subject: Hand rubbing Tung Oil finishes guide [print this page] Hand-rubbed Tung Oil finishes or wiping on oil with cheesecloth is very efficient and produces beautiful results. It creates an even coat without runs, drips or brushes to clean.
With a teaspoon of Tung Oil applied to cheesecloth, begin wiping into corners, joints and decorative work. This will reduce the excess oil in the cloth pad and allow it to even out oil in the corners and decorative areas.
Add oil to cheese cloth as necessary to finish wiping an even coat on top of project.
Rub surface with the palm of the hand or two fingers (or cheesecloth and gloves). Wiping with the grain, keep hand constantly in motion, so there are no smudges or fingerprints. The wood surface should feel slick, but not wet after rubbing. It will become sticky within five (5) minutes after being applied and should not be rubbed any longer. Each side of a dresser or cabinet, for example, should be wiped down with Tung Oil varnish and then had rubbed before going on to the next section.
A little excess Tung Oil varnish during the hand rubbing will allow the wood to absorb a maximum amount; thus, an even coat is being applied.
Continue application of Tung Oil with cheesecloth followed by hand rubbing to level out wet areas. Rub oil into wood over entire project.
Tools and Materials for Finishing:
Tack cloth
Steel wool (#4/0), fine sandpaper, or 3M white pad
