New How-To: Dye/Oil/Varnish finish Process

[Lonnybass]

So that's what you call those! Yes, I've seen that, and I've done as you suggested to fix it. I'm finishing a figured black korina body, and wanting a fairly glossy finish, without the plastic-y look that of the thick poly finish that it came with; it's currently 'curing' after the last coat. Do you do the final buff with steel wool only before the Minwax? I've heard of some that use an auto polishing compound before the wax, but I'm worried that it might take too much of the finish off, getting me back to witness lines/splotches. Apologies for the hijack (detour?), but we first-time finishers need the benefits of you pros' experience. Thanks!

Funny you should mention not liking the plasticky look of poly...it was actually the first type of finish I used and eventually ditched for this very same reason. The oil/varnishes appear much warmer looking to my eyes.

With Tru-Oil I've been able to get a nice level semi-gloss using only 0000 steel wool and Minwax, assuming the coats go on nice and evenly without any runs or drips. Auto polishing compounds shouldn't take much if you are using something like Meguiars Scratch X or Fine Cut Compound - but you do need to be careful not to allow to much heat to build with your buffer or you can eat through the finish.

If your coats are truly drip free and no blotches on the body of your bass, I'd simply try to smooth out all the dust nibs using 0000 steel wool and wax, and then rub out the wax to a shine after it's had a chance to dry for 20 minutes or so. Probably the most foolproof method for a warm, blemish free finish. Keep in mind too that high gloss finishes are the trickiest to obtain, and the least forgiving, so hang in there and don't give up.

Lonnybass

 

[cvsurg]

Thanks for the info/reassurance! Will probably get it buffed/waxed next week. Great info; looking forward to seeing the end result of your build!

 

[Lonnybass]

Thanks for the info/reassurance! Will probably get it buffed/waxed next week. Great info; looking forward to seeing the end result of your build!

Glad to help, and looking forward to seeing the end result on yours as well! I'm at least a week out on assembly - the coil switch on my preamp came apart on me as I was installing the harness yesterday and now I'm waiting for a replacement!

Lonnybass

 

[cvsurg]

Got the finish done (finally!). Just like you warned, you have to be careful with this stuff. I tried the Meguires' polish/scratch remover, and it did produce some witness lines. Harumpf! Back to adding a couple more coats of Tru Oil, then just buffing it down with vigorous rub with a microfiber cloth, then a couple of coats of Minwax. Su-weet!!

Here it is with the original poly; you can see where it's pulling away from the wood around the bridge holes-

The big gash under the control plate area is another story; suffice it to say that's the reason I got this real cheap. After poly removal-

Finished product-

The pictures don't really do it justice, as there's an iridescent quality to parts of the wood that don't show up here. the Tru Oil really makes the wood figuring pop.

Posting these to show that by following your instructions, even a finishing newb such as myself can come up with something that's tolerable to look at. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Lonnybass]

Looks great! Really impressive results and I'm happy this archive has been helpful. I'll also say that your refin job looks WAY warmer and less plastic than the original poly. Congrats on a job well done.

Lonnybass

 

[Lonnybass]

Here is the bass following a final polish coat with Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and then waxing:

Hanging on display in the den, now just awaiting preamp installation:

Now just gotta get a replacement switch for the preamp and I can get it all wired up and ready to go!

 

[cvsurg]

Gorgeous!

 

[Lonnybass]

I am happy to report that work on this bass is now complete and here is the end result:

I hope this how-to has been instructional. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Lonnybass