Paul Marossy Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 What do they usually put on maple necks for a finish? It seems like there is some kind of sanding sealer or something on them... or is that like a lacquer or something? Also, if the neck has frets installed already, how do you go about finishing the fretboard? I guess you would just have to mask off the frets? Any help much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samoht Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 (edited) hi paul. i've always used clear poly urethane for finishing necks. it dries fast and is hard enough to stand years of playing without wearing off.. nitro cellulose lacquer can be used too, but it's softer and needs more time to cure. i'm sure there's many other alternatives too, but i'd definately go for poly if i were you oh.. and mask the frets i usually spray the clear over the frets if i need to level them later. Edited November 16, 2004 by samoht Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Marossy Posted November 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 (edited) Cool, I was leaning towards polyurethane. What about the frets, though? Do I just mask them off? EDIT: Oops, looks like I beat you to your edit... Edited November 16, 2004 by Paul Marossy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samoht Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 you replied so fast i didn't have the time to edit my post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Marossy Posted November 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Argh!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Marossy Posted November 17, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 OK, one last question: Since I have a virgin maple neck with no finish, it looks rather white compared to my Fender with the standard Fender yellowish tint to it. I read the guitar finishing reranch 101 thing and how to get the Fender neck look, and how Fender finishes their necks. What I am wondering, though, is if that's the only way to get that effect. Couldn't I use a light stain to achieve the same effect, or at least approximate it? Anyone try this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishgiven Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I am midway with a maple Viper project where I have used Pure Tung oil as my finish. The maple neck (stripped to bare wood) took the first coat well, showing significant grain and giving it an amber tone. The body was given a first coat of Dark Pure Tung Oil. I got these from Realmilkpaint.com After the drying process I will follow with Boston Polish. The result is a beautiful finsh that can be touched up any time with minimal work. If you prefer the tung oil over the high gloss neck this is for you. I am very satisfied so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Marossy Posted November 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I have heard about tung oil, but I don't know much about how it works. So, it leaves a permanent finish? Is it more like a satin type of finish? If so, and it gives something of an amber color, I could live with that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishgiven Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I would at least try it on a test neck or piece of stock. I should be able to post pics in a week or so. I have some before posts on the Ovationfanclub.com site. It does take a good week to get the project completely dry - but it is a penetrating finish. Alone it turns to a matte finish due to it's reletive thinness. Once sealed try the boston polish or some other wax to add a gloss. This is my first solidbody project and I don't have a spray setup so it was a natural choice. Tung oil (pure and not the Home depot type with added fillers) is a non-toxic, self catalizing polymer from a natural source. Other uses are turned food containers and such. I am very happy with the look it achieved. If I knew what I was doing I might know better. Try some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Marossy Posted November 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I did some snooping around the net about tung oil finishes on guitars. I think I like the results that could give me. I'll have to do a little test on the back of my neck at the heel to see how it would look. Thanks for the tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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