Yet another Finish Question from a newb

[OrcJuice]

Let me start by apologizing. I've searched YouTube, I've looked through these forums and while I have gained a large amount of knowledge, I still don't feel like I'm prepared to finish my project. I have a thread in the "Work in Progress" section for reference.

I am going to grain fill and stain my swamp ash body. That much I know and that much I feel confident doing. The question is:

"What do I do after the grain fill and stain?"

Penetrating oil? https://www.crimsonguitars.com/store/penetrating-guitar-finishing-oil/
or
Something like this? https://www.crimsonguitars.com/store/high-build-guitar-finishing-oil/

I feel like for the body, I'd use the "high build oil".

Then I have a maple neck with ebony fretboard on order "unfinished".

Do I simply use the penetrating oil on the maple neck and that is it?
Does it then need re-oiled every so often?

Thank you in advance and I really appreciate the help!

 

[rauchman]

Hola,

Lots of very experienced people here can give you some great direction.

I've only built one guitar to date (with another body and neck on order).  Like you, I went with a swamp ash body, but a roasted maple vs non roasted maple neck.

I stained, sealed, and then used TruOil for the finish.  I'm guessing it's similar to what you referenced.  I'm guessing their "high build oil" would equate to a glossier finish.  I noticed on my project, if you only go with a few coats, you're getting more of a matte finish.  I went with A LOT of coats because of LOTS of screw ups.  The more coats, the glossier it got.

I learned to apply about 50% Naptha to thin out the oil, and this gave it a really wet look and very smooth as well.

Just a couple of coats...

Some more coats...

And finished....

 

[stratamania]

The oils linked from Crimson are not oils they are oil based finishes that dry.

The question "Does it then need re-oiled every so often?"
No it should not. But what is often?
A fretboard should also not be oiled with liquid type oils either.

Tru-oil is readily available and is a good choice for a neck. I have one here that I did around eight years ago and it does not need refinishing.

For the body, Tru-oil could be used or you could also get some Danish Oil.

Another option to look at is a company called Wudtone if you want to do a wipe on finish with colour in it.

 

[OrcJuice]

Another option to look at is a company called Wudtone if you want to do a wipe on finish with colour in it.

Thank you so much for this! They offer DIY finishing "kits" that is exactly what a newbie scrub like myself needs. I believe you just found the missing piece for me. Thank you so much!

 

[stratamania]

Another option to look at is a company called Wudtone if you want to do a wipe on finish with colour in it.

Thank you so much for this! They offer DIY finishing "kits" that is exactly what a newbie scrub like myself needs. I believe you just found the missing piece for me. Thank you so much!

Okay hope it does the job for you...I have not used Wudtone yet but some other forum members have and have had good results I believe.

 

[Rick]

Here's a build that used wudtone ...

https://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=30424.0

 

[rgand]

I've used Wudtone on several builds. Both Wudtone only and Wudtone with wipe-on poly over that to give a little more gloss to it. Both ways came out great. I've also added dye to Wudtone to shift the color more to my liking. The stuff is pretty nice. As with any finish, sanding prep on the body is most important. Wudtone applied on top of a marginal prep job will result in a marginal looking finish. Also, wait a few weeks before buffing it out. Like all finishes, it does need to cure.

 

[OrcJuice]

As with any finish, sanding prep on the body is most important. Wudtone applied on top of a marginal prep job will result in a marginal looking finish. Also, wait a few weeks before buffing it out. Like all finishes, it does need to cure.

What does an unfinished Warmoth come sanded to? And what grit should I sand to to begin the process? I believe I read that Wudtone recommended 250ish? I'd have to look again.

 

[rgand]

As with any finish, sanding prep on the body is most important. Wudtone applied on top of a marginal prep job will result in a marginal looking finish. Also, wait a few weeks before buffing it out. Like all finishes, it does need to cure.

What does an unfinished Warmoth come sanded to? And what grit should I sand to to begin the process? I believe I read that Wudtone recommended 250ish? I'd have to look again.

Warmoth bodies are sanded for a finish already so you shouldn't need to sand them further.

I went to 320 with mine. That came out good. Be sure to check it carefully for any scratches left from previous grades. Kevin (Cagey here on the forum) got me started using naptha to check that. Wipe it on and you'll see anything that will show with a clear coat. Be sure to check it immediately after putting it on as you only have a few seconds before it evaporates enough that you can miss stuff. I checked mine in direct sunlight and found scratches you wouldn't think would show but did. Anything you overlook will haunt you after you apply a clear coat.

 

[OrcJuice]

My finishing kits from Wudtone are ordered! Super excited. I got the clear finish for the neck and the Black Magic Woman for the body.
@Rgand thank you for the naptha trick. I will definitely do that before I begin the actual finish process. I'll keep you guys posted on the progress.

 

[rgand]

Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you. :icon_thumright: