sealing a neck after removing paint?

T

Taymar

New member
Hello all,

I'm looking for recommendations on what product to seal a neck with, that'll have a feel that's pretty close to bare wood. I'm wondering about sanding sealer or satin polyurethane spray, but not sure what's considered the best choice.

The guitar is a cheap mahogany Les Paul style, neck has been carefully sanded back to bare wood. If I could get it protected and feeling something like an unfinished fender neck that'd be awesome.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Boiled Linseed Oil

Rub 5-7 coats in, rubbing until it gets seriously warm to the touch

Although I'm not sure if oiled mahogany will ever feel like oiled maple or not
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Mohogany is an open pore wood, so you will need a grain filler if you want a super smooth finish. However, given that it is an entry level guitar, something like Tru Oil is cheap and easy to apply. A small bottle will be more than enough and you can build up the layers to achieve the level of feel you desire.
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Thank you. Would the oils be a one time application or need to be reapplied periodically please? I read that sealing the neck helps stop it from warping (presumably from absorbing moisture unevenly?) I've also never finished something with an oil before - does it always have a slightly greasy feel or will it dry completely? Thanks again for the help!
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Tru Oil is a brand name for what is commonly called “gun stock oil”, but it is a polymer that will dry hard and seal the neck. I suppose one could eventually wear it, but it would take years.

Natural oils such as boiled linseed or Tung are not ideal for high wear such as a guitar neck.

Some good reading here

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-finishes-works/
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Truoil also can be worked in to make a smoother finish too. After say 6 or so coats you apply the next using steel wool. The new oil and old sanded bits mix into a paste and fill the deeper holes.
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Wonderful, thank you very much. I have a little painting to do to get a nice clean line where the neck joint meets the sanded area - if I have to have a little overlap, do I want paint & lacquer over truoil, or truoil over paint and lacquer please? (I assume the second one).
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

I would consider a polymerized "oil" such as Tru-Oil. 3-6 coats would give the wood some protection, while not making it feel too far from bare wood (especially if you don't gloss up the surface).
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Tru Oil is so easy to use, even I can do it.
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

You never want to put a “hard” finish like Tru Oil (poly/varnish) over a lacquer. Lacquers never really cure, and will continue to off gas and settle (shrink). You can always reactivite it, so a hard finish over it will eventually lift or flake.

Once you are ready to apply the Tru Oil, just tape off the paint line. Once everything cures, you can buff the seam to make it smooth to the touch.
 
Re: sealing a neck after removing paint?

Ayrton said:
You never want to put a “hard” finish like Tru Oil (poly/varnish) over a lacquer. Lacquers never really cure, and will continue to off gas and settle (shrink). You can always reactivite it, so a hard finish over it will eventually lift or flake.

Once you are ready to apply the Tru Oil, just tape off the paint line. Once everything cures, you can buff the seam to make it smooth to the touch.
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Thanks Chris, much appreciated!
 
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