrite the first coat the second will turn out smooth. After a couple of weeks to completely cure out finish with some good wax. I have found that plain old KIWI brown shoe polish will make it shine like nothing else. It will also shine the hell out of a good blueing job.

 

[gnystrom]

Question. Tung oil penetrates deeply into the wood. How does one make sure they have completely removed the factory poly so the tung oil will completely do it's job? I would think oil and water based poly don't mix very well.

 

[H Richard]

A good overnight soak in Acetone should remove any poly finish remaining. Let it dry (it dry's quickly) completely before a light sanding and the first coat of finish.

 

[Ruber]

Also note that the tung oil 'finishes' like minwax or formby's are not penetrating oils (they are fine finishes, I use both, just applied differently). To get the hand rubbed penetrating tung oil finish, you need to find some pure tung oil and thin the first few coats to get best results.

When I use the thinned tung oil for the initial coats, I don't let it dry for more than a day (depending on weather/humidity, maybe even two coats a day). Remember that it is thinned and you are using a small amount. I'll put a pea sized drop in my palm, rub my hands together to warm it up, then rub it into the wood.

When you get to full strength coats, you need to play around with dry times and buffing between coats. I rarely use anything more abrasive than cotton cloth or rottenstone.

One of my favorite finishes when i get it right

Have fun!

 

[sonora]

Use 100% pure Tung oil. Not the stuff available at the big box store. It's not real Tung oil, mostly additives. You want the real thing. Available at specialty woodworker stores. I use Old Masters brand 100% Tung Oil. Follow the directions and apply as many light coats as you like. More the better. Let it dry and polish with Bronze Wool between coats. Bronze Wool is superior to steel wool for this application.Finish with a coat of Renaissance Wax. You will be rewarded with some beautiful stocks. Sonora

 

[boykinlp]

I just purchased a set of Ahrends grips from a member and I want to apply a tung oil finish. I have removed the poly finish with fine sand paper, scotch brite pads, and steel wool. Do you just rub the tung oil in with your fingers and let it dry between coats or what? Any info is helpful. You guys are the best!!!!

Please show us pictures of your final result. What wood are the grips made of?

 

[gwpercle]

The Minwax Tung Oil Finish may not be pure tung oil but I find it to be an excellent finish for grips and kitchen knife handles , which get a lot of use and repeated washing.
I ordered Ahrend grips unfinshed and used the Minwax TOF , you can build up a decent finish with it and it dries hard. I prefer the stuff to True Oil now.
I apply coats with a small foam applicator, foam brush or just cut a small wedge of foam to use as an applicator. This allows a quick even coat. Let dry at least 24 hours before rubbing down and applying next coat. Three coats will usually do it.
The grips in my avatar are one of MWTOF Ahrends , the finish holds up very well.
Gary

 

[shocker]

I applied pure tung oil to all my kitchen cabinetry.
Here's what I know.
Pick tung oil if you want a matte finish. It takes much time and effort to get a glossy finish. I like matte finish myself and that is what tung oil wants to be.

Tung oil cures, not dries. It's a SLOW reaction with oxygen in the air, full curing takes months.

How to apply - first coat is a generous application of tung oil thinned with 50/50 mineral spirits OR if you want to alter the color, a stain can be used as the thinner.

Let the first coat penetrate for an hour, then wipe off excess oil. Allow the wood to dry (thinner to evaporate) for at least 24 hrs. Scuff wood with fine scotchbrite or steel wool. Apply 2nd generous coat of Tung Oil, let soak in the for an hour or so, then wipe off excess. Set wood aside for cure, as stated above this takes time. Two proper coats are sufficient for protecting the wood.

 

[sonora]

Natural is better. I also avoid processed foods. Hey, but that just me.

 

[sureshotbob]

I've always use 100 % pure tung oil from The Real Milk Paint Co. {www.realmilkpaint.com} and have had great luck on my military rifles .
Just follow there directions and you will get a great finish.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

I refinished my dad's A5 about 40 years ago with tung oil. If memory serves me right it took 3 coats. I used fine steel wool between coats and then buffed the last coat. I put on a tune up coat about 8 years back and rebuffed.
Keep in mind this is a using shotgun and has been afield in all kinds of weather and the finish has held up great.

 

[BigBill]

I steelwool the grips then apply the tung oil. No need to strip them.

I use tung oil on all my rifle stocks too. I put up to ten coats of tung oil on my hunting rifles.

 

[Tyrod]

Who's tung does the oil come from? Are there farms where certain animals or humans have their tungs milked? Or does the critter need to be sacrificed?

 

[sonora]

Good question. I believe it comes seeds from a tree that grows in Asia. No tongues are used. Ha, Ha.:

 

[DBenn]

Who's tung does the oil come from? Are there farms where certain animals or humans have their tungs milked? Or does the critter need to be sacrificed?

Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii). ... The oil and its use are believed to have originated in ancient China and appear in the writings of Confucius from about 400 B.C.

 

[LittleCooner]

Tung oil comes from the nuts of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii). It is hard to find pure tung oil today, like others say, purchase some from the wood working stores or suppliers that say it is genuine tung oil and not some product made to act like tung oil. This stuff produces a very nice finish if you have the genuine product. I mix it with linseed oil for my stock work. both need to be "boiled".

 

[sdb321]

WOW!! Thanks guys for the information!!! I feel I can do this project and the outcome will be fantastic! The grips are made of Moradillo wood and the grain is even on both sides and match up. Kim Ahrends makes some great grips. THANKS AGAIN . sdb321

 

[sonora]

Pictures ! Before and after. Sonora

 

[THE PILGRIM]

The first time I saw a grove of Tung Trees , man I was confuse-ed!
This was down in S Miss and I thought that I knew Everything that grew around there.