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My #2

Was the tung oil pure (the only one that I know of is Old Masters) or a "tung oil finish"? Pure tung oil is extremely expensive. Tung oil finish is usually a blend of polyurethane, linseed oil, mineral spirits, and a little tung oil. If it is pure tung oil, I don't like a film finish on top so I would either use carnauba wax or nothing. I would never entertain the idea of using a dust magnet soft wax. If you used a tung oil finish, then it really is not necessary to add any more polyurethane, but a carnauba wax job might give it a nice shine if that is what you would like.
 
Was the tung oil pure (the only one that I know of is Old Masters) or a "tung oil finish"? Pure tung oil is extremely expensive. Tung oil finish is usually a blend of polyurethane, linseed oil, mineral spirits, and a little tung oil. If it is pure tung oil, I don't like a film finish on top so I would either use carnauba wax or nothing. I would never entertain the idea of using a dust magnet soft wax. If you used a tung oil finish, then it really is not necessary to add any more polyurethane, but a carnauba wax job might give it a nice shine if that is what you would like.

Bill, this is what I use.


Circa 1850 Tung Oil is a ready to use finish made with raw tung oil, and does not contain any other oils, resins or varnish. Tung Oil, extracted from the nut of the oriental tung tree, has been used for centuries to protect and beautify wood. Circa 1850 Tung Oil penetrates deep into the pores of wood to strengthen the wood fibres. It provides the low-lustre, hand-rubbed finish you'd expect from a master craftsman. Circa 1850 Tung Oil protects wood from accidental spills and water marks.

I am thinking of using a wax like this:
Mylands Wax was formulated over 100 years ago for antique furniture conservators and restorers. Mylands Wax has a unique formula that combines the finest natural waxes including beeswax, carnauba and shellac wax. Mylands wax can be used on all interior wood surfaces over virtually any finish

Will this do the trick??
 
I do not really like the idea of shellac and beeswax mixed with carnauba wax.

Hard carnauba wax can be applied to a buffing wheel, but seems to me that the results scuff the finish more than it polishes. However, if applied over a pure oil where the surface has a dull sheen, it might be a good solution. If the wood happens to be ring porous then it might leave visible particles embedded. The good side is that it doesn't appreciably darken the wood. I like Johnson's Paste Wax. It is easy to apply, but requires some elbow grease to buff it to a nice low gloss finish. It does darken the wood slightly. Another product that I have not tried yet is Meguiar's Carnauba Plus Paste Wax. I have heard good things about it.

Some other turners are big fans of beeswax, but I am not so take my suggestions as being biased.
 
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