I applied 3 coats of Circa 1850 Tung Oil onto a cherry fishing rod stand allowing 24 hours between coats. The first 2 coats appeared dry but the third coat is sticky 2 weeks later. A few areas are dull but most are shiney and some of the shiney areas are slightly tacky.
I experimented on a drawer face applying paste wax using 0000 steel wool. This seems to leave the dull areas somewhat dull still. This step slightly dulls the shiney areas as well. Is this what is supposed to happen?
Should I contine or will the areas where the tung oil is shiney but soft be adversely affected? Should I wait longer before proceeding or must the tacky areas be sanded or stripped?
I would appreciate advice.
Replies
Strangly enough Circa 1850 Tung Oil actually appears to be just that--raw tung oil. That means you have been applying it much too fast. Tung oil requires several days between each coat. It should be applied, allowed to penetrate for a short time--say 30 minutes. Then it should be vigorously wiped off the surface. It should NEVER build a shiney film. Such a film will always be soft. Oil finishes are intended to be "in-the-wood" finishes, not films.
What to do now. I would strip off all the tung oil, and wax, and start over. If your goal is a shiney surface, then you do not want tung oil, The best tung oil can achieve is satin.
As far as waxing with 0000 steel wool, the steel wool will leave enough scratches that shiney areas will be dulled, even if used on a harder, naturally glossy surface such as shellac, or varnish.
Let us know what wood you are using, and what kind of finish appearance you are seeking and we can recommend some specific alternative finishes.
Forget the oil
A fishing rod stand needs protection from wear and tear as well as moisture. On bare wood apply one thin coat of poly or varnish followed by one full finish coat. Strip off the oil before proceding and sand bare wood with 180.
SA
Swing Paint ("maker of circa
Swing Paint ("maker of circa 185o brand") does indicate the product is raw tung oil without other resins. Sellers of Tung Oil products have been almost universally challenged as to giving clear, accurate information. They want to capitalize on the cache' of the tung oil name, but avoid the drawbacks. It's sad--must be an ancient Chinese curse or some other silliness.
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