How many coats?

[tnlonghunter]

Okay, I finally got to the point of being able to put finish on my York rifle. I've only been working on it since Feb. Anyway, I've got 6 coats of Chamber's Oil Finish on it. How many is preferrable. I could probably get 12 or more out of what I've got left in the bottle, but any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[Roy]

Depends on the wood and what you are trying to achieve. I have gotten away with just six coats on a piece of hard maple before, and who knows how many on walnut.

 

[tnlonghunter]

It's maple and I'm going for a slightly worn/used look

 

[Roy]

:thumbsup: Stop when you think its time then. Usually when I give something an aged look I still finish everything as I would normally, then I start with the aging.

 

[rich pierce]

You can tell when the stock is completely "filled"- the finish is smooth and shows no grain. Then you are done and can rub it with rottenstone, etc to level it and take off the shine. Look at the stock at an angle to the light and you'll see whether it's filled or not. Open grained wood with large pores takes a lot more coats.