Author Topic: Oil Finishes (Read 104 times)

texangerbil · « **on:** March 14, 2008, 08:29:09 AM »

I've read various things on the board about factory oil finishes. Exactly what sort of polymerising oil does Alembic use? Is it something readily available retail?

I'm thinking of a DIY refinish on my very beaten-up 83 Spoiler (since I can't afford a professional job) and if I'm going to do it I'd like to make it as close to factory-spec as I can. Plus I'm sure you guys will have tried everything and chosen the best for the job.

texangerbil · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2008, 07:31:21 AM »

Mica? Anyone?

oujeebass · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2008, 05:33:28 PM »

You should look at Stewert Macdonald they have a great range of finishes,and seem to be very helpful in telling you how and what to use. The specifics on your finish would be important so hopefully someone else will jump in. I believe your finish is different from current satin finishes, such as the one on my Epic. Oddly enough mine gets very shiny where I get playing wear.

(Message edited by oujeebass on March 19, 2008)

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2008, 06:01:42 PM »

The Spoiler bass would originally have had a polyester finish on it. Totally different from the polymerized oil finish on the Brown Bass (and select customs). I don't know the exact brand off the top of my head, sorry.

For the record, we're not huge fans of oil finishes, polymerized or otherwise from the perspective that they don't protect the wood from scratching and playing wear at all.

The Epic bass originally had a polyurethane finish that resembled an oil finish, yet sealed the wood from moisture exchange. We were not happy with the shining up in service, so we later discontinued this coating. But the Epic price had to go up because the polyester finish is more expensive and more labor intensive.

texangerbil · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2008, 03:52:15 PM »

Thanks Mica and oujee. I realise I wasn't clear in that I know my bass wouldn't have had an oil finish originally - but I figured without a spray booth or money for a pro to do a proper refinish I could probably manage a DIY refin with oil. Since it would be a non-original finish I guess it doesn't matter too much what I do with it so long as I'm happy...
I'll check out StewMac and have a go on some scrap before touching the Spoiler, don't worry.

jbybj · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2008, 08:47:01 PM »

Carruthers in Venice CA. swears by Tru oil. I have finished 3 basses, and I just put my first coat on tonight for my latest project, using Tung oil. I got some at the hardware store that has a polyeurathane blend. I hand rub it in with an old cotton sock, fine steel wool between coats, and leave the neck all slick and satiny by steel wooling the last coat. While I leave the body with a little gloss to the finish. It takes about 10 - 12 coats. My first one was done about 18 months ago and still looks very nice, like when I first applied the finish.

Have fun, JBY