Linen back

[TomMcDonald]

Hi all,
When I finish my bow, Do I oil over the linen or just leave it?

[Pat B]

I generally seal the backing material with TBIII to help keep moisture out then add Tru-Oil over that.

[bjansen]

Pat, would you mind telling us your method of using Tru-oil.  Do you seal the grain with anything before hand (like the Birchwood Casey sealer/filler?), I was also wondering what you apply the tru oil with, how many coats and the dry time inbetween and if you buff with steel wool in between.

I remember you saying on a post once that you follow up your Tru -oil finish with a light coat of satin to degloss.  

Thanks

[Pat B]

I use a finger to apply Tru-Oil. I pour a small amount into a small container(jar cap) and reseal the main bottle to prevent it from drying out. I usually use 5 or 6 coats with a rub down with 0000steel wool between coats. I don't use a sealer first but allow the Tru-Oil to self level and after 5 or 6 coats most irregularities are filled to give a smooth finish. Generally the first coat takes the longest to cure and especially with oily woods. I usually put down the second coat the next day. After that I can get 2 coats a day. After the Tru-Oil has had a few days to cure out I add a quick spray of satin poly to cut the shine.

[bjansen]

Sounds great.  Thanks for the advice Pat!

[Pat B]

...also, when not in use store your bottle of Tru-Oil up side down; resting on it's cap. It lasts longer with congealing in the bottle that way.