Sanding+TruOil issues

[Simon Barden]

Sometimes you have to take a step back to then move forwards. I'm doing it all the time. Yes, TO will sand off. You've either got to just add loads of TO coats, so that it's thick enough to sand back to a flat surface over rough grain, or else you get the wood really smooth first before applying any TO, so that you have to apply fewer coats of TO. Most people here end up putting around 30 coats of TO on, with sandings every 4-5 coats or so.

Towards the end, you can thin the TO with turps about 50/50, so it's a bit more liquid and doesn't leave so many ridges in the finish when wiping it on. It obviously goes on a bit thinner as well, so wait until you've done the main building-up with the full strength TO.

[Peace_less]

Thank you so much, fellas. I enjoy the process, but it is twice as much fun when I know it can actually succeed.

Now for 30 coats I am starting to wonder how many bottles I will need. I have the 3oz one and another one coming (hopefully) in the mail. I get the feeling I need 5 of those?

How are you applying the Tru-Oil?

Actually I applied it with broad strokes, since I got the feeling it is best to start drying up and becoming tacky altogether. All the luthiers I saw on youtube did it like that. If I can do it per area it will be much easier.

Towards the end, you can thin the TO with turps about 50/50, so it's a bit more liquid and doesn't leave so many ridges in the finish when wiping it on.

I actually like the ridges, as long as they're relatively even across the body. In fact, I have been ogling my Corvette ever since I started the process - the finish is amazing, with the grain alternating between smooth and striped, and it feels awesome.