fdesalvo
Hero Member
- Messages
- 3,609
I'm really pleased as I go into day 2 of finishing my flamed maple pro strat neck. All of the research led me to Tru-oil and I couldn't be happier with the ease of the process and the outstanding results I'm seeing. As I type, my 3rd coat is drying and the pale color of the maple has become a warm and rich amber hue. I noticed that in terms of application, everyone has their own method that works for them, with most being based around the principle of applying thin coats and allowing adequate drying time. Here's what I've done so far:
After whiskering the neck and sanding back with 1500 wet/dry, I hit the neck with a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol. I was going to use a tack cloth, but found that it left my fingers sticky with reside.
I then applied the first coat over the entire neck thickly and rubbed it in with my fingers for about 5 minutes - I added more oil as I felt it the finish beginning to set. After working it in for 5 minutes, I buffed it with a clean cotton cloth until all that was left was a light, tacky sheen. I set it aside for 12 hours and hit it with 2000 grit wet/dry. I applied the second and third coats in the same manner - rubbing in the fresh coat and adding just enough oil to keep it slick.
I find that the neck took on a smooth, semi-reflective, matte sheen with the first coat. The second coat added more depth to the shine and the third is continuing to build the finish.
Initially I was freaked out by some lint that I found in the finish, but I was actually able to simply wipe it away as the neck dried. As it sits, the finish is very level and even. I'm not sure how many more coats I'll add, but I was certain the wood was fully sealed by coat #2. It's such an easy process, I'll likely just limit the coats to eight. I guess I'll know when I get there.
After the final coat, I will hit it one final time with 2000 and polish everything but the fretboard. I love the powdery feel of finely sanded Tru-oil. Stoked! Thanks for the advice!
After whiskering the neck and sanding back with 1500 wet/dry, I hit the neck with a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol. I was going to use a tack cloth, but found that it left my fingers sticky with reside.
I then applied the first coat over the entire neck thickly and rubbed it in with my fingers for about 5 minutes - I added more oil as I felt it the finish beginning to set. After working it in for 5 minutes, I buffed it with a clean cotton cloth until all that was left was a light, tacky sheen. I set it aside for 12 hours and hit it with 2000 grit wet/dry. I applied the second and third coats in the same manner - rubbing in the fresh coat and adding just enough oil to keep it slick.
I find that the neck took on a smooth, semi-reflective, matte sheen with the first coat. The second coat added more depth to the shine and the third is continuing to build the finish.
Initially I was freaked out by some lint that I found in the finish, but I was actually able to simply wipe it away as the neck dried. As it sits, the finish is very level and even. I'm not sure how many more coats I'll add, but I was certain the wood was fully sealed by coat #2. It's such an easy process, I'll likely just limit the coats to eight. I guess I'll know when I get there.
After the final coat, I will hit it one final time with 2000 and polish everything but the fretboard. I love the powdery feel of finely sanded Tru-oil. Stoked! Thanks for the advice!
