Roasted Swamp Ash with Tru-oil finish

[Bob Darby]

I just wanted to post a before and after pic of a Tru-oil application. If I had to do it over I would definitely do additional sanding the Tru-oil will in a way highlight any sanding marks. Also just beware it really darkens the roasted finishes. Also I didn't use any grain filler I would use it if I had to do over. I am really growing to love the look though.

 

[Cagey]

Wow. That roasted Swamp Ash really reacts well to clear coats, doesn't it?

 

[DirtySteve]

That's really nice! Wow was my first thought, too. Is that after just one coat?

 

[Bob Darby]

I lost track of how many coats. I am thinking like between 6 and 8 really light coats. I did some very light sanding after a few coats with the tru-oil like what they call wet sanding. The last thing I did was  i applied like a bees wax polish. The sustain this bass has Is better than anything I ever played. Its a keeper for sure. Like I haven't said that before! 

 

[rgand]

That really came out nice. I love the way the grain pops.

 

[DirtySteve]

I'm finding out (the hard way) that Tru-oil works much better on darker woods that on lighter woods.

 

[stratamania]

I'm finding out (the hard way) that Tru-oil works much better on darker woods that on lighter woods.

I am not sure what you are referring to but most finishes work better on closed pore woods. Tru Oil works fine on Maple for example. But Ash has open pores and without something to fill the grain it will take even longer to get a good finish.

 

[DirtySteve]

I'm finding out (the hard way) that Tru-oil works much better on darker woods that on lighter woods.

I am not sure what you are referring to but most finishes work better on closed pore woods. Tru Oil works fine on Maple for example. But Ash has open pores and without something to fill the grain it will take even longer to get a good finish.

I was only talking about looks. Straight tru-oil seems to bring the grain out better on darker woods than lighter color woods. Just speaking of my own experience.

 

[stratamania]

I'm finding out (the hard way) that Tru-oil works much better on darker woods that on lighter woods.

I am not sure what you are referring to but most finishes work better on closed pore woods. Tru Oil works fine on Maple for example. But Ash has open pores and without something to fill the grain it will take even longer to get a good finish.

I was only talking about looks. Straight tru-oil seems to bring the grain out better on darker woods than lighter color woods. Just speaking of my own experience.

Ok gotcha, more obvious on darker woods I think.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I'm finding out (the hard way) that Tru-oil works much better on darker woods that on lighter woods.

So true!

I mentored a friend on an all walnut Carvin 5 string bass kit, and the neck came pre-finished.  After several coats on the body, we got it color matched pretty well and it really pops!

 

[AirCap]

I just love applying a finish applied with equipment no more complicated than a rag, that will a little thought, patience, and basic efforts - looks great. TruOil is a fantastic finish, and is my recent favorite and go-to finish for new work and repairs.