A Question About the Sealer on Necks

[SabbathFan0220]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here.  I know questions about the sealer come up a lot, so I apologize if this has already been covered.

I have an Indian RW neck (back and fingerboard) and I did a little sanding/shaping to the headstock that revealed the "unsealed" wood underneath.  I'd like to re-apply some of the same sealer that Warmoth uses at the factory to the area...anyone know what it is?

I'm aware that it probably isn't essential to have the sealer on there, but I'm compulsive about these details (you DIYers are probably the same way).

Also, a related question, what sandpaper grit are the raw necks sanded to when they arrive?  It feels like 300 or 400ish.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

It is dipped in sealer, not necessarily sanding sealer.  Normally you rub the sealer off of the neck and leave the raw wood exposed.  Well, on the necks that can handle being raw.  I believe that Warmoth sands down to 220.  The easiest solution would be to lightly sand the neck with used sand paper and leave it raw.  I am unsure of the brand of sealer.  Also the sealer tends to feel gummy after heating up your hands on it, whereas the raw neck is going to stay smooth.
Patrick

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Thanks, Patrick.  At this point it's bothering me aesthetically, because the sanded area looks lighter/drier than the rest of the neck.

 

[SabbathFan0220]

How about something like Tru Oil?

 

[Orpheo]

How about something like Tru Oil?

that will polymerise, leaving a 'film' of finish. I recommend against that, particularly on a wood like RW.

why not sand the entire neck, and use parafin oil? if you're too 'scared' to do so, just remember that lem-oil is just parafin oil sentenced with a lemon-flavor. because real lemon oil, oil made out of lemon peels, is VERY expensive. like 100 euro's for 10 milliliters.

 

[SabbathFan0220]

How about something like Tru Oil?

that will polymerise, leaving a 'film' of finish. I recommend against that, particularly on a wood like RW.

why not sand the entire neck, and use parafin oil? if you're too 'scared' to do so, just remember that lem-oil is just parafin oil sentenced with a lemon-flavor. because real lemon oil, oil made out of lemon peels, is VERY expensive. like 100 euro's for 10 milliliters.

Forget Tru Oil then, I definitely don't want to leave a film on the wood.  I'd be willing to try Paraffin oil...like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Paraffin-Oil-Quart/dp/B001F2WTGK

Do you think that's similar to what Warmoth uses?

 

[SabbathFan0220]

I emailed Warmoth with this question, but they replied and said they don't give out any finishing information about their products.  Anyone else have a guess at what the mystery sealer is?

 

[line6man]

I'm not sure why you would actually want that crap on your neck? :icon_scratch:
Most people want to remove it.

I sanded my Rosewood neck lightly, then applied some Howard Feed N' Wax. Looks and feels great.

 

[Cagey]

I emailed Warmoth with this question, but they replied and said they don't give out any finishing information about their products.  Anyone else have a guess at what the mystery sealer is?

According to their website, the necks are dipped in sealer, then they put on a polyester base, then coat that with urethane. If it's nitro, then that would just go over the sealer. The sealer is likely going to be something like Duratech or Ceraglaze. Either one is not going to be something you'll find up for sale to the general public very easily, or in small DIY quantities. Most of the stuff used by commercial finishers is wicked toxic and requires special handling.

 

[SabbathFan0220]

I sanded my Rosewood neck lightly, then applied some Howard Feed N' Wax. Looks and feels great.

Thanks for the replies.  Why put Feed N' Wax on the bare neck?  Isn't that similar to the sealer that was on it before you sanded?

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Bump...any other opinions?

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Thanks so much, TFS.  You answered my question in all three locations...very thorough.