How many coats of tung-oil?

[FArfel]

I'm refinishing an agathis body with tung-oil. How many coats should I apply?

 

[Growly Lytes]

I havent used it but i read that until you reach the desired result or the wood starts to reject the oil.

 

[Floyd Eye]

Depends how dark you want it. The more coats, the darker it will get.

 

[Stilettoprefer]

I did 3 on the neck of my P. If I were finishing a body I would probably do more.

 

[Randyt]

IME....I would always error on the fewer coats the better, it will depend on the sheen you wish and/or the amount of protection you wish to get...Tung-oil provides very little protection.
I have had better experience with cheap tung-oil (off the shelf at home depot) its easier to work with...dosent set up as quick and has better penetrating properties...more (extremely) light coats.....0000 steel wool in between...cleam between coats...dry times will vary with temp/ type of wood and the amount of coats already applied...take your time...tung-oil is a great finish...

 

[Pilgrim]

I havent used it but i read that until you reach the desired result or the wood starts to reject the oil.

^^ This. Multiple coats of Tung Oil give a harder surface finish and better protection.

 

[202dy]

^^ This. Multiple coats of Tung Oil give a harder surface finish and better protection.

Once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year. Once a year thereafter.

Old Adage

 

[Lo-E]

Years ago I refinished a body using four coats of tung oil with light 0000 steel wool between coats, waiting two days each time to allow it to fully dry.
Afterward, I kept it up with light applications of Butcher's wax every couple of months for the first year or so and then once a year after that.
It was a nice finish cosmetically, and it felt nice to the touch, but offered little protection from anything other than humidity.

 

[Pilgrim]

I finished a walnut rifle stock with Birchwood Casey Tung Oil in 1964 and it still has a lovely, hard finish. I have never touched it up or re-treated it after that. This result is probably specific to the product used, as "Tung Oil" has many different formulations depending on the maker.

 

[202dy]

Yesterday's oil formula is likely to have no bearing on today's formula. Each manufacturer has a different concoction. Results will vary.

Repeat the mantra: Practice on scrap!

 

[Staccato]

Color, or feel? It depends on what look, and feel you want in the end. What I like might not be what you like.

Thin coats!