finishing the neck

[telerifik]

I just got a new neck for my tele and it has a satan finish but i want to gloss it. Any tips in the process? do I need to remove frets to do it?

PS it currently has Clear matte sealer finish, will this be enough to protect from sweat warp etc?

 

[Kelly5150]

I just got a new neck for my tele and it has a satan finish but i want to gloss it. Any tips in the process? do I need to remove frets to do it?

PS it currently has Clear matte sealer finish, will this be enough to protect from sweat warp etc?

A satan finish huh?... sounds devilish...

I like a satin finish on mine, as opposed to gloss...

Just mask off the fretboard... dont mess with the frets....

 

[Light]

Most commercially applied matte finishes contain flattening agents, which have two problems for you. First, they make the finish softer, as they reduce the ratio of hardening agent to solvent. Second, they make it impossible to get a gloss finish. If you want a gloss finish, you will need to start from scratch. Do not remove the frets unless the fingerboard is bound, and even then it is unnecessary, as you will damage the finish when you reinstall them. If you do it yourself (which I do not recommend), I hope it is not a maple fingerboard, because they need to be finished, and are a gigantic pain in the ass.

A sealer which is properly applied will give you decent protection.

I would suggest leaving it alone, personally.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[punkin]

On a similar note...

I have older Ibanez which has a light finish on the neck and is bound. I prefer a natural wood like my EB Petrucci. Any suggestions? Is it as simple a breaking out the sand paper? I also hate the binding wouldn't mind loosing that all together as well.

 

[Light]

Re: On a similar note...

I have older Ibanez which has a light finish on the neck and is bound. I prefer a natural wood like my EB Petrucci. Any suggestions? Is it as simple a breaking out the sand paper? I also hate the binding wouldn't mind loosing that all together as well.

A maple neck requires a finish to protect it form the sweet and oils in your hands, not to mention changes in humidity. If you really want that feel, however, you can wet sand the neck with a 320 grit wet or dry paper, using water and a little dish soap. As far as the binding, you can not get rid of it without replacing the fingerboard, which is a $500 job, at least.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi