Staining/tinting already oiled finish guitar

[Jebberz]

Hello,

I just bought a bass guitar that has an oil finish on it. I find the look a bit bland, so I plan to darken/color it a little bit.

I tough by tinting Lineseed oil and apply a few light coats I could achieve that (without doing a full refinish).

Anyone tried this? Do you think it's a good Idea or do I go for a complete trainwreck?

For sure, I will test it before on scrap wood, then under the pickguard to make sure I get a decent result, but before wasting time by doing so, I prefer to be enlighten by your opinion.

 

[PhilHill]

Hello,

I just bought a bass guitar that has an oil finish on it. I find the look a bit bland, so I plan to darken/color it a little bit.

I tough by tinting Lineseed oil and apply a few light coats I could achieve that (without doing a full refinish).

Anyone tried this? Do you think it's a good Idea or do I go for a complete trainwreck?

For sure, I will test it before on scrap wood, then under the pickguard to make sure I get a decent result, but before wasting time by doing so, I prefer to be enlighten by your opinion.

Two questions, do you know what type of oil is on there and how long has it been there?  Lindseed is generally compatible with other types, but not always.
If the current finish is fully cured, depending what type of oil, you may be best to scuff it up with scotchbrite pads first. A picture or two might help determine the best procedure.

 

[Jebberz]

I guess it is totally cured, I will try first under the pickguard to see what happens, after practicing over scrap wood.

Here is the beast

Thanks four your advice![

 

[PhilHill]

I guess it is totally cured, I will try first under the pickguard to see what happens, after practicing over scrap wood.

Here is the beast

Thanks four your advice![

Nice looking T-Bird. Yes, it's always a good idea to experiment with scrap first, then in an unseen area to judge results. Good luck with it I hope it works out well.

 

[Michaelga]

That's a nice looking bass! I always liked the laminated look. Looks like mahogany body wings and the neck is a laminate maple, mahogany and walnut? Sharp!

Michael