Tried and true question

[45-110]

I read the lengthy previous replies about varnish finishes, so I am trying the Tried and True now for the 1st time. I have 3 coats on in 2 weeks and have wiped them all down after the 10 min wait. The stuff just does not seem to "really dry". Being winter in Wyoming I can not let it sit outside in the sun, I have put stock on the window sill in house to get full sun and next to pellet stove and am still not impressed. My question is should I add some Japan dryer and or turpentine? I do not want to wait months for a final finish on this new walnut stock.
thanks
kw

[WadePatton]

If you just need UV and aren't concerned about PC, there are grow lights that will provide UV. Some probably aren't that expensive. You might find a closeout deal on the T5 fluorescents as LED's become the standard.

Plus they're great for starting your own tomatoes, etc.

[Beaverman]

I cut mine with turpentine 60% T&T and 40% Turp, then apply VERY thin coats, did I say very thin coats? still takes 4 to 5 days to dry enough for another coat here in Washington State in the summer!

[Hatchet-Jack]

I had the same problem. I created a hot box by hanging the stock in my West facing window (I have really tall windows) and taping those reflective survival blankets up sealing it in. I was able to get each coat to dry in 24 hours.

[t.caster]

I've heard of a lot of guys using Tried and True over the years, but haven't been able to find anyone selling it locally. Now I don't think I will bother.
I have been using Tung Oil on the last four guns after the price of  Permalyn went up to $24/4 oz. that's like $700/gal. Think about that!
I like the results with Tung oil with no application hassles.
However, I will be using JD Beck Flintlocks Inc., finish and wax on my current and future projects.

[45-110]

Thanks for the advice on the T and T. It does leave a nice soft sheen but the hassle of extensive dry times in winter seems to offset any advantage. I think the next build will be back to the tung oil that has never failed me.
I am still wondering though if some added Japan dryer would help, has anyone tried that?

[Martin S.]

The secret to Tried and True is to use it sparingly.  Yes, it takes time to dry.  It is a trade off for having a non-toxic finish.

Chris Becksvoort (google him) is a renowned Shaker furniture maker and he swears by it.  However, I have read somewhere, I can't remember where, that he sometimes adds a little Japan drier to it.

So yes, I have read that adding Japan drier to Tried and True is possible and has been done successfully.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I believe Tried and True is a good finish that is close to the look of originals but having written that, I don't use it. I've used polymerized tung oil for decades and have no reason to use anything else.  If you add Japan drier make sure it is
just a tiny bit.  It does work to dry the oil varnish.

dave

[Scota4570]

Sounds like a headache.  If it were me I'd strip it off with solvent. 

I then go to the hardware store and get some gloss marine spar vanish.  I 'd make up a couple of ounces of 50:50 varnish and mineral spirits.  Turpentine is good also but my wife complains about he smell.  Then I'd add a teaspoon of japan dryer.  The small screw top food saver jars are good for this.  I'd apply it very thin.  I use lady's stocking cloth because it has no lint and is not absorbent.  One coat per day.  In less than a week I'd expect to be done.   

[RobertLosekamp]

I used t&t varnish on my Colonial. Use very sparingly, like dip to tip of the tip of my finger, just barely enough to wet it, then polkadot one section of the stock at a time.then vigorously rub it in with the heel of my palm. I also made a "drying room" in the basement bathroom nobody ever uses. Dehumidifier in there keeps it warmer than the rest of the house and a small fan directly under it. Still takes longer than 24 hours in winter but the final product is lovely.

[45-110]

Ok guys I am ready for another coat today, armed with some japan dryer, "pure" turpentine and a new Walmart UV flex arm grow lamp.

[Jim Kibler]

I use lots of different finishes including Tried and True.  It works well, but It's tough if you don't have sunlight.  With good sun it will dry in a day.  Without it might be a week...

[RobertLosekamp]

Jim, would you happen to have any insight on UV lamps such as those used for aquariums would assist in curing the oil? Obviously an untraditional method but it's got my curiosity in the winter months.