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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: TomMcDonald on March 09, 2009, 01:32:00 AM

Title: Linen back
Post by: TomMcDonald on March 09, 2009, 01:32:00 AM

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

Title: Re: Linen back
Post by: Pat B on March 09, 2009, 09:38:00 AM

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

Title: Re: Linen back
Post by: bjansen on March 09, 2009, 05:29:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Linen back
Post by: Pat B on March 10, 2009, 12:04:00 AM

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.

Title: Re: Linen back
Post by: bjansen on March 10, 2009, 09:16:00 AM

Sounds great.  Thanks for the advice Pat!

Title: Re: Linen back
Post by: Pat B on March 10, 2009, 09:50:00 AM

...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.