Replies

1. 
   theRev | Jan 29, 2004 02:26am | #1

   I seem to recall a bit of discussion on this product some time ago on this board. Try a search for tried and true. If memory serves me right, there didn't seem to be alot of positive things to be said about it. I personally don't care for it. I've used it on kid's things because of the claims that it is "safe", but I just wasn't impressed with it as a finish.

   Scott

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 29, 2004 03:01am | #2

   What does Tried & True say? Manufacturers spend a lot of time testing their products and trying different things. What they say on the can is probably the best method to use. After all, the manufacturer wants you to be sucessful with the product.

3. 
   larrmartin | Jan 29, 2004 08:33am | #3

   I've used Tried and True on a number of small tables and on jewelry boxes. I follow the method described in Chris Becksvoort's article in Fine Woodworking which calls for heating the oil, applying it very lightly, wiping it off entirely after an hour, and rubbing with a series of clean cheesecloth rags untilk no more comes off. Then I let it dry for at least 2 days and then put another coat on. I rub with steel wool after the first coat only. I've been using 6 - 8 coats in order to build protection for the table tops. After the final coat, I buff heavily to obtain more of a sheen. Sometimes I use wax as the final.

   That's an awful lot of work for your project which does not seem to require the protection I've been after for the small table tops.

4. 
   BG | Jan 29, 2004 03:31pm | #4

   Patrick,

   What your saying sounds so familiar...finishing confusion....just want to get it done right ...and in a hurry.  Chances are the finish could take a lot longer and a hell-of-a lot more work than building the piece...it all depends on what your objectives are for the finished piece. 

   There are four elements, parts, steps...whatever..to the finishing process...staining, sealing, finishing, polishing...this is all after preparing the surface.  Tried and True builds a varnish finish slowly...and with its oil pops the grain nicely....and with its thin coats reduces the rub out time.  Depending on the amount of protection you want for the piece, some will stop after 2-3 coats and go to the polishing step.  Recently I did 7 coats on a lap desk...I'm not sure if 3-4 coats would have been just as good, it seemed like I was just wasting a lot of product for the little amount of varnish I was depositing.  Over the past three months the finish has cured and really looks nice...

   I have had bad experiences with varnish because I stained the piece and did not seal it before the varnish/finish step.  Most of the stain was removed with the varnish application.

   I'm not trying to offer a specific suggestion here but offer a slightly different approach that will help you clarify the advice your getting.  How much protection does the piece need? Do you want a highly polished finish or a hand rubbed look? Are you staining the piece..do you need to blend the wood colors? What kind of wood...do you want the surface to be smooth as glass?  I think most professionals here would apply either varnish or lacquer to a project of your size (guessing). Recently I did a wash coat stain, two thin coats of shellac and three coats of brush on lacquer...very little rub out....wax....really came out nice.  I have a coffee table that I applied 6 coats of Waterlux...applied with bare hand and rubbed...and then wax.  Almost any way you cut it it'll take several applications of whatever to achieve the desired outcome