Satin step after tru oil?

[OneTanMan]

I’ve put a number of payers of tru oil on my maple/rosewood neck and the maple parts are completely sealed. Now it’s curing for about two weeks. As a final step I want to knock it back from gloss to satin.

My plan is to rub it with 0000 steel wool with Birchwood Casey gunstock wax as a lubricant, and then wipe the wax off. I plan to do this to the back of the neck as well as the headstock. What do you think about this approach?

 

[stratamania]

You do not need a lubricant, and using the wax that way with steel wool could create a mess. Just use some fine grit abrasive paper, for example 1000 grit just to remove any witness lines etc. Then, if you like to use the gunstock wax, wipe a small amount on and wipe it off. Though, if you want a satin finish, you might be better off using their “Stock Sheen & Conditioner” and following the instructions.

 

[OneTanMan]

You do not need a lubricant, and using the wax that way with steel wool could create a mess. Just use some fine grit abrasive paper, for example 1000 grit just to remove any witness lines etc. Then, if you like to use the gunstock wax, wipe a small amount on and wipe it off. Though, if you want a satin finish, you might be better off using their “Stock Sheen & Conditioner” and following the instructions.

Thanks! I forgot to mention some dust-sized fibers from my cloth got into the last layer in the headstock. I forgot to shake the cloth out after cutting it in half.

I got the idea of sanding with wax lubricant from some furniture videos. I don’t mind a bit of mess since I only use steel wool outside. I worry that sanding without lubricant will cause some problems.

 

[stratamania]

I would not recommend using gunstock wax in that way.

 

[OneTanMan]

I would not recommend using gunstock wax in that way.

Ok thanks! I’ll use your approach. Should I use some sort of sanding lubricant like mineral spirits or soapy water?

 

[Strat Avenger]

You don't need any kind of sanding lubricant.

 

[stratamania]

Should I use some sort of sanding lubricant like mineral spirits or soapy water?

You do not need a lubricant,

You don't need any kind of sanding lubricant.

 

[ragamuffin]

You could also use Birchwood Casey "Stock Sheen" which is their product designed to de-gloss Tru oil. Its a cream with some fine grit in it that you buff the finish with.

 

[stratamania]

You could also use Birchwood Casey "Stock Sheen" which is their product designed to de-gloss Tru oil. Its a cream with some fine grit in it that you buff the finish with.

Mentioned earlier.

 

[Spud]

You don't need any kind of sanding lubricant.

A coat of satin over the gloss will do it too.

 

[OneTanMan]

Mentioned earlier.

I ordered the stock sheen. Should I apply the gun stock wax after as well?

 

[stratamania]

I ordered the stock sheen. Should I apply the gun stock wax after as well?

It would not be needed. As an option that is up to you.

If you have some scrap wood, you could try these things out. Here is a useful thread to read.

Thread 'Tru-Oil: Sealer and Wax - Yes or No?'

Feb 17, 2021

Hi all, I spent a lot of time reading threads on Tru-Oil but the case for sealer and/or wax is still unclear to me.

Project: oil finish on Black Korina, no stain, no dye.
Aims: achieve a look and feel as close to raw wood as possible (on the raw wood - showroom continuum) while ensuring protection of the wood.

Question:
When using Tru-Oil, some (e.g. Stratamania) recommend to use Birchwood Casey's (BC) sealer before and its wax after. Others use only one of the other two products (BC or other manufacturers) or go for a Tru-Oil only approach. Can someone shed some...

• alexreinhold
• Replies: 57
• Forum: DIY Finishing

 

[Strat Avenger]

I like the gun stock wax. It doesn't make the surface glossy, just ultra smooth.

 

[stratamania]

I like the gun stock wax. It doesn't make the surface glossy, just ultra smooth.

This is the thing with a lot of these products, how it is applied and whether it is buffed or not will determine whether the surface is or looks glossy or satin.