Cockrum's DIY Hardwax Oil Finish

I started experimenting with different finishes such as Rubio Monocoat, Odie's Oil, and Osmo Finishes. Although they provide great results, they all seemed really expensive to me.

I really like the idea of a once-and-done wipe-on finish that has both penetration into the wood and is able to be polished. I researched searching several different finish recipes (Sam Maloof's, Danish Oil, Wood Butter, etc.) but wasn't getting the results that I wanted (like the commercial hardwax oil finishes) so I went rogue and started trying a few different things.

After 3 tries, I settled on a paste finish that contains Tung Oil, Boiled Linseed Oil, and two different hard waxes (Candelilla and Carnauba). I added some mineral spirits to keep it in a soft, easy-to-apply form. The mineral sprits should evaporate shortly after application leaving only the hard waxes and oils behind.

Recipe is available here:
cockrumstudios.com/cockrums-diy-hardwax-oil-finish

The music is my (amateur) Banjo playing of Nashville Blues.

#hardwax #lutherie #woodworking #finishing