I usually don't dilute Tru-Oil,but let it dry completly and take it down to bare wood(I use steelwool on open areas and backed up fine abrasive paper near corners,etc).After cleaning with a tackcloth,the open pores can be seen.Repeat as many times as necessary to fill all pores(the finish is in the wood).Then you can do any final finish you like.I usually just rub one coat of boiled linseed oil and if it gets spotted or scratched in use,buff it up with steelwool and rub on oil again.
Mike
I've done only one, but this approach worked fine for me. After a few thin coats I no longer took it down to bare wood -- just far enough where I was reaching the level of the partially filled pores. About half a dozen coats was enough to fill them. Seems to me this method was what the maker's instructions prescribed? It turned out very well.
Jay
