dyed and oiled mahogany

[moger777]

Hey guys,
I was thinking of getting a mahogany body which I was thinking of leaving unfinished. I want to dye it either a dark red or brown color. I was wondering if it would work to dye it, and than just use tung oil to finish it. Would there be any disadvantages to not having a finish other than it being less durable and not shiny (I'm not a big fan of shiny, shiny always turns into smudgy). I know necks can warp without a finish, would this be a concern with bodies too?
-Thijs

 

[phred]

You won't have any problems dying and oiling a body.


Scott

 

[Cagey]

Mahogany is a pretty open-grained wood. Without the grain being filled, it's going to collect a lot of schmutz.

 

[-CB-]

Ain't no easy way to de-schmutz-ify a mahogany body either. 

 

[Cagey]

Hehe! That's right. Then what you've got yourself is a guitar case fulla biohazard <grin>

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

(I'm not a big fan of shiny, shiny always turns into smudgy).

If I could agree more than 100%, I would.  Warmoth can do most of their transparent and dye finishes in Satin matte.  I have 3, none of which are glossy.  Were you wanting to DIY just to do it, or to avoid their gloss finishes?

 

[Jacquet Guitars]

Really the best way to stain beautifully Mahogany, if you like a red color, is this old recipe:
- Buy  Lye  in powder state in the plumbing department of an hardware store
- Add water following the direction on the packaging
- Wipe the mahogany generously using a sponge
- Stay back and watch the color changing
- When you are satisfied, neutralize the Lye with vinegar
- Let it dry well
- Fill the grain with a grain filler (at least 2 or 3 time)
- You are ready for the clear coat.
Disclaimer Lye is not a friendly product and can cause severe burns so at least protect yourself with heavy duty glove, adequate glasses and appropriate clothing.
Always make a test with a similar pice of Mahogany to know how long you want to wait for a color you like before you start to neutralizethe lye.
It does not work with other species of wood.
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[Disco Scottie]

How much would I expect to pay If I had someone oil a mahogany body for me? And what kind of cost would having dyed a color add? I'm not so good with those kinds of things.  :laughing7: