Tung Oil Issues

[jvntf]

I have finished some black walnut chairs with Real Milk Paint Half & Half (tung oil / citrus solvent), and I followed the recommendations in this video, applying thin coats.

I applied a thin coat, and then let it sit for a week, then i followed this up with another coat. A few days later the surface became extremely rough. I was able to sand this away with 320 grit, but am now seeing spots of oil appear. Any advice on how to proceed? The surface definitely needs more oil but I am afraid to apply any more.

 

[wtnhighlander]

I had a similar experience with a pure oil finish. In my case, the problem was simply too much oil applied at once, regardless of how thin the coat seemed. There should be NO wet finish left on the surface for more than 15 to 20 minutes, otherwise it will penetrate too deeply, fail to cure, and weep back out over time.

Apply, wait 15, wipe off excess until dry to the touch. Repeat once per day for a week, once per week for a month, once a month for a year, annually thereafter. That is the old mantra for boiled linseed oil, but I think that is more for things like tool handles. For furniture, 3 or 4 coats is probably enough.

[drzaius]

I'll just add that after wiping the first coat off, check back periodically for additional weeping. This can go on for hours with porous woods.

[gee-dub]

I too have made the mistake of "flooding".  It took 3 or 4 weeks for this thing to cure and it weeped for a week.

I have since learned to go lighter on the application and use a bit of Japan Drier to speed things along.