Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Aug 14, 2002 09:55pm | #1

   What do you mean by "oil finish?"

   If you mean an oil based product like varnish, you use gloss varnish.

   If you mean an oil like boiled linseed or pure tung oil, you can't. Oil does not harden enough to get truly glossy.

   If you mean one of the oil/varnish products like Watco, Antique Oil, Tung Oil Finish, Danish Oil, etc., you will again not get a glossy finish.

1. 
   ToddScholl | Aug 15, 2002 02:47am | #3

   What about Tried and True Varnish oil?

1. 
   Lar55 | Aug 15, 2002 03:39am | #4

   I've used Tried and True varnish putting on about 4 coats and it has a gloss finish to it.

   Good Luck!!!

1. 
   RSRose | Aug 15, 2002 08:09am | #5

   Any oil/varnish mixture, and that just about covers all products labelled "Tung . . . whatever" except 100% tung oil, will give a gloss finish if applied properly in several coats.

   For instance, Minwax Tung Oil Finish padded on in the manner of applying "French Polish" ("wax-on-wax-off") builds after about the 3rd or 4th application to a beautiful gloss while leaving the open-pore look of an oil-only finish. It does impart quite an amber tone, though.

   Rich

1. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 16, 2002 01:54am | #6

   Steel wool or synthetic versions can lessen the sheen or gloss.  

2. 
   rreeger | Aug 14, 2002 09:58pm | #2

   Use a 10-40 weight or better oil. :-) 

   Just kidding!  From what I understand, the gloss would come from buffing the piece after applying 3 coats of oil.  That or applying a gloss type finishing product such as a lacquer or varnish.

   Good article on this at:

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/ChoosingFinish.htm

   "Understanding Wood Finishing" by Bob Flexner is the "bible" on these things. 

   Hope this helps a little!

   RR