Dull Pao Ferro Fretboard

[Tony Stasa]

I have a 2017 Fender P bass MIM with Pau Ferro Fret board. I actually like the color and the grain, but it is just very dull finish - no depth to the grain. I tried Fret Doctor and Lemon oil, but they didn't change it much if at all. I know time will probably darken and it will eventually get more of a sheen. But, any way to speed up the process?

 

[Turnaround]

One of the techs I know always waxes fingerboards of the instruments he works on. If you go that route, be sure to use a hard wax, not something like beeswax which remains soft and sticky. Use something like carnuba wax. I often seal fretboards with shellac, rubbed on. You need some practice to do this otherwise you will end up with a sticky mess. And you need to use de-waxed shellac or it won't dry hard enough.

 

[Tony Stasa]

One of the techs I know always waxes fingerboards of the instruments he works on. If you go that route, be sure to use a hard wax, not something like beeswax which remains soft and sticky. Use something like carnuba wax. I often seal fretboards with shellac, rubbed on. You need some practice to do this otherwise you will end up with a sticky mess. And you need to use de-waxed shellac or it won't dry hard enough.

Hi thank you! I have thought about that but was not sure. Would this product work? >. Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac

 

[Turnaround]

Hi thank you! I have thought about that but was not sure. Would this product work? >. Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac

Use the amber shellac. The "clear" or white stuff doesn't dry as hard, it is shellac that has been bleached. The bleaching process degrades the shellac somewhat. The Zinnser Seal Coat Universal Sanding Sealer is best - it is de-waxed shellac.

 

[Tony Stasa]

OK! Thank you