tried & true varnish oil,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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THE WOODS OF S.C.
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,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
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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