Reply by Ken Waller

I use Minwax Tung Oil (also a varnish, tung oil blend) on all my turnings larger than wine stoppers. I apply it liberally but only let it sit 2-3 min then remove as much as I can with paper towels. I have always ended up with a great finish that increases in gloss with each application, peaking with 3 coats. Leaving the oil on too long before wiping (often the result of an interupting phone call) seems to result in some of the oil leaching out later then turning to sludge that has to be scraped/sanded off . I used to use pure tung oil but changed to get the harder finish and increased gloss.

-- Ken in Sharbot Lake, Ontario