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I have recently constructed a sofa table out of walnut and am applying a tung oil finish. I have applied 3 coats so far, but have discovered patches that don't seam to be taking the oil. I have done several projects with walnut in the past and have never had any problems with this type finish. What could be causing this and how do I correct it?
What "tung oil" finish are you using? There are several out there and some ( most) have no real tung oil what-so-ever.
Scott Holmes
Finishing is an 'Art & a Science'. Actually, it is a process. You must understand the properties and tendencies of the finish you are using. You must know the proper steps and techniques, then you must execute them properly.
Thank you, you were correct. The oil I have been using is a modified tung oil called " china wood oil" made by Mohawk. I hadn't really taken notice of that. But still, I had used it on another walnut table with great results. I thought I was following all the proper steps and techniques. The question still remains as to how I can remedy this problem and I would like to ask what would be a good choice for reference on proper wood finishing.
Actually chinaberry oil and tung oil are the same thing. Chinaberry tree and tung tree are close if not the same tree with a different name.
Now the question is how was it modified? Is it a pure oil? a varnish that's highly thinned? or an oil/varnish blend?