Minwax Wipe-on Poly - How long does it take to dry before you can play the guitar?

[rajprods]

I'm considering getting an unfinished Allparts neck. I considered getting the TMNF-FAT, however, it's finished in nitro and from what I'm hearing it's not really that glossy or slick feeling which is what I prefer. I would like to be able to play the guitar as soon as possible. However, I know that depends on how many coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly applied. I've read posts that some people have put on 10 coats or more. For 10 coats, what is a rough estimate of how it would take to dry so that you can't make fingernail marks into the neck?

[Guitartom_ca]

allow 3 to 4 hours between coats. let dry overnight before normal use.

[chiro972]

you're going to put poly over nitro? I'm no expert, but you should do some checking to make sure that isn't going to be a problem. I have used wipe on poly on unfinished necks with good results. Just follow the instructions on the can. It does take many coats to get the proper finish. Using extra fine steel wool in between coats is important for that silky smooth feel.

[rajprods]

Originally Posted by chiro972

you're going to put poly over nitro? I'm no expert, but you should do some checking to make sure that isn't going to be a problem. I have used wipe on poly on unfinished necks with good results. Just follow the instructions on the can. It does take many coats to get the proper finish. Using extra fine steel wool in between coats is important for that silky smooth feel.

No, I was going to get an unfinished neck.

[woodman]

if you use thin coats, you'll get a better finish, but it'll take a little more time ... i only used five coats (roughing it up a little with steel wool or scotch-brite between coats), two per day for two days and one the third morning that dried overnight. ten coats seems like an awful lot, but it's really your call. see how it builds up on the first few coats and make your judgment from there. after your last coat, it should be OK to play after 24 hours, but bear in mind it won't attain peak hardness for at least 30 days, so go easy on the post-finish polishing til then.

full disclosure: i'm no expert, i've only done this a couple of times, but this is what worked for me. others may have better advice.

[rajprods]

Originally Posted by woodman

if you use thin coats, you'll get a better finish, but it'll take a little more time ... i only used five coats (roughing it up a little with steel wool or scotch-brite between coats), two per day for two days and one the third morning that dried overnight. ten coats seems like an awful lot, but it's really your call. see how it builds up on the first few coats and make your judgment from there. after your last coat, it should be OK to play after 24 hours, but bear in mind it won't attain peak hardness for at least 30 days, so go easy on the post-finish polishing til then.

full disclosure: i'm no expert, i've only done this a couple of times, but this is what worked for me. others may have better advice.

If I recall correctly, it was just one post that I read in which the person did as many as ten. Thanks for the info.

Did you use any type of tint?

[jwj4856]

I just completed building a tele style guitar and did use the min wax poly on the neck, and with great results also, I did put 8 coats on it with one first thing i the morning and one at night, used a very light sanding with 0000 grade steel wool between coats, then did one final coat and let set for 3 days without touching, I used a very very slight yellow tint in this and it did turn out great.

[Ronkirn]

poly over nitro usually is a formula for disaster.... as for how long before you can play it after you apply it... in this case I'm betting several months...

Ron Kirn

[rajprods]

Originally Posted by jwj4856

I just completed building a tele style guitar and did use the min wax poly on the neck, and with great results also, I did put 8 coats on it with one first thing i the morning and one at night, used a very light sanding with 0000 grade steel wool between coats, then did one final coat and let set for 3 days without touching, I used a very very slight yellow tint in this and it did turn out great.

Just want to clarify.... Did you put the tint in the poly or did you apply the tint as a separate coat? If you applied it as a separate coat, just wondering applied it to the wood first, or after poly was applied. I've read a couple of different ways that this has been done, so I'm trying to confirm if the tint goes on the unfinished neck first or after poly. Thanks.

[red57strat]

I wouldn't use Wipe On Ploy for a "glossy or slick feeling" finish. I'd spray and buff for that kind of result.

[woodman]

red, i agree on the "slick" point ... a heavy coat of poly gives a kind of rubbery feel, in my experience. i kept mine thin so that heavy playing would eventualy wear it down to what my old Tele guru (AC Lail, now deceased) called "rat-hole smooth" — nearly bare, polished by hand friction over time but still well-sealed. it takes a long time with any finish, though. hope i last that long!

[chiro972]

the wipe on poly in satin goes on pretty thin. You would have to do dozens of coats to get a thick feel. If you want max protection for the neck though, do as others have said. Lots of coats with time to dry and 0000 steel wool in between coats. Makes for a silky smooth and durable finish.

Sorry I misunderstood the OP and thought you were going to put poly on a nitro neck. whew, glad you weren't thinking that.

[andrewb]

min wax wipe on poly is decent stuff...
my thread is in tele tech somewhere... i dont remember how long i waited before stringing her up, probly a a few days after the last coat.... its in the thread somewhere lol

on a neck though...
hmmm
my tele body is all that i used the minwax on (and a bit of the headstock)
and to touch the finish now it is smooth and feels great,
but after a few hours of playing and you touch it with sweaty hands, it doesnt feel that great....

i dont know if i would actually recomend it for a neck,
unless it was just a few thin thin coats then a steel wool after...
hmmmmmm

[red57strat]

Minwax Satin Wipe On Poly is incredible on a neck! I highly recommend it! Three or four coats will give you that "rat-hole smooth" finish that woodman mentioned.

Seriously, I've never felt a better neck than this one-

[rajprods]

Originally Posted by red57strat

Minwax Satin Wipe On Poly is incredible on a neck! I highly recommend it! Three or four coats will give you that "rat-hole smooth" finish that woodman mentioned.

Seriously, I've never felt a better neck than this one-

I prefer glossy, but from the feedback so far, it appears that it goes on better if sprayed on.... which can be a bit tricky than the wipe-on application.