Tru Oil(HOW TO)

[Lee Lobbestael]

Hey guys I just ordered some tru oil for a bow i am finishing. But I have never used it. Any tips on how to apply it?

[ranger 3]

Just rub it on with your fingers, let it dry and do it again. On the last coat put it on lightly with steel wool to dull it down.

[vanillabear?]

[Pat B]

I also rub it on the bow with a finger. I usually put 5 to 6 coats, let it dry and give a buffing between coats with 0000steel wool. For hunting bows I give it a quick spray of satin poly over each limb to cut the shine.
 When you open the Tru-Oil pour a small amount in another container and seal the original bottle. It doesn't take much for each coat so start with a small amount. If I have any left after coating my bow I DO NOT pour it back into the original bottle. Store the Tru-Oil bottle on it's cap also to increase shelf life.

[OkKeith]

You guys that use steel wool with your Tru-Oil, do you get discoloration in the grain from tiny steel wool fragments? I kept having the grain catch and fill in with dark "dust".

I started using the "synthetic steel wool" sanding material I get at the local hardware store. It's similar to the green scrubbie pads you would use on dishes, but it is available in various grits.

Haven't had any trouble with the discoloration since I started using it. Here is a link to a pic of what I use now.
 Sanding material

It seems to last longer than the wool as well.

OkKeith

[Shaun]

I used to use my finger but switched to paper shop towels - either the white ones in the box or the blue ones on a roll. Cut a 2" square of this stuff for lint free applicator cloth. I cut several and toss each after a coat. It is easier and quicker than my fingers.

[ChristopherO]

Is True Oil better as a moisture barrier than polyurethane or about the same?

[Jason Jelinek]

I use rubber gloves then the shop paper towel as Shaun states.

From what I've read they are probably about the same for a moisture barrier.  Paraffin wax and shellac are much better for moisture barriers.  Poly seems to be a more durable finish however.

[kestimator]

I've only used it on gun stocks. Just apply very sparingly (thin) with fingers as stated by others.  Scotch brite scrubbing pads also work to dull down shine.

[scrub-buster]

Can you use tru oil over snake skins?

[Brent Hill]

I have used it on snake skin backing but I'm not an expert.

[T Folts]

Can you write on tru oil and recooat,with what kind of pen?

[Canadabowyer]

Use a pen nib Hawk #107 and india ink. Let it dry real well before recoating. Paint pens etc. don't work well, they smear.  Bob

[Johan van Niekerk]

Can you use tru-oil (or tung oil?) on a glassbacked bow? I'm in the process of putting together everything for my first laminated bow and have no clue how I'm going to finish it.
Any advise would be welcome.

[gudspelr]

Johan-

I'm in the same boat as you-I'm just about done with my first glass backed bow.  From all the posts I've checked out on here, I decided to go with Tru Oil and Minwax Spar Urethane (comes in a spray can).  When I'm finished with the bow, I plan on putting several coats of the Tru Oil on the wood portions (steel wool in between).  Then, after the oil has sufficient time to dry up, I'll put on the urethane over the whole thing.  Hopefully all will work out well....    

Hope this helps and good luck with your bow building.


Jeremy

[Johan van Niekerk]

Thanks Jeremy  

Please let me know how it works out.