Hi folks,
So where's the "ease of repair" that's associated with pure oil finishes? I'm having some trouble & could use a little help.
For reasons that would take too long to explain, I chose to use 100% pure tung oil to refinish a djembe drum. My reasons are explained in another post & I don't regret the choice, so the issue I'm trying to resolve isn't whether or not this was the right finish. The issue is that it's my first experience with a pure oil finish, and I'd read things like, "repairs couldn't be simpler", etc., etc., etc. Just sand the damaged area, reapply the oil - as many applications as appropriate - and you're good. But that's not what I'm experiencing right now.
Towards the end of the finishing process, I accidentally put a very small scratch in the finish. It was barely perceptible, but I thought, "Hey - oil finishes are a breeze to repair, so let me just get a little practice here & learn something." I lightly sanded the area & reapplied the tung oil. But now, and even after many applications of the oil, the area still has a much lower sheen than the rest of the drum. It's like the oil isn't "building" to a satin, but is remaining matte. (I realize an oil finish doesn't build per se - it's not like a poly or a varnish, I'm just trying to describe the look the best I can. The sanded area has a much lower sheen. You can look at the drum from the right angle & see, "Oh - that's where you SANDED, isn't it? )
My application has varied from 50/50 tung oil & citrus solvent to 100% tung. All applications were left to soak in an hour or more before wiping off. The last couple times I applied, I left it for 2-3 hours hoping it would soak in, take, build, or whatever would need to happen so the sheen would start to match the rest of the drum. The only difference in application for the repair vs. the original finish is that I didn't buff with 0000 steel wool between coats for the repair, but I'm guessing that's not the problem. And for what it's worth, I let each coat dry overnight, at least, and sometimes 3-4 days.
So at this point I could use some good advice. Otherwise I think I'm going to have to sand down the rest of the drum & start over.
Thanks in advance!
Steve