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zigaboo · April 13th, 2009, 02:00 PM

Hi folks, I just got this nice WD all maple neck with a dull satin finish.

I want a slightly more dark color and a bit more shine. How would I do that ? Do I need to remove the satin finish first ?
I've searched through the forum but there are many approaches, I'm just looking for easy tips.

I was thinking of applying some polyU water based minwax coats mixed with some tint, and finish it with a light gloss. I think Rob DiStefano posted something along these lines.

thanks !

gotdabluz · April 14th, 2009, 10:57 AM

You don't have to completely remove the finish to apply a gloss top coat over it . . . you will need to sand down some though (400 grit would be sufficient), in order to provide some adherance for the new finish

You will likely not get the 'full depth' that is possible with a 'pure' gloss from start to finish, but the results can be more than satisfactory

I have 'refinished' two Mighty Mite necks (which come with a dull satin finish), with excellent results using Minwax Wipe-On poly . . . I actually used the clear satin as opposed to the gloss . . . once you finish buffing it out, it is still quite glossy (especially if you to your final buff with something like Meguiar's Scratch-X) . . . I find it looks a little more vintage and not so plasticky as the clear gloss poly does

Be forewarned though, that 'refinishing' a neck with wipe-on poly is a time consuming process - especially with a fretted maple fingerboard (the prepwork is very tedious) . . . I did both of my necks during the winter when other finishing environments (outdoors/unheated garage) were not available . . . and . . . I was not in a hurry, so I did not mind spending the time it took to complete them.

It would be much easier to spray them with a tinted lacquer (like reranch sells) . . . I have never tried to tint wipe on poly, but I suppose it would be possible if you used a water based dye and waterbased poly for base compatibility . . . if you end up going this route, then I would recommend testing first on some scrap maple . . . You might also want to first get your tint base the way you like on the neck and then topcoat with clear for protection

Best of luck,
'Bluz

zigaboo · April 14th, 2009, 11:58 AM

thanks a lot, that really helps !!

fernando · May 2nd, 2009, 08:44 AM

gotdabluz: thank you for the info. How do you apply the Minwax WipeOn? With a cloth? Will it came out of the frets later?

telecster · May 6th, 2009, 07:40 PM

Same question here but I would like to put a Butterscotch finish on the neck and fretboard.

Shepherd · May 7th, 2009, 05:47 AM

It's alot less work and you will get better results just using some spray toner and lacquer. They have an amber toner and it's available in Montreal.
http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/catalog_browse.asp

April 13th, 2009, 02:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
zigaboo TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 13	neck finish : coats on top of satin finish ? Hi folks, I just got this nice WD all maple neck with a dull satin finish. I want a slightly more dark color and a bit more shine. How would I do that ? Do I need to remove the satin finish first ? I've searched through the forum but there are many approaches, I'm just looking for easy tips. I was thinking of applying some polyU water based minwax coats mixed with some tint, and finish it with a light gloss. I think Rob DiStefano posted something along these lines. thanks !

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April 14th, 2009, 10:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
gotdabluz TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangor, ME Age: 41 Posts: 91	You don't have to completely remove the finish to apply a gloss top coat over it . . . you will need to sand down some though (400 grit would be sufficient), in order to provide some adherance for the new finish You will likely not get the 'full depth' that is possible with a 'pure' gloss from start to finish, but the results can be more than satisfactory I have 'refinished' two Mighty Mite necks (which come with a dull satin finish), with excellent results using Minwax Wipe-On poly . . . I actually used the clear satin as opposed to the gloss . . . once you finish buffing it out, it is still quite glossy (especially if you to your final buff with something like Meguiar's Scratch-X) . . . I find it looks a little more vintage and not so plasticky as the clear gloss poly does Be forewarned though, that 'refinishing' a neck with wipe-on poly is a time consuming process - especially with a fretted maple fingerboard (the prepwork is very tedious) . . . I did both of my necks during the winter when other finishing environments (outdoors/unheated garage) were not available . . . and . . . I was not in a hurry, so I did not mind spending the time it took to complete them. It would be much easier to spray them with a tinted lacquer (like reranch sells) . . . I have never tried to tint wipe on poly, but I suppose it would be possible if you used a water based dye and waterbased poly for base compatibility . . . if you end up going this route, then I would recommend testing first on some scrap maple . . . You might also want to first get your tint base the way you like on the neck and then topcoat with clear for protection Best of luck, 'Bluz

April 14th, 2009, 11:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
zigaboo TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: montreal Posts: 13	thanks a lot, that really helps !!

May 2nd, 2009, 08:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
fernando Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Barcelona, Spain Posts: 676 16 Photos	gotdabluz: thank you for the info. How do you apply the Minwax WipeOn? With a cloth? Will it came out of the frets later?

May 6th, 2009, 07:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
telecster Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Coos Bay, Oregon Age: 51 Posts: 239	Same question here but I would like to put a Butterscotch finish on the neck and fretboard.

May 7th, 2009, 05:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
Shepherd Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maple Ridge, Canada Posts: 1,034	It's alot less work and you will get better results just using some spray toner and lacquer. They have an amber toner and it's available in Montreal. http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/catalog_browse.asp

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