Tung oil for refinishing a Model 158?

[elbow]

I have a Topper 158 made in 1985 [AZ prefix]. I have sanded it,stained it, want to use tung oil to finish it, How many coat should I use?

[Jimbo47]

I'm assuming you mean Tru Oil (brand name), so It really depends on how deep and glossy a finish you want.

First of all when using Tru oil you just have to remember, a little goes a long way!

Start out with one light coat, applying with your finger, and let it dry, then using fine 00 steel wool go over the stock very lightly, making sure you wipe the stock clean of any steel wool fibers before you apply the next coat.

Apply another coat and a little heavier where it has seemed to have soaked in on the first coat, but not enough to run.

Continually wipe it while it's still wet using your finger all over to prevent runs, until it begins to feel slightly sticky as this is an indication it's drying. and then using a hanger wire through the stock hang it up to dry.

Repeat the first step and repeat until you have the deep gloss or satin finish you desire.

It's usually about four coats the way I like it, but others like more.

Remove the Tru oil with Goo be gone or something similar to wipe your fingers clean.

[MSP Ret]

If you are talking about good pure Tung Oil, which I use on stocks quite often and prefer, 3 to 4 coats at a minimum, more if you want a deeper, more protective finish, but 3 to 4 is sufficient IF done correctly. Put the initial 1 or 2 coats on THICK (puddling) and allow it to soak into the wood. Pure Tung Oil is a great stock finish but don't use the cheaper stuff....<><....

[cwlongshot]

 I have done about a doz stocks with tru-oil and linseed oils before trying tung oil... I like the speed of the tru-oil. I like the final result of linseed oil. I like the finish of tung much better! Lin-seed and tung dry slower but provide better/deeper finishes. (IMHO)

 Put it on with your fingers as described. Rub it in good, allowing it to get warm with the friction from rubbing. Hang it in a dust free area. I made up a cabinet with a filter so my shop vac can be hooked up to speed things up a bit. I use the vacuum about half the time. Bent up coat hangers from pipes in the basement work just fine. Don't rush this, you will get a much better final result if you take it slow. More coats equals deeper or more depth to the finish. I have a couple stocks with 20 coats!!! G

Good luck and be sure to take some pics before, during and after!!

CW

[Fairshake]

Jimbo47, You must be young if you don't know about tung oil. It's been around for ever and back in the 50's and 60's was one of the preferred type of finishes. I still prefer the finish of linseed oil. It does not have that high shine that Browning came out with in the 70's but it brings out the spirit of the wood with a low sheen and every grain defined. I just finished the stock on my 1887 shotgun with linseed and have received all kinds of accolades.

[Jimbo47]

Nope not too young, only 62, as in 1947, but I'm a little lazier these days.

I've used them all, but the Tru oil just seems to be less fuss to work with, (like CW say's it dries faster) and it gives a fine finish that works for me.

Now if it was a custom made gun with fine walnut stocks, then yes I'd use the better tung oil or other "preferred finishes" but we are talking Handi Rifle and pallet wood here.

I assumed, because the Tru Oil has a lot of fans here in Handi country!

[gendoc]

i can tell ya bout refinishing a sks!!!
i removed that "cake varnish"
and nearly all the red/orange stain crap.
steelwooled from hell!!!!!!!!! until smooth

applied tung-oil, rubbed it in....
prolly bout 10-12 coats.
and what a finish!!!!!!!

took several days of play'n but, here's the results.......


much better than the norinco finish...

before you could not see any grain...
the tung oil will bring it out.

i have never done a pw stock, cus i like laminates on my h&r's

i'll try one soon to see what it can do!!!!!

[Swampman]

Get the Minwax Tung Oil & follow the directions on the can.  It works great & it drys.  Pure tung oil won't dry.  Linseed has little water resistance.