Tru-Oil

[Crafter678]

Hi all
Ive recently finished a guitar building project and i want to apply a glossy finish.Im used to using laquers but im thinking about Tru-Oil. I have never used it before and have been searching the net for advice.Has anyone here used it for any projects.Is there a particular wood it suits better? The guitar build is mahogany with a maple top. Any advice or pics of any of your furniture projects that you have used Tru Oil on is much appreciated.

John

 

[marcros]

well, jimi43 is the resident expert on this stuff...

I have used it on a few things. tool handles and work benches but looks like you want something a bit less utilitarian. I was looking for whether it was compatible with french polish last week, and there are various luthiers forums discussing using tru-oil, which is probably very relevant to your application.

the response I got from the manufacturers was

"Tru-Oil will give you a hard natural oil finish that dries fast, resists water damage and will not cloud, crack or yellow with age.
We recommend 4-5 coats for good overall protection. You will start building on the gloss from your 5th coat on. If you are trying to achieve a high gloss finish all you need to do is keep applying the Tru-Oil and then stop when you are happy with the finish. You don't need to put anything on after the Tru-Oil.

We have checked around a bit, and no one here has any experience with French Polish. So, unfortunately we don't have the answer your looking for.
You might just have to experiment a bit.
Feel free to let us know how it works out for you."

didnt really help me, but it may be useful to you!

hth
Mark

 

[Crafter678]

Thanks for the reply it has answered some questions for me.

John

 

[yetloh]

I recently used Tru-oil on a Holly recorder I made on the recommendation of the course tutor where I made it. He is a professional maker of baroque bassoons. Ihave to say I was very impressed by it. Available on line or at most gun shops.

Jim

 

[marcros]

worth noting that a little goes a long way. the 32oz bottle may be cheaper per oz but it does go off. I have plastered my 8oz bottle over everything i could find- a bench top has had 2 or 3 coats massaged into it, numerous tool handles, a box I am making and there is still plenty left. that was about a tenner. the 3oz was £6 if i recall correctly.

numerous ways of applying it- my favourite is to put a pair of latex gloves on (didnt do this the first time) and rub it in with my hands. just wipe off any excess after 15 mins.