Hi all. I am going to attempt this myself I think. I've seen various videos etc online on how to do it, but thought I'd ask the experts here as well. I have an unfinished ash bass body.
I'd like to finish it while keeping the natural look. I understand that tru oil is a good option here, and from the videos I have seen, it would seem to be manageable enough even for the likes of me.
Take into account I can barely change a bridge or do intonation, that's how bad I am.
A few questions I had:
I would think it's stupid to e.g. finish the top, let it dry, do the sides, let them dry, do the back etc, as that would mean an uneven finish?
Would it be best to hang the body and apply all over to begin with?
Is it simply a case of applying evenly with (any) cloth, let it dry and reapply?
Sorry for the totally stupid questions, but I think it's something I should attempt finally!
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After about 5 coats I knocked it back with 0000 wire wool and did anothe 5, finishing with wire wool.
Left a really nice finish.
Edit: @Roland beat me to it, by ages, but I hadn't refreshed my phone apparently...
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/235/oil-finishes-little-tutorial-for-my-wet-sanded-oil-finish-technique
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You can just wipe on and wipe off, and buff as needed. It still works fine and many are happy with the results from that
The good news is its hard to go wrong as long as you are wiping oil, wiping it off a few minutes later and putting in a lot of elbow grease. Rinse and repeat till happy
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Pics here: https://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/25539/70s-strat-makeover-project-now-finished#latest if they still work.
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If I were to finish the alder with a natural type finish, I assume it would be to take on board the advice above.
What about the neck. If I wanted to put some type of protective or semi protective layer, not totally unfinished, but not a gloss finish, could I use tru oil as well, or would you suggest something else for a neck and headstock?
My strongest comment based on hard experience is that if you're worried about uneven application/runs when you hang it up then there's probably too much fluid. Lots and lots of thin coats.
Ive never done the slurry method, too tome consuming for me, I just wipe on, wipe off, let dry repeat, at some point go over it with wire wool, carry on wiping on and wiping off until happy, I like a thin, satin finish, so use very few coats
I really, really like wudtone for necks. I think it's osmo. Great stuff, easy to apply, super slick and not ultra glossy.