I finished the two small tables pictured here using Tung Oil Finish. The addition of the shelf gave me a lot of nooks and crannies to deal with, and while I was mostly happy with the result after three coats, I had to work like a mad man to apply and wipe fast enough not to end up with “sticky” areas. (Finished outdoors in the shade in about 30% humidity and mid 70s)
In retouching one of the apron faces, I thinned the off-the-shelf product a bit with mineral spirits and found that the wiping step went much easier. The final look is identical, so I don’t see a down side to thinning it a bit to extend my next small table application.
Am I missing something?
Thanks in advance !
Replies
Adding mineral spirits is fine. It helps the finish level, and makes wiping on and off easier. Just keep in mind that the more you dilute it, the more coats you will need to get the same build. But each coat will also dry faster.
Keep in mind that what you are using is almost certainly not tung oil. There are no truth in labeling regulations, and most tung oil is not. Some are mixes of oil and varnish, and others are varnish and mineral spirits. You can tell which yours is by dropping some on a piece of glass or other nonporous surface. If it dries hard and smooth, it's varnish. If it dries soft and wrinkly, it's oil or an oil/ varnish blend.
But if It's any of those things, the proper solvent is mineral spirits.
PS. One giveaway about a product is the label "Tung Oil Finish." Finish is appended to the name because it is not actually tung oil.
PPS. The most ridiculous finishes are teak oil. There is absolutely no such thing as teak oil. It doesn't exist.
Thanks John_C2.....I was aware that the product was a blend and not a pure tung oil. I have limited experience with wood finishing, but have tried and personally rejected the Wipe On Poly finishes. This tung oil finish has a future for me and the slightly thinned mixture should give me the bit of extra time to smooth and blend the adjoining surfaces on the next table.
Appreciate the quick feed back.
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