Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lee Lobbestael on October 20, 2014, 01:25:04 pm
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How do you guys apply truoil? I am terrible at finishes and need an easy way to get a nice smooth finish. I heard truoil is pretty simple so I bought a bottle
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I pour a little bit in a gatorade lid and use a cosmetic wedge to apply thin coats. That's the best way I have tried. I got runs when I used my finger to apply it.
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Lately I've been using spray-on tru oil. You can put on thin coats without runs, and it only takes about a minute to spray on a coat.
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I have been using a sponge brush that I picked up at the buck store, 6 for $1
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Lee, I've never used truoil - but I think it isn't that far away from my homemade mixture.
This is what I do:
Apply a few drops on the limbs
Rub in the stuff with fingers and your hands, it gets hot and soaks deeply in the wood
After that massage wait about 10 min til the surface gets sticky
Now rub quickly with tissue the sticky rest off, use about 3 sheets of tissue for each limb to prevent sticking on
And voila you get a super nice smooth finish
I repeat the process 6-8x, let it cure inbetween for at least one day
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I use my finger to apply Tru-Oil. I pour a little in a jar top and seal the original bottle as soon as possible and store it on its top.
I dip the tip of my finger in the Tru-Oil and rub it into the wood putting down a thin layer. When it dries rub it down with 0000 steel wood and add the second coat. Continue until you have good coverage. Usually about 5 or 6 coats.
Tru-Oil is self leveling and dries ultra shiny. For hunting bows I add a quick spray of satin pole to cut the shine.
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I use a finger finish for the first coat... The wood usually sucks it up. Every coat after I apply with my finger then go over it with a rag that moistened with tru-oil. I do this to prevent runs. The stuff likes to get crust around the lid and will thicken up if the lid it's left off. To get the most life out of it... Here's a good tip. Don't remove the foil from bottle. Poke two small holes with a nail into the foil. When your done using it my make sure you wipe everything clean
Jon
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ok thanks guys! Does it wash off of fingers ok?
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A little mineral spirits or turpentine will get it off. It is basically linseed oil and Japan dryer
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How long does it take to dry?
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It takes a few hours to dry. I usually tip it onto my palm (without letting it pour) and then rub that vigorously onto the limb until I need more finish or I'm done.
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I use a rag. Jawge
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If the humidity is high it takes longer to dry. Usually I give the first coat over night before adding a second coat.. After the first coat it will usually dry in a few hours. I will sometimes do 2 coats in a day if the humidity is down.
Some of the oily tropical woods won't let it cure. A coat of shellac with help to seal it first before adding the Tru-Oil or any solvent type finish for that matter.
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Thanks, Lee, for starting this thread.
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No problem Knoll! Its been a help for me, I got my first coat on a bow tonight and it looks nice and smooth. I will post the bow when its finished but I work pretty slow.
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The above tips for applying wit a finger is great. I've used Tru oil a lot on gun stocks. And on the bow I just posted. The very first thing you should do is clean your wood with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. And then absolutely never touch the wood with your bare hands. Your finger prints will show up every time. Also to make a really water tight seal on the wood use the Tru oil and wet sand it working the slurry into all the pores in the wood. Just keep adding oil until your finished. Let it dry overnight then buff it well with 0000 steel wool. Be sure to wipe it down with a clean lint free cloth in between coats. Remember it don't take a lot of oil to cover it. You should be able to do 3 to 4 bows from one small bottle. Patrick
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Same as Pat B,my finger. :)
Pappy