Satin neck finish, what do I use?

[benjammin308]

I have a tele neck with no finish on it at all that I'm using for a partscaster project. I'm looking for a satin feel, and I don't want to spray anything, I'd rather rub it in. Low gloss tongue oil, or is there something better?

[backinit]

I have heard of many people using Tru Oil, but I have no experience with it.

[Jem]

One thing, if you just oil it be prepared for it to get real dirty real quick - works for people wanting a relic'd look, doesn't for people who don't !

[Andrew]

You can use nitro-cellulose but need a different low-gloss solvent. I have tried to get a satin finish by spraying very fine from a slightly greater distance than normal. It works but be prepared for the way in which the lacquer will gradually polish with use.

NEVER oil a maple neck as it will look dirty, as Jem says. And you void the guarantee with Warmoth et al. without a hard finish.

[burningyen]

Tru Oil is more like traditional varnish than a drying oil like tung oil. It will protect the wood if you build it up as thick as a normal nitro, poly or urethane finish. But it's true that Warmoth probably won't make that distinction. Wipe-on poly is a good option: http://www.frettech.com/info.html .

[Steve Haynie]

Music Man uses an oil/wax finish on their necks. It does look dirty after a lot of play wear, but it feels great. The necks are sanded as smooth as possible before finishing.

The satin nitro finish of their 80's & 90's necks definitely gets glossy as you play. The fretboard of my Stingray Bass has been buffed to a gloss while the back has natural wear.