Tru Oil Finish

[wokkaboy]

Spy, 12 coats is about twice as many as you need. Sounds like you are applying it too thick. How much time have you allowed to cure between coats ?
I would give it a light wet sand with 800 or 1200 grit and try applying thin coats. Don't put much TO on the rag

[Spychocyco]

That's what I was afraid of. I generally give it about 24 hours between coats.

[wokkaboy]

I'd say that's the problem Spy, what sort of temperatures are you having in Louisiana ? Don't worry I can convert fahrenheit to celcius.
I would leave it for a week but you should be allowing 2-3 days curing between coats and longer if they are thick coats.
I'd say the coats underneath haven't cured properly and never will

[wazkelly]

There are several methods to applying TO that end up with different results.

The Birch Casey method suggests almost buffing the liquid dry as it is applied....not my preferred option.

Another is full strength and a light wipe all over with not much working into the surface....extreme opposite of above leaving a 'wet' appearance.

These days I tend to alternate between initial 4-6 coats full strength 'wet' coats then a light 1200 wet sand, followed by 50:50 diluted with turps for another 3 or 4 coats wiped on until almost dry then 1500 wet sand, repeat process a few more times moving up to a 2000 wet sanding. Every now and then a wet sand may strip a bit too much off and the odd full strength coat adds a bit more thickness to continue working with. Eventually it will start to feel glassy to touch whilst wet sanding and this is letting you know almost done.

Looked up Latitude for Louisiana and it is similar to Coffs Harbour on our East Coast which is considered a sub tropical climate with minimal humidity. Where I live is 3.5 degrees latitude closer to the tropics and still considered sub tropical with moderate humidity but not all the time. Use TO on everything, sometimes applying a couple of coats a day with no dramas. Have noticed that on really hot days its goes tacky quicker, which can be an issue for full strength coats and if it looks like rain, maybe just one diluted coat and give it a couple of days to fully cure before doing any more.

It pays to mix things up a bit to find what works best for you and not be in a rush to get it finished. Slow and steady can save a lot of time and effort sanding back rushed mistakes.

[Spychocyco]

Temps in Louisiana are a tough question. For most of the process, we've been in the 90s F. Humidity is always fairly high. The last week, we dropped from mid-80s to below freezing in 24 hours, then back into the 70s in 24 more hours and back into the 80s later this week. The work is being done inside, so things are a bit more stable where the guitar is actually sitting.

The first three or four coats I put on really just seemed to soak right into the wood. Took 10 or 12 before I started to get a little shine on it and it started feeling a little smoother to the touch. It just seems like I'm using a lot of oil for not a lot of results.

[wazkelly]

Temps in Louisiana are a tough question. For most of the process, we've been in the 90s F. Humidity is always fairly high. The last week, we dropped from mid-80s to below freezing in 24 hours, then back into the 70s in 24 more hours and back into the 80s later this week. The work is being done inside, so things are a bit more stable where the guitar is actually sitting.

The first three or four coats I put on really just seemed to soak right into the wood. Took 10 or 12 before I started to get a little shine on it and it started feeling a little smoother to the touch. It just seems like I'm using a lot of oil for not a lot of results.

Some bodies are thirstier than others and not uncommon for little evidence of progress until 10 or more coats have been done.
Try a few thinner diluted coats as whilst they go on easier they also help to level off and bring on the shine.
Don't think your local weather is an issue, very similar to here in South East Qld.

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[Bakersdozen]

Question..is it possible to dilute TO with Gum Turps? Anyone here tried that?

[Andy40]

I've hear of peeps diluting 50/50 with mineral turps but not gum turps

[Bakersdozen]

I've hear of peeps diluting 50/50 with mineral turps but not gum turps

Yep, me too. I also vaguely recall reading that someone did it - on a rifle or woodworking forum I think it was. They said that gum turps gave a bit more of a sheen from memory Am just curious to see if I can use what I already have.

These days I tend to alternate between initial 4-6 coats full strength 'wet' coats then a light 1200 wet sand, followed by 50:50 diluted with turps for another

What say ye, Waz?

[wazkelly]

Yep, me too. I also vaguely recall reading that someone did it - on a rifle or woodworking forum I think it was. They said that gum turps gave a bit more of a sheen from memory Am just curious to see if I can use what I already have.



What say ye, Waz?

Never tried Gum Turps on anything so cannot comment. Probably works the same as mineral turps to dilute it down which helps spreading it with a rag a bit better as when local temps start getting up there in the 30's together with higher humidity Tru Oil has a tendency to feel very sticky & tacky when being applied thus making a smooth layer just a little bit more difficult. Adding just a few drops initially may be the better way to go as 50:50 ratio ends up very watery and increases the risk of runs.

Cheers, Waz