Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

GuitarStv

GuitarStv

Sock Market Trader
I'm in the process of finishing a new neck with Watco Danish oil, so it'll feel smooth and non-sticky like my Charvel. The only thing I don't like about my Charvel though, is that the fretboard gets really dirty easily, and it's kinda a ***** to clean. I was thinking of doing a coat of gloss wipe on poly over just the fretboard and headstock, and leaving the back of the neck Danish Oil on the new guitar - the idea being that the fretboard which gets dirty will be glossy and easy to wipe off and the back of the neck which never seems to get dirty will stay smooth and fast.

Are there any problems or is there some reason why this would be a bad idea?


I had also thought of trying to build up a very slight finish with multiple coats of Danish oil (basically wipe down the guitar with it, let sit for 30 minutes, wipe clear, let dry for a day, buff, repeat) . . . but that feels like it'll take forever.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

I stopped using Watco years just for this reason. I've since switched to TruOil, which dries harder and can still polish up quite nicely if you build up enough coats. Doesn't stink as bad, either.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

I don't want a finish feeling on the back of the neck at all. My Charvel is silky smooth and lovely to play because of the way the neck feels . . . but just don't want crap to collect on the front. Thought of using Tru-Oil, but it's kinda hard to find in Canada.

So, OK to do the board in wipe on poly?
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

GuitarStv said:
I don't want a finish feeling on the back of the neck at all. My Charvel is silky smooth and lovely to play because of the way the neck feels . . . but just don't want crap to collect on the front. Thought of using Tru-Oil, but it's kinda hard to find in Canada.

So, OK to do the board in wipe on poly?
Click to expand...

Try sporting goods/firearms stores, it's main function is to finish gun stocks. That's where I've bought it in the past.

https://thegundealer.net/product/birchwood-casey-tru-oil-stock-finish-3-fl-oz-liquid/
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

I've been buying mine at The Bullet Stop shooting range for about 15 years.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

On my Music Man's maple neck, I use gunstock oil on the otherwise unfinished neck. I have to clean it every year with Murphy's Oil Soap, sand with up to 1500 grit sandpaper and re-apply, but throughout the year, it feels great.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

I thought MM used TruOil….

If you play outside a lot, I bet your hands get pretty nasty.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

Sounds like tru-oil has pretty much the same problem as Danish oil in that it gets dirty and needs to be kinda deep cleaned semi-regularly. So . . . just do wipe on poly for the fretboard?
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

I am absolutely in love with Nanocoat.

0040994_chemtec-nanosign-coatex-protector_300.jpeg


it's like 60 bucks for 100 milliliters, but I can do 25 guitars with one bottle (Fretboard, headstock cap and backplates, thank you very much). it's a product you only have to apply once every 10 years or so, it's extremely durable and looks so, so good. It's the best I've seen to seal fretboards.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

orpheo said:
I am absolutely in love with Nanocoat.

0040994_chemtec-nanosign-coatex-protector_300.jpeg


it's like 60 bucks for 100 milliliters, but I can do 25 guitars with one bottle (Fretboard, headstock cap and backplates, thank you very much). it's a product you only have to apply once every 10 years or so, it's extremely durable and looks so, so good. It's the best I've seen to seal fretboards.
Click to expand...

I'm unfamiliar with this product. Does it make a gloss or satin finish? How do you apply it to wood? It seems like a bit of a PITA to store, given the 6 month (unopened) shelf life.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

GuitarStv said:
I'm unfamiliar with this product. Does it make a gloss or satin finish? How do you apply it to wood? It seems like a bit of a PITA to store, given the 6 month (unopened) shelf life.
Click to expand...

you apply it with a dry, lint-free rag. It makes it not really glossy but not satin either.

I never noticed the 6 month shelf life to be honest! I use it too often to keep it for that long.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

it's like shellac, only better. guess that's the best way to describe it.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

it's like shellac, only better. guess that's the best way to describe it.
Click to expand...

The best way to describe it is with FACTS. So give some. NOW.
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

What specs do you want.

Film thickness, for example? Cure time?

(I tried to explain the gloss level, by the way)
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

yeah, thats new stuff to me too. how is it to work with? how many coats? dry time between coats and overall before use?
 
Re: Finishing fretboard differently than rest of neck?

Well, I've done seven light coats of Danish oil (basically one a day since I got the guitar - rub on, wait 30 minutes, rub off) and the neck is starting to feel really nice and build up a decent smooth sheen to it. I'll see how it is after about 30, and if the fretboard isn't smooth enough for my liking, I guess I'll try one coat of wipe on poly just on the board.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

blakejcan
how do you make the heel of a Les Paul Jr neck?
Replies
17
Views
280
blakejcan
blakejcan
ErikH
Bye bye roasted maple
2 3
Replies
42
Views
1K
GuitarDoc
G
ThreeChordWonder
Finishing question - cherry red on mahogany 335 and filler recommendation style
2
Replies
33
Views
663
ThreeChordWonder
ThreeChordWonder
ICTGoober
Fresh off the bench
2
Replies
20
Views
599
GuitarDoc
G
I
What are the symptoms of a slight fretboard radius mismatch?
2
Replies
20
Views
442
Inflames626
I
Back
Top