I'am going to use true oil.do I sand it all the way down.or use a stripper on it.also what kind of pen do you use for lettering.
I'm not a builder ( yet ) but I restored one a couple years ago, as far as sandin go's I took it down just enuff to get the old finish removed and then didnt sand it aggresively, I was afraid I mite damage somthin.
I finished it with a satin polyurethane ( about 3 coats) it turned out purty good to me, the wood grain shows up good and the finish aint real glossy, just enuff to look good but not enuff to make it flashy.
I had done several bows and I use an razor blade held at 90 degrees to scrape off the finish and then sand lightly starting with 220 through 600. I use a super glue finish and steel wool to fill the pores then 3-5 coats of Satin poly urethane minwax spray finish. Makes for a pretty durable finish and looks good if you take your time on the prep.
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Sorry, didn't answer your questions.
I used a sharpee after the super glue and before the spray finish.
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How do you apply the super glue. and thanks everyone for the help.Rick
With my finger and polish it with 0000 steel wool once I've filled the pores. I've also used tru-oil with good results...same application using very thin coats. The super glue is fast drying and is a very hard finish.
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If using Super glue make sure you put it on in one direction only. Acetone is a release agent for super glue and you should keep it handy.
Dan