Tru-Oil For Maple Neck/Fretboard??...

[Strat Avenger]

Who here has finished a maple neck/fretboard with Tru-Oil?
Is it a good finish choice? What advice can you give me?

 

[ByteFrenzy]

I have done several necks with Tru-Oil. It's an excellent and relatively easy finish. The key points are that you should use very thin coats, let them dry a lot longer between coats than the instructions say (for me 24 hours is about minimum) and you need lots of coats. After the final coat let it sit for at least a week, then work through the different grades of MicroMesh until you have the finish you're after, either matte, satin or mirror gloss.

 

[Strat Avenger]

I have done several necks with Tru-Oil. It's an excellent and relatively easy finish. The key points are that you should use very thin coats, let them dry a lot longer between coats than the instructions say (for me 24 hours is about minimum) and you need lots of coats. After the final coat let it sit for at least a week, then work through the different grades of MicroMesh until you have the finish you're after, either matte, satin or mirror gloss.

Thanks. 'Wasn't sure of how good it was for maple. How many coats do you suggest? I am interested in a satin finish if possible.

 

[Watchie]

I just did a tru-oil neck (maple) and it came out great.  However, my technique was different than what is suggested above.  First, I put down some heavy coats (two).  I allowed each to dry 12 hours, just to be sure.  I then used a 000 micro pad to take all the sheen off.  Basically, I got after it a bit. After that I applied a smooth coat every four hours, but with each of these coats just as soon as I wiped them on I wiped them back off with a soft lint-free cotton cloth.  Each coat came out very, very glossy and very, very smooth.  When I had an issue with anything irregular in the finish I would simply take the 000 to the neck, tack off the dust, and apply more thin coats.  I think I ended up with about 16, but could have easily stopped much earlier. 

The key is to make the coats thin - wipe on, rub in with the fingers, and wipe off gently.

The neck is now "curing" and although BC says you only have to wait about 48-72 hours I am letting it sit a week.  After that I may just apply some lemon oil and be done, or may knock the gloss down to a satin.

Bottom line - the neck is very smooth and well protected.  And you can do it all on your kitchen counter (wife permitting...).