Min Wax Antique Oil

[Justin Urbantas]

Have any of you folks tried Min Wax antique oil as a finish over aquafortis? How did it turn out?  Any special technique for applying it? Thank you
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.antique-oil-natural.1000406423.html

[SingleMalt]

Here's more info.  http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/specialty-finishes/minwax-antique-oil-finish

[Kingsburyarms]

That's all I use.... Perfect finish over AF.....















Perfect finish

[Kingsburyarms]

Sand and Whisker.... Then one coat by hand only (I use surgical gloves) Let it dry for a day or two - flat in appearance and deeply absorbed by the wood,  flat (absorbed) color.  Next coat by hand - rub in deep with hand to make the first coat "melt" into the wood and it will melt into the first coat. let dry for two days. Repeat until you get the "gloss" you want, and let dry for 2-3 days - then cut down with a white scotch bright pad... - and apply a light hand rubbed coat to remove scratches and imperfections. Depending on the gloss you want, rinse and repeat.

Take a look at the attached.

[Kingsburyarms]

[SingleMalt]

If not using varnish I made, I've been using True Oil.  It's basically a cooked oil varnish.  One coat cut 50% with turpentine, then the rest at full strength. 

This stuff intrigues me.  I'll have to nip down to Home Depot or Lowe's tomorrow and have a look.  How many coats does it take to build a decent shine?  I saw on the Minwax site that it doesn't say anything about water resistance. 

[bob in the woods]

Take a hard look at the safety data sheet. I used to use these types of finishes, but stopped about 20 + years ago. There are very good and even better less toxic finishes which actually stand up better to the use that a gun can be exposed to.  Perhaps those who work with finishes occasionally don't care, but I use and am in the shop with work being finished on a constant basis. Perhaps someone like Dan Pharis has similar comments.

[smallpatch]

It's interior only, so no hunting or trail walks?  Indoor range?
It looks nice, but will it hold up?

[oldtravler61]

  I've used it on two guns. There both carried almost every day dieting tree rat season. Absolutely no complaints here.
  As Jon says it's easy application. Just put it on like he says.
  It's not H.C. But it does hold up fine for me...

[flinchrocket]

Take a scrap piece of maple and finish it like you would your stock and set it outside for 6 months. That will tell you if it's any good!

[Daryl]

Take a scape piece of maple and finish it like you would your stock and set it outside for 6 months. That will tell you if it's any good!

for setting out side for 6 months.  I've hunted in all weathers with this stock which I 'finished' in 1986 using True Oil.  Wind, sun, rain, snow and temperatures to -56- yeah, that was quite chilling.

It shows a bit of wear, here and there & should be refinished.









gif hoster

[flinchrocket]

I use tru oil mixed with fast drying linseed oil from the art supply. 1 part tru oil to 2 parts linseed. I think the linseed oil helps get the tru oil down in the wood. A toothbrush and a soft cloth will keep it from building up in the carving without a big to-do and wears very well. Jerry

[dogcatcher]

The Minwax Antique Oil contains 66 percent thinner and solvent.  You can basically get the same concoction by mixing
17 parts of varnish
17 parts BLO
66 parts mineral spirits.

But I do not care for complicated math, so I would use, 20/20/60, or the simple mix of 1/4 cup of varnish and BLO with 3/4 cup of mineral spirits.  And for my secret stash add a small amount of Japan Drier.

[Shovelbuck]

I don't use AF anymore but do use and like the results with the Minwax. No hocus pocus mumbo jumbo mixing stuff. Simple wipe on wipe off.done.

[smallpatch]

Shovelbuck,
Chambers oil applies the same.  Wipe on, wipe off.  4 coats and yer done. Easiest stuff I've ever used.
AND it's made to use on Gunstocks.

[Kingsburyarms]

I have had Min-Wax on a Walnut rifle for 10 years - still l looks like it's been just issued - Mud, rain, snow, underwater, used by students on the range - every type of chemical cleaner... I'm happy with it...

Read this.... May help..

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/how-to-do-the-worlds-best-oil-finish.240961/

[oldtravler61]

  Don't know anyone who would leave there fun outside for six month's. But heah go for it....! When yeah come back to it. Wonder what the metal will look like...Use what yeah like but I have know problem with the stuff...In the rain the water just beads up on it...So for me I'm happy with it...

[moleeyes36]

Shovelbuck,
Chambers oil applies the same.  Wipe on, wipe off.  4 coats and yer done. Easiest stuff I've ever used.
AND it's made to use on Gunstocks.

2X on the Chambers oil.

Mole Eyes

[flinchrocket]

Jon, I checked out that link you posted, sounds interesting, makes me wonder why it is recommended for interior only.
  The problem I have with a lot of finishes is the fact that they dry to fast, makes it hard to get the finish around your carving and moulding smooth before it starts getting sticky. I don't like to use steel wool around carving, it gets down in the lower recesses and gets stuck. Then also you end up with light places where the steel wool cuts through the stain,no matter how careful you are. I put the finish on as light as I can around the carving and rub it in with my finger and the palm of my hand, then I use a toothbrush around all of it to get any puddles out of the incise lines and go over it again with my hand.
   I hope you don't have problems like that on you Haines rifle because once you have its hard to straighten out. I have never used the scotchbrite pads,but they may work around the carving fine. Jerry

[deepcreekdale]

I used Minwax Antique Oil for years and never had any problems with it although it can build up a little around carving if you are not careful. Good for filling black walnut as well. A few years ago though I started using Chambers traditional old finish and that is all I use now. I find it easier to use and it dries much quicker.

[Frank]

Shovelbuck,
Chambers oil applies the same.  Wipe on, wipe off.  4 coats and yer done. Easiest stuff I've ever used.
AND it's made to use on Gunstocks.

I have lost count of the number of finishes I have tried over the years. Chambers oil is all I use now. Best stuff around.

[DHS]

Have used Minwax Antique oil for decades.  Very controllable.  You can work it to any gloss you desire.  Don't wait too long to rub it out after application.  I see no reason to use anything else. 

[Mauser06]

Anyone else think Chamber's oil smells awesome?  Or have I sniffed too much? Lol.


I'm no master gun builder, but it was recommended to me on here and I tried it. Very nice finish and replacing everything else I've used for most wood projects.

Seems to penetrate and build. I haven't really seen that before. Seems finishes either do one or the other.

Only reason I may look at the minwax is because it may be available on the shelf locally and nice to have that option if I need something quick. But, building for myself, I never have a time line and Chamber's shipping has always been quick.

[SingleMalt]

I looked at Lowe's last night and they didn't stock it.