Tung Oil & Sheen

[mbartlett99]

I recently had a shot at a hand rubbed finish with pure tung oil on maple. It was very easy and the feel was excellent but after three coats it is very matt. Does it ever develop a soft sheen or will I have to give it a wax to achieve that?

 

[thetyreman]

It probably needs buffing out with a cotton rag, custard recommended getting some hessian cloth and he was right, it worked well, it should get shinier with aggressive buffing. I've noticed it goes more of a matt tone after around 6 months as well, it seems part of the look of tung oil, you could always put another layer on, let it fully cure then buff it. I think it dries out especially if it's indoors at a lower average humidity with heating e.t.c

 

[mbartlett99]

Cheers,
I'm going to recoat it may be twice more; the grain is filled - I rubbed it on with v fine steel wool - but was wondering when/if a little sheen would appear.