Hi,
I posted this topic over on the KNOTS discussion board and would love to get a professional opinion on it.
I found out recently that I can get pure heat-treated tung oil here for about $20,00 U.S. per gallon. When I opened the can it smelled nutty, somewhat rancid, and had the consistency of of a very thick maple syrup.
To use it I thinned it 1-1 with paint thinner, wiped it on till the surface was as soaked as I could get it, then wiped it off getting it as dry as I could. Waited 24 hrs and repeated. Lovely stuff. Really “pops” the grain on the cedar and teak I have used to make a few small boxes. The tung oil adds a nice amber tint to the cedar too. In fact I like it so much, that I sanded off the lacquer finish I had done on a few recent pieces to re-do them with the tung.
So far, I have figured out that wiping off the excess as soon as I feel the coat is wet and even enough leaves less “gummy-ness” than coming back to wipe after half an hour as some places suggest. Also, figured out that exposing it to sunlight as it cures speeds the process up.
Now for my questions:
1. How do I get the most “depth” and beauty out of this finish?
2. I am considering wet sanding with 600 grit once it seems fully hard, then re-applying another coat of oil over that. Good idea, or not?
3. Once it is finished I’m considering polishing it with a buffing compound a piano tuner gave me. Then applying a coat of piano wax. Good idea or not?
4. For durability, would a top coat of sprayed on lacquer be a good idea or not?
Also, I am somewhat befuddled as to which is supposed to be a superior finish: oil or lacquer.
As I understand it so far oil wins in overall looks and its ability to be fixed or touched up years later, while lacquer is more durable.
So far the lacquer I have been spraying with is a satin -sheen -lacquer. I find that it tends to dull the look of the grain with each additional coat as well as leaving it with a look that resembles a plastic coating..
So that leads to another few questions:
How do I get the most out of a lacquer finish.
Also. How do you know when a finish is finished? How do I know when an additional coat is not going to add to the look, but detract from it? With both oil and varnish, when do you know when to stop?
Also, Waxes. When, and how much? Are automotive polishes and waxes ok? Would piano waxes and polishes be better?
I know that is a lot to cover in one post, but they are all things I am trying my best to deal with at the present moment.
Thanks.
Replies
labolle
You're right, this is quite a bit for one post.
1 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A few coats should do. if you want to add to it over time , just clean the surface and reapply
2 After it's dry reapply the oil and use the 600 grit paper to wet sand the surface with the oil. It will create a slurry that will fill the pores and give a very smooth surface. Remove all excess as before.
3 Forget the compound and use a wax. I'm not sure what a piano wax is although I suspect it may have some rottenstone or Tripoli powder in it
4 Lacquer can be sprayed over for more durability. Make sure the oil is dry. I would seal it with a thin coat of blonde shellac first.
Which finish is superior depends on who you talk to. Again beauty is perceived differently by everyone . People can become very passionate about their likes and dislikes on this question. It's a personal choice.
A lacquer is superior for heat, water and alcohol resistance on a dining table subject to heavy use.
An oil finish may be superior for a chest of drawers.
Lacquer is faster in application and drying.
Oils don't require any special tools.
It's a matter of personal preference that experience will teach you.
LACQUER
ALWAYS build your lacquer coats with a gloss. This will give you a CLEAR coating. The final coat should be the sheen you desire. Do this and you will see a definitive improvement
The flatting agent in the lacquer you are using is giving you that dull , lifeless look. Too much of it and any luster form your color is lost.
You'll get the most from any finish using common sense. By all means use the finished product, just treat it with a little care. Anything will wear in time, it's up to you how fast that happens
A finish is done when you feel you have a sufficient body of the coating built up. That comes from experience. A varnish is often built up nicely in three coats. I know people who do many coats of oils.
Wax is a very stable material yet fragile at the same time. On a piece that gets little use, a coat will last almost indefinitely. However in a heavily used piece it may require a more frequent application.
Don't overdue it. When you want to shine something that has wax on it you don't always have to re-wax. A soft cloth and a good buffing will do wonders.
One of the best things you could do for yourself is to get some books on finishing. Get a good understanding of the materials, their pluses and minuses, and then practice your techniques.
With due respect, please limit future posts to a couple of questions at a time.
Thanks,
Peter Gedrys
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