Why tru-oil

[RosamondEdge]

I know many people use it, and I use it on some things, and I want to know why some of you use it. What does it do besides "let the wood breathe" (I know someone will say it)?
Sell me on it.

 

[TBurst Std]

Well it looks good on some instruments, it’s non toxic (for the most part) and fairly easy to do in a normal home environment.

 

[ragamuffin]

I'm a big Tru Oil fan mainly because it fairly easy to work and get good results without expensive equipment and no spraying necessary. I've finished four guitar bodies in Tru Oil now, and they've all come out great! On the other hand, I've done spray finishes in nitro and polyurethane and comparatively they were both a pain in the rear and didn't come out quite as well as I hoped, not to mention a little more expensive.

Oil finishes don't "let the wood breathe", nor does any other finish worth applying. That's the whole point of applying a finish!

 

[NedRyerson]

For me, it's about aesthetics. It adds a lovely sheen without having to go through the rigamarole of setting up my spraying rig for a couple of coats of clear lacquer. And it's not as tacky in feel as wipe-on poly. I don't rely on it for any measure of protecting the wood (because it doesn't, from physical impact or the effects of humidity). It does, though, add a pretty "glow" to the wood.

 

[Spud]

For me, it's about aesthetics. It adds a lovely sheen without having to go through the rigamarole of setting up my spraying rig for a couple of coats of clear lacquer. And it's not as tacky in feel as wipe-on poly. I don't rely on it for any measure of protecting the wood (because it doesn't, from physical impact or the effects of humidity). It does, though, add a pretty "glow" to the wood.

If wipe on poly is feeling tacky for you, you are doing it wrong.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

It cures hard as a rock if you stick to the “one wipe on coat per day” method. It polishes up nicely and is very durable.

Case in point. I had a AAAAA Birdseye Maple ‘98 Mauser custom rifle stock made in 1989 and it was my main “brush” rifle for hunting for years, open sited, very simple. It was a Tue Oil finish, and finally last year I gave it to my son, who was only 2 years old when I bought it and had the work done to it. After all these years, the finish is still in the same shape. Barely a ding here and there after nearly 35 years.

True Oil is super tough, easy to work with, and gets stellar results if you don’t rush it and do it right.

Look at my refurbish post that I just posted in the general topics for further reference.

 

[NedRyerson]

If wipe on poly is feeling tacky for you, you are doing it wrong.

Not "tacky" as in "doesn't dry/cure." Maybe the wrong word in the moment, but a different tactile experience than TO or lacquer for sure.

 

[RosamondEdge]

Over the years, I have used it on a few necks and am not against it. After a while, I started applying a few layers of pure orange oil to smooth out the feel. Fun fact: the termites and other bugs hate Orange Oil (the real stuff).
This is not mean-spirited; I am genuinely curious. I have a big bottle of the stuff, and after watching some YouTubers, I expected the Heavens to open peace on earth and goodwill toward men. What did I not do (LoL)? I have yet to try it on a guitar body, but I need a piece of wood I want to look at. It would save a lot of money if I finished the Body and neck of my next order.
I wonder if I could add color pigment, dye, or ink to change the tone or color.

 

[teleme01]

#wonder if I could add color pigment, dye, or ink to change the tone or color.#

I have considered to try staining maple neck, I realize maple doesn't soak much, but my thoughts are roasted maple may absorb more, NOTE , my mind thought it but my hands never did it, I don't know if it is a good idea or folly

 

[Lbpesq]

I prefer pure Tung Oil. Tru-oil contains Linseed Oil to which I am highly allergic.

Bill, tgo

 

[stratamania]

#wonder if I could add color pigment, dye, or ink to change the tone or color.#

I have used artists oil paint (you have to make sure it has the right oil compatible oil base) but that works. You can also use shellac to tint maple somewhat prior to applying tru-oil, but that just gives more of an amber tint. It needs to be new shellac.

 

[teleme01]

Would roasted maple absorb more stain than raw maple?

 

[teleme01]

 

[stratamania]

Would roasted maple absorb more stain than raw maple?

There would not be any point in staining it in addition to the answer from google in your last post.

Some have used Tru-Oil on roasted maple to favorable effect to help pop or accentuate the grain.

 

[Rick]

Breathe? No. Once you master it's application it's insanely easy, and looks good. I've heard it doesn't meet warranty, but I've had good luck with it. An alternative is a wipe on poly. Like a lot of oil based finishes tru oil imparts a nice slightly amber hue over time. Gives it a richness rather than a sterile clear.

 

[Hodgo]

It needs to be new shellac.

Preferably de-waxed shellac if you’re going to use another finish over it. I have had success with poly over waxed (Zinser Bullseye) shellac, but IMHO it’s better to not risk it. That’s the lovely thing about shellac, it sticks to everything!

 

[stratamania]

Preferably de-waxed shellac if you’re going to use another finish over it. I have had success with poly over waxed (Zinser Bullseye) shellac, but IMHO it’s better to not risk it. That’s the lovely thing about shellac, it sticks to everything!

Yes, de-waxed.

 

[rauchman]

I've used TruOil on 3 Warmoth partscaster builds from unfinished bodies and neck.

I like seeing the wood grain, so some kind of clear finish is a must for me.

I haven't used other finishing methods, so can't speak to those. I like TruOil for the following reasons....

• Easy to apply
• Reasonable drying time
• Gives a rich appearance for the wood it's covering
• Can go from a satin to glossy appearance pretty easily
• When the guitar gets dinged, fixing the TruOil finish is pretty easy

What I don't like about it...

• Colors the wood with an amber tint

 

[teleme01]

When the guitar gets dinged, fixing the TruOil finish is pretty easy

That's the kind of finish I like, one you can ding and it's still protected,.

 

[Strat Avenger]

I love Tru-Oil. I use it on the back of necks (not fretboards), brush it lightly with 0000 steel wool, and rub some gun stock wax on it. Nothing feels better on the back of a guitar neck.