how many thin coats of tried-and-true varnish oil do you normally use? i know you need thin coats and sunlight helps it to cure. any other tips are welcomed,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
tried & true varnish oil,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
- Thread starter olskool
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I used 3 because the instructions said never to exceed 3. I will be honest. I see no reason a guy can’t use more. Ive never used any type of wood finish that had limitations on coats. Oil or poly. With self bows you have to limit coats only because limbs bend and too many coats can show cracking. But, that’s 15-20 coats before it can possibly happen. I wouldn’t hesitate to apply 4 or 5 coats. Matter of fact after I finish my current rifle it’s getting at least 5 coats rubbed in.
Use however many until it looks good. This is usually 5-6 for me. I'd ignore the instructions. These are of course VERY thin coats. Stretch the oil as far as you can.
splash in a little turpentine. Helps penetrate better and I think dries faster. First coat can be heavy, wipe off what the wood won't take. After that, just drops here and there rubbed in with heel of hand.
do you burnish with 0000 wool between coats like the instructions say?
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I don't. I seldom follow instructions. Probably explains a lot. 
I wiped it on very, very thin. Let it soak in for a solid hour. Then used a lint free rag to wipe it down. Then 0000 steel wool very lightly followed by another lint free wipe down.
Sagebrush
36 Cl.
I thinned my first coat about 1/3 with turpentine, let it cure for five days and then added five or six extra thin coats. That first coat really darkened it up.
View attachment IMG_8022 3.jpg
View attachment IMG_8022 3.jpg
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Well not all woods will take stains or coatings the same rate. Do what it takes to make you happy.
nice looking gun!
Ronald Grove
32 Cal
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I usually put on 6 coats but if 4 looks good I quit and conversely if it needs 8 to look right then so be it.
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I have used this for several years and do many coats. I do one a day for a week, if there is good sun so it can be in it for curing, and then do one a week for a month or so. Basically I do it until I get the warm look I am looking for.
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