Hi,

I’m finishing a nightstand I made of maple (cabinet/carcass) and padauk (table-top) with tung oil (pure, from Rockler) to match plans I saw in an old Wood magazine issue.

The maple seemed to accept the tung oil well and to my desired sheen (lost count on the number of coats, probably 8-10).  I believe I have already applied between 8-10 coats on the padauk top as well.  The regimine has been:

• apply the tung oil, let it set for 20-30 minutes
• then wipe up excess with a clean. dry rag
• let it cure for about a week
• sand/rub with 0000 steel wool (being careful not to rub too hard which would essentially remove the coat I just put down)
• repeat

I wonder now when enough is enough.  Padauk has a somewhat open grain and the oil seems to soak in more in some areas than others.  I’m think I am close to (or have surpassed the point of) the final coat, but how do I know, and what should my final steps be?  Wax?  Rottenstone? Buff out with felt pad?

Thanks in advance for reading and offering your advice, it is appreciated.

MikeB