How to Make Tung Oil Finish
- 1). Pour pure tung oil into a small glass container, such as a recycled glass jar.
- 2). Add a solvent to the oil. The ratio should be mixed as equal parts of oil and solvent. Your solvent can be traditional spirits, turpentine or citrus-based thinners. Once you have mixed a solvent in pure tung oil, it is called a tung-oil finish.
- 3). Apply the tung oil finish to your wood surface, going with the grain of the wood. Apply a few thin layers with a paintbrush or soft cloth, such as an old t-shirt, to thoroughly coat the surface. These first layers fill in pores and penetrate the wood to bring out the colors. Spread the oil finish as evenly as possible. Allow this to dry for five to ten minutes.
- 4). Use a super fine-grit sandpaper to buff the surface. Follow with a light sanding with steel wool. Use a damp rag to remove any dust or debris after sanding. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly.
- 5). Spread a moderate layer of pure tung oil over the surface. Allow this to dry for 24 hours before proceeding.
- 6). Lightly sand the surface with sand paper or steel wool. Wipe clean with a damp rag.
- 7). Add a polymerized oil over the tung oil layer. This should be applied generously but evenly. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly after this layer, about 24 hours.
- 8). Buff the surface again with sandpaper or steel wool. Use a damp rag to clean the area.
- 9). Apply a final coat of pure tung oil to the surface with a soft cloth. Let the surface dry for 48 to 72 hours.
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