I redid my old CVA a couple of years ago using Tru oil. I don't recall it taking more than 5 or 6 coats. Same with several self bows I've made. I applied mine with hand rubbing, that's bare hand, no cloth or anything, rubbing fast enough to really get the heat up where it almost burns the skin. It is a durable, beautiful finish. Maybe I'll try to upload a couple of pics.