Does raw neck require additional sanding before Tru Oil?

[OneTanMan]

I am beside myself with excitement for my first Warmoth neck arriving tomorrow. I know the necks have been sanded pretty smooth at the factory. Can I start applying a finish immediately or should I sand further? It’s maple with rosewood fretboard. (I won’t apply Tru Oil to the fretboard).

 

[stratamania]

You can apply it directly.

 

[Rick]

If I've touched the neck a couple of times, before I put on the tru-oil, I wipe off with some naphtha and a paper towel.

 

[Spud]

I always rub the neck on my face before anything else

 

[Hodgo]

I always rub the neck on my face before anything else

Definitely best practice, especially roasted maple. I jam that pancake smell right up my nose.

OP - if you’re only doing 2-3 coats, you might want to take it a little smoother - 400gr max.

 

[OneTanMan]

If I've touched the neck a couple of times, before I put on the tru-oil, I wipe off with some naphtha and a paper towel.

Just called my local hardware store and they don’t have naphtha but recommended rubbing alcohol. Would that work?

 

[Hodgo]

Just called my local hardware store and they don’t have naphtha but recommended rubbing alcohol. Would that work?

Yes and no

Naptha is probably available from your local HW store being sold as Zippo / Ronsonol lighter fluid. Same same. The clerks might not know that.

Rubbing alcohol contains water, water raises the grain, so then you have to sand again. Less of a risk at higher concentration (90% isopropyl alcohol) but still not as foolproof as naptha. The same problem exists with denatured alcohol - also contains water and can raise the grain.

Mineral spirits would be the better alternative IMHO, just slower to evaporate than naptha.