Tufnol - can it be spruced up?

[mogmog2]

Just that really. I have a vague recollection that it can be cosmetically improved with a wipe of something, but could be completely mis-remembering. Anyone? Thanks.

 

[ianat182]

Varnish/lacquer the cheeks.

 

[Poignard]

I smartened some up with linseed oil but I should think pretty well any oil you happen to have would do. Or shoe polish, beeswax, etc
I would sand them first.

 

[mogmog2]

Thanks. I'm an oil sort of person rather than varnish. Also in my case I'm looking at cleats (perhaps could have mentioned...), which a varnish coating might not be helpful?

 

[Malabarista]

I have used dubbin successfully on tufnol block cheeks and they look great

 

[Halo]

Tufnol is basically layers of fabric and thermoset resin. The fabric elements may absorb or suck in oil etc and this could serve to improve or worsen the appearance.

It was a useful but not very aesthetic material in its day. Perhaps the basic approach should be to remember the old addage "you cant polish a t*rd"