Tru oil finish

[Denwor54]

I have a question about how many coats of tru oil is recommended and are there any preferences. I have built a couple Spey rods and have been happy with the finish just not sure if I’m applying enough coats.

 

[PhilR]

I keep going until I’m bored, maybe 5 or 6, each polished with coffee filter paper.

 

[Mike Monsos]

I usually go to about 10-12 coats myself. I'm not sure if it is more durable or not but I think if you look at the sheen and are happy after 6 or so coats you should be good. I also add a coat of carnauba wax after I am happy with the finished rod.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

I use 7 coats wiped on with a piece of paper towel, then after the wraps cure two coats of Birchwood Casey’s gun stock wax as per Tom Bowden taught me. I prefer the satin look over varnish.

 

[Tim Cottage]

I wouldn't go for less than 10 - 12 coats . At that amount you'll get a durable matte or satin sheen. Given that you can put on 2 or 3 coats per day it's really no big deal in terms of time and effort.
If on the other hand you want a full gloss Its a bit more fiddly and time consuming but it can be done.

 

[Kado]

10 to 12 coats. I'll put as many as 14 to 20 coats on my saltwater rods. Not really sure if it makes any difference in durability. I do wonder if it affects the 'action' of the taper a little as more coats are added. As you gather the sections together after a few coats have dried, they definitely have that nice 'clack' of a hard surface. I've never thought to apply a layer of wax afterwards but definitely will from now on. Geez....always learning....

 

[Denwor54]

Thanks for the comments I will shoot for 10 and see the rod looks awesome with 8 coats. Now time to mortise the cork and start the handle. Tight lines

 

[Chris M]

Wondering about Tung Oil ? Does anyone use it or is it not recommended.

 

[Tim Cottage]

Wondering about Tung Oil ? Does anyone use it or is it not recommended.

Tung oil has it's proponents in the rod making community. It is used as a base or sealer coat under top coats of varnish. It's just no match for varnish as a durable top coat. Tru Oil is a wiping varnish.

 

[Chris M]

Thanks Tom.

 

[Lake flyer]

Do you have to rotate the rod as it is drying?

 

[Denwor54]

I have not had to do that just apply a thin coat with a soft cloth material and let it sit for about 3 hrs. I buff it with the finest steel wool and clean and apply another coat and when your happy with the coats let the rod sit for a few days before wrapping guides.

 

[Lake flyer]

Can I use it instead of spar varnish to refinish a fiberglass Fenwick rod?

 

[Denwor54]

Not sure I would use it on glass but there are people on this thread that have more experience than me.

 

[Paige]

Can I use it instead of spar varnish to refinish a fiberglass Fenwick rod?

U-40 Permagloss is what we used back in the shop in the day on fiberglass rods we rebuilt, you wipe on several coats to get the finish you want.

 

[Tim Cottage]

I have no idea what you should use but it is definitely not varnish. Tru Oil is a varnish

 

[Paige]

U-40 Perma Gloss 1oz Urethane Rod Finish.

I have used it on thread wraps before as well, but takes like 6 to 8 thin coats, vey thin!