A Better Way To Apply Oil Finishes!

Who is Marc Spagnuolo? Watch Behind the Scenes with a YouTube veteran and find out!
Finishes I Recommend and Other Stuff:

Are you looking for a better way to apply oil finishes? You've come to the right place! Applying natural drying oils such as tung oil, walnut oil, or linseed oil isn't difficult, but you can really screw things up if you apply it like other finishes. So be sure to watch the entire guide to learn not only how to apply oil finishes, but why the method I recommend is the least likely to cause issues regardless of the oil, the wood, or the conditions in which you're applying it. And in spite of my attempt at humor in the thumbnail, there ARE other ways to apply oil that can work. So if you have something that's working for you, stick with it. I'm not here to change your mind. But if you've been having issues with oil finishes and you'd like to save a little money, try my recommendation.

00:00 - Intro
00:24 - How to Apply Tung Oil w/ Citrus Solvent
02:43 - Applying Pure Tung Oil
03:33 - Is this the only way?
04:01 - The Flooding Method
06:17 - Why is Flooding Problematic?
10:29 - Demonstrating Curing Problems
15:47 - Water Absorption Test
20:27 - Why do companies recommend the flooding method?

Join this channel to get access to perks:

For more information, free plans, and helpful links:

SUBSCRIBE!

Take a woodworking class online with The Wood Whisperer

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED BY MARC

CHECK OUT OUR BBQ CHANNEL

WOOD WHISPERER en Español

CHECK OUT OUR SHOP TOURS

GET INSPIRED BY OUR VIEWER PROJECT LIBRARY

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP

Follow me on:

[woodwhisperer]

It's a long video. Let me help!
00:00 - Intro

00:24 - How to Apply Tung Oil w/ Citrus Solvent
02:43 - Applying Pure Tung Oil
03:33 - Is this the only way?
04:01 - The Flooding Method
06:17 - Why is Flooding Problematic?
10:29 - Demonstrating Curing Problems
15:47 - Water Absorption Test
20:27 - Why do companies recommend the flooding method?

[mmgross]

I think that your explanations were accurate. I have been applying finishes for more than 35 years and have tried many different materials with many different application techniques. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Unless the finish is self-polymerizing (two part finishes or loaded with drying agents) thin coats are always better, in the majority of cases a diluted thin first layer is best. 2. Cure time is crucial, period. The finish is the final step of craftsmanship, and you need to be prepared to “finish” the finish. Rush through this stage and your perfect joinery and meticulous wood selection and preparation will simply look like crapmanship instead of craftsmanship.

[DonsWoodies]

There is absolutely no doubt that your videos are the gold standard for how Youtube videos should be done. Been watching you for years and am never disappointed. Oh, and keep adding the outtakes, love em.

[ddutton]

Marc bring the science back and not just spreading the same old rumors that some think are common knowledge. It is always great to have a more scientific approach! Thanks Marc!

[greg]

I had always used Salad Bowl Finish from GF for cuttingboards until I made one for a cousin. My can was too old so I had to use pure tung oil. I flooded it on like the directions said, then wiped it off. A year later, it was still leaching oil out. Finally it stopped and I tried this light method. MUCH better! Been woodworking for 12 years, and still learning new things. Thanks Marc!

[acultivatedspecies]

Thank you for making this video. I have probably seen around 30 to 40 other videos like this trying to learn as much as I can, but the simple approach that you discussed, and the explanation of the oil going into the pores, is worth more than all of the knowledge I gained from all the other videos combined. Thanks a bunch!

[mvyper]

I guess the flooding method is the one manufacturers want you to use in order to go through more of their stuff.

[justinwilliams]

This is such valuable content. I really appreciate your scientific approach to woodworking. Shows that you can’t always blindly trust manufacturers or conventional wisdom!

[jeremyspecce]

I’m only about 10 minutes in but already I’ve learned some stuff / realized the reason behind some things I know but didn’t understand. Finishing is my Achilles heel for sure and I love that you don’t just expect us to take your word for it, you back it up with evidence and testing.

[boatrightcreations]

Perfect Timing! I just put on a flood coat of Walrus Tung Oil. Then I sat down to watch your video…
I went back out, wiped off the excess, and then rubbed the remaining oil into the surface.

[Arya_Adarsh]

That's a gold standard content. It was very well thought through, planned, executed, and presented.

You delivered the message by making things obvious to the viewers.

My respects to you and your team.

It was very informative.

[willerwin]

When I use non-curing oils like mineral oil, flooding makes some sense. For curing oils, I think you’ve convinced me to try thin coats.

[richpeggyfranks]

Thanks for this video. I have been doing woodworking for nearly 1/2 century and have always liked oil finishes. You realized the advantages of thin coats versus flooding in way less time than it took me. Haha. Thanks for validating my own findings. I like a couple thin coats of tung oil/mineral spirits, allow a week to cure, then do Briwax applied with 0000 steel wool and buffed to a nice flat sheen.

[andrewcooper]

Thank you!
I'm a beginner wood worker, and I've been watching all sorts of you tube videos trying to get the best results I can. I've been making my own Paste Waxes, and flooding my finished projects with expensive oils, and throwing maybe 25 - 35% of that expensive oil in the bin. I have recently used this thin spreading method and I've had really great! results.

[stuartshaw]

Perfect video exactly explaining the science behind what I’ve learned the hard way. Well done searched for weeks that find a video to explain.

[bryandavis]

220-221, whatever it takes -- I say this all the time and no one ever gets it. You gave me a good laugh today!

[malcommc]

This is exactly where I went wrong after your previous video about finishing. I followed the tung oil manufacturer’s directions for flood coats and left plenty of time for curing only to come back to white patches of cured oil. Was about to give up on tung oil/citrus oil mix but will try the thin coat method. Thanks Marc!

[RobbieBolog]

This is a Bob Flexner level explanation in a much more exciting format. Thanks Marc!

[Banzai]

Man, I'm sold. Definitely going with thin layers for tung oil from now on.

[joberthalib]

Thanks for the straight forward attention to the little details. This is why I watch your videos. Well, your sense of humor helps too!