Tung oil on fret board?

[NickInMesa]

I was wondering if it is okay to put a good dose of tung oil on the fret board as well.

Also what grit do you recommend? I have been using 400 then 800 but I wonder if this is fine.

Sanding the fret board is tricky due to the ... fret (!)

I put two coats this week end, then sanding once tonight, and again another coat.

What do you suggest to remove the sanding residue? Compressed air? Water?

Thanks!

[Bassamatic]

I use Tung oil on my fingerboards and natural finish instruments. Now, this is PURE tung oil, not tung oil finish that dries hard. It soaks in over night and then I wipe it down with a soft cloth.

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by Gio S

I use Tung oil on my fingerboards and natural finish instruments. Now, this is PURE tung oil, not tung oil finish that dries hard. It soaks in over night and then I wipe it down with a soft cloth.

I have been using the Formby stuff. Probably not too smart of me.

Too late I guess. What would you recommend otherwise?

Thanks!

[deepwaves]

Formby stuff will work. Note...there is a difference between the glossy and satin...with glossy...you have more to worry about an even sheen.

Gio S is right...the real tung oil is best. There is a finishing tequnique with wax. Also a technique for filling grain.

Most important about tung oil...make thin coats...otherwise gummy.

Another tip on the fingerboards. Once I finished the fingerboard with tung oil, then went to put on frets after I was done...that is when I learned to clean out the fret grooves before the tung oil hardens in there and causes grief later trying to remove it before putting on the frets....aaaarrrrgggg!

[deepwaves]

Try using 1500 wet and dry sandpaper while the body is flooded with tung oil. Then wipe if off with a cloth.

[NickInMesa]

Thanks, all. Yes, I use a small amount of tung oil and wipe it downward (as the neck is hanging by a tuner hole).

[ctmullins]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

I have been using the Formby stuff. Probably not too smart of me.

Nonsense - Formby's works fine. I use it on all of my fingerboards, bass and otherwise. 2 or 3 thin coats, steel wool between them. Keeps a maple board looking nice!

[Low Main]

There's another thread about fingerboard finishing going on at the moment.

I recently posted to it. Maybe some worthwhile info there.

Here's the link:

Rosewood fretboard finishing

[NickInMesa]

Thanks, Low Main.

My big issue is that there is a buildup on each side of the frets which does not look too good and is a bit hard to remove.

What I will do for now is keep on oiling the neck except for the rosewood fretboard, which I will probably treat with lemon oil.

Maybe it's time I visit my local Rockler.