RidgeCracker
New Member
When using Tru-Oil, or any other kind of dark finish, how do you guys keeps the pins from discoloring?
Clean with a cotton swab after every application??
Clean with a cotton swab after every application??
Pins Darkening from finish
- Thread starter RidgeCracker
- Start date
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
I use Tru-Oil a lot, and if it's applied correctly, there should be no build up of it on the pins.
As for other types of finishes, that is an issue you'll always have to deal with. Your idea of the cotton swab is one way, but frankly, for the most part I choose to use woods that do not require any finish. Sometimes, in order to avoid troublesome issues, you have to consider the types of woods you're willing to use as handles.
As for other types of finishes, that is an issue you'll always have to deal with. Your idea of the cotton swab is one way, but frankly, for the most part I choose to use woods that do not require any finish. Sometimes, in order to avoid troublesome issues, you have to consider the types of woods you're willing to use as handles.
RidgeCracker
New Member
Thanks Ed
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
It didn't occur to me until this morning..... if folks have questions on applying Tru-Oil, I have a free video on my website that covers it.....
http://www.caffreyknives.net/how_to_videos.html
It's the 6th video down. Hope it's helpful!
http://www.caffreyknives.net/how_to_videos.html
It's the 6th video down. Hope it's helpful!
John Wilson
Well-Known Member
I agree with Ed. If your pins are darkening, chances are you are laying the TruOil on way too thick. That, or you may not be buffing it off sufficiently between coats. Either way- the first couple coats should be getting buffed off (0000 steel wool) completely. Those first several coats are about sealing the wood, not building up the finish. Only the last coats are not buffed off in order to provide the shine. And by that time, you are talking one drop of oil per side. It shouldn't be enough to darken the pins.
Having said that, I like to have TruOil sealing over the pins and it may darken them half a shade or so- but if you're using brass pins this is a good thing because that brass will darken over time as it oxidizes anyway. The seal over them will at least have them staying shiny rather than going dark as brass does when exposed to air and water.
Having said that, I like to have TruOil sealing over the pins and it may darken them half a shade or so- but if you're using brass pins this is a good thing because that brass will darken over time as it oxidizes anyway. The seal over them will at least have them staying shiny rather than going dark as brass does when exposed to air and water.
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
Awesome input John!
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
Thanks Ted! I'm having a BALL doing this stuff. All the credit goes to Tim for his abilities in knowing just how to not only shoot the videos, but he's fantastic at the editing part. I'm just the monkey in front of the camera! 
I'll pass on your praise.....he'll be thrilled!
I'll pass on your praise.....he'll be thrilled!