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Guitar neck finish?

Posted by David Bowes on August 28, 2013 at 5:10pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

What is the best finish for guitar necks? I have used a number of coats water bases varnish but it gets dirty/ sticky, what do you use/ recommend?

Regards David

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Replies

jawbone September 3, 2013 at 11:03am

Do you guys (and gals) use a different finish for the necks as opposed to the rest of the body or just One for All and All for One??
Greg Roberts September 3, 2013 at 9:57am

I use minwax antique finishing oil and do 3 coats sanded with 1500 in between coats and buff real good shines nice and seems to wear well
Michael Cuell September 3, 2013 at 7:42am

I use Zinnser spray shellac followed by Tru-oil. Shellac is a pretty much "under anything" finish that seals the wood so you can add the top coat. You could just use shellac.
- John Sawyer > Michael Cuell September 3, 2013 at 9:36am
  
  I'm surprised no one mentioned boiled linseed oil... Something about it just screams old-school finish. . . just pay attention to the warnings: dispose of rags in a water filled metal paint can, or lay them out someplace fire proof to dry. Don't wad them up in your trash, unless you want a trash fire...
David Bowes August 31, 2013 at 12:38pm

Thank you for all the replays, silly question but do you fit the frets first?

DBOWES
- Jim Woods > David Bowes September 3, 2013 at 1:44pm
  
  I use Danish Oil & do the first coat prior to sawing fitting & filing the frets, The second coat coners the blemishes created by the fretting process. If I am just woodburning the fret lines / markers I do them first so I can fine sand the burn roughness away.
RTZGUITARS August 31, 2013 at 2:43am

polyurethane is a hassle, lacquer takes to many coats and time. I have been using walnut oil and sanding each coat. 4 or 5 coats. No solvents chemicals you my need to reapply some oil later but if the dog eats it he will be fine.
- The Phrygian Kid > RTZGUITARS August 31, 2013 at 3:21am
  
  *like*
  
  You absolutely do not need to use anything toxic. Even oil from your kitchen will work great
Mark Lindsay August 30, 2013 at 9:49pm

I'm with Gary. I use Tru-Oil. I figure if it's tough enough for a rifle stock, it's good enough for my guitar neck. Goes on easy and makes the wood just glow.
Bluesheart August 30, 2013 at 9:45am

Danish oil is my favorite.