Tar can be applied with a cloth for small craft pieces when the aim is a thin rubbed finish, but the cloth must be used carefully because tar stains heavily and oily rags need safe disposal.
A cloth application gives a softer, thinner finish than a loaded brush. It is useful on small boxes, tool handles, carved objects, pegs, signs, and test samples where the maker wants to rub tar into the surface without leaving ridges. It is not ideal for large fences, rough sheds, rope, or deep cracks because the cloth cannot push tar as effectively as a brush.
Use a small amount of tar and rub with the grain. The surface should darken and take on an even tone rather than look smeared with a thick layer. Fold the cloth often so a dirty face does not drag grit across the work. Keep tar away from food-contact areas, clean upholstery, pale stone, and anything that cannot tolerate staining.
If the cloth has been used with oil-based tar mixtures, treat it as an oily rag rather than ordinary waste. Oily cloths can create a fire risk if they are crumpled and left in a warm place. Dry them flat in a safe ventilated place or follow the disposal instructions for the product used.