Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Becker on July 19, 2009 at 2:17pm

Wes,
Just my 2 cents. I like using Formbey's Tung Oil Finish (High Gloss). Its easy to apply with a soft cloth. You can build the finish up as much as you like to get a higher gloss. Because its thinner, there's no worry about brush marks, drips, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Lanford on July 19, 2009 at 4:01pm

Wes -
Like Steve, I've been using the Formbey's tung oil on all the crafted wood (neck, external bracing, tailpiece - if any). Like he said - easy to apply and very forgiving. I've typically use a spray on lacquer for the box (wood and paper) to give it a little protection and I like the look.

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on July 20, 2009 at 1:06am

Cool guys. Yeah, I have been using Minwax PolyU for a while, but I'm not happy anymore with the feel of it when I play. Feels like it is causing too much resistance on the neck. Will try Formby's on the necks in the future. I prolly will stick to polyurethane on the box tho.

Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Sprague (Knotlenny) on July 20, 2009 at 1:57am

I was always a poly guy, but grew dissatisfied with the gloppy nature of it and have reformed. I've been experimenting with Cabots oil. Probably very much the same as the Formbys. Multiple light coats of lacquer afterwards.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on July 20, 2009 at 5:24am

I've been using a finishing oil, which I guess is similar to the brands others have mentioned here (I suspect the brands that are well-known in the USA will be different to those available here in the UK). Then I finish off with a wax (from the same manufacturer as the oil), which gives a slightly higher gloss. I think the oil helps give depth to the finish while the wax fills and seals the surface grain.

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on July 21, 2009 at 1:18am

Don Miller said:

"Confectioner's glaze" is shellac that makes Junior Mints and Skittles shiny. If it's good enough for Junior Mints, it's good enough for me.

Heh, funny!

Thanks.

-Wes

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