Thread: Final finishes for Tasmanian Blackwood and Mahogany guitar ?

And just seen the pic of the gunstock. That is some gloss finish and without a spray on clear ! And is that still to be buffed !?

Usually 2 hours is enough drying time between coats in warm conditions. This time of year and winter may need up to 4 hours.
The rifle stock in the photo has 20 coats of oil applied over 10 days. It has not been polished or cut back in any way. If the owner wants a more satin finish it will be cut back with rotten stone. Should he decide on a high gloss finish, to help bring the stunning figure out more, another carefully applied coat of oil will go on and that should be it.
You can over-do the gloss and create a monster that shows every scratch, fingerprint or smudge. Therefore I rarely go to the extent of polishing or burnishing the final oil finish. Twenty coats of oil gives plenty of shine.

Rustynail, I'm glad I asked re the drying time, as its a lot longer than I expected, having done many guitars with lacquers by spray and buff over the years.

Thank you for your patience and willingness to help . Very generous with your knowledge.

I have a clear picture now of the process and am looking forward to the Tru Oil arriving.

Will post a follow up and photo of the end result, in I reckon, 2-3 months time.

I realize that I am late into the thread but want to agree with all that Rustynail has said about Tru Oil. I have finished several gun stocks with Tru Oil and it is a very forgiving, easy to apply product that gives an excellent and durable finish. I came across it many years ago on a forum for guitar builders and saw that it was being used a lot, specifically on frets. There were some beautiful finishes achieved. The great thing is that you can control the level of gloss and the finish is silky smooth.
Will be great to see your finished guitar.

Originally Posted by blackheart

I realize that I am late into the thread but want to agree with all that Rustynail has said about Tru Oil. I have finished several gun stocks with Tru Oil and it is a very forgiving, easy to apply product that gives an excellent and durable finish. I came across it many years ago on a forum for guitar builders and saw that it was being used a lot, specifically on frets. There were some beautiful finishes achieved. The great thing is that you can control the level of gloss and the finish is silky smooth.
Will be great to see your finished guitar.

Thanks blackheart. It will be a couple of months before its finished as the Tru Oil is 'in the mail'. And Cyclone Debbie has added another week I reckon to its delivery. due to backlog

I guess I will place the photos in this thread and insert quotes from Posters as a way of getting their attention ? What do you think ?

Sounds like a good plan . There is also a music sub forum where you could post as well.

Another use for Tru Oil.
As a drummer, I have found TO to be one of the best finishes for drum sticks. It nourishes the timber and gives a sleek but grippy surface which comes in very handy on those hot, humid, sweaty, gigs when keeping drum sticks in your hand can rapidly become an exercise in futility.

Originally Posted by blackheart

Sounds like a good plan . There is also a music sub forum where you could post as well.

Thank you so much again to all who have helped me with this project, now completed. Special thanks to rustynail, of this Forum.

Here are a few photos of the "Tassie". I'm letting the Truoil dry properly for a month before playing it regularly. It does sound good though (phew!), in my opinion of course !
P1010312.jpgP1010313.jpgP1010316.jpgP1010309.JPGP1010311.jpg

See what you can do when you try
You may have noticed how well the edge of the body has come up. May I suggest the next one be a backsawn piece of a stable variety ie Aus Cedar. Can help if you would like a piece.