I've been a loyal user of Tru-Oil for many years, and it has consistently delivered fantastic results. Applying Tru-Oil is a breeze, whether with a cloth or a foam brush, and it imparts a glossy and resilient finish to wood that I've always appreciated.
However, I must admit that the name "Tru-Oil" can be somewhat misleading, as it doesn't actually contain much, if any, oil. In my experience, it behaves more like a wipe-on polyurethane than an oil finish. One neat trick is that you can add a few drops of oil-based stain to the Tru-Oil to achieve a slightly deeper color than using Tru-Oil alone.
Work time is relatively short, roughly 3 to 5 minutes before the product begins to thicken. Depending on how thickly you apply it, the finish fully dries within 18 to 36 hours. Keep in mind that Tru-Oil needs to be completely cured before adding another coat, and using 0000 extra fine steel wool to knock down the finish can yield superior results.
The included absorbent pads are a handy addition, not only for protecting your workspace but also because they are reusable. Sometimes, when I'm after a less glossy finish, I opt for a wipe-on satin polyurethane, which is not only cost-effective but also straightforward to apply.
One drawback is that, like polyurethane, once the bottle is opened, it starts to slowly harden and crystallize at the top. So, while a bottle can go a long way and last quite a while, its useful shelf life is somewhat limited. It would be great to see Tru-Oil offered in a satin or matte finish for those who prefer that option.