Sealing a VERY smooth neck

[wazkelly]

Some things just cannot be found at your local hardware store unfortunately.

If you plan on doing more than 1 build suggest buying 2 micro mesh 'guitar' packs as on my 4th the 4,000 grit was already knackered from the 3 previous builds but stepping from 2,000 to 6,000 was not a problem as that still had plenty of bite even up to 8,000 grit. At 12,000 it takes things to an insanely smooth flat level finish with no lumps or bumps.

[corsair]

Timely thread indeed as my re-finish is getting some neck treatment. I've found that finishing the neck to 2000 grit gives a sublime finish on the old Jap guitars I play with and just love that satiny, smooth feel under the hand, so micromesh pads are a new wrinkle for me....

Given that I'm no longer playing out, I've been leaving the necks untouched after sanding them down, working on the principle that if they do get a bit yukky, then I'll just give 'em a quick sand!! I do wipe them down after playing them but gee... they feel GOOD in hand in bare wood, and the precedent is there in that very high grade acoustic instruments - violins etc. - often have bare finished necks...

After reading this, I'm now undecided as to whether I'll finish this neck I have on the bench!! :-D

[Chuck]

Given that I'm no longer playing out, I've been leaving the necks untouched after sanding them down, working on the principle that if they do get a bit yukky, then I'll just give 'em a quick sand!! I do wipe them down after playing them but gee... they feel GOOD in hand in bare wood, and the precedent is there in that very high grade acoustic instruments - violins etc. - often have bare finished necks...

I'm with corsair! On all my guitars (whether store bought or built) I regularly sand the necks with 1200 or 2000 to give them that smooth satin finish. On my last build I just did a couple of coats of Tru-oil to "seal" the raw wood, but sanded back with 2000 so there's not really a finish per se. I've never used micromesh before so might give that a crack too given the other comments here.

[Alkay]

Hi I just came across this even though it might be a bit late I'll add to it anyway with the experience I had.

I did the same method wazkelly and zandit did however I probably didn't apply the TO correctly (34 coats & not enough drying time between each coat).

Following waz's advice after the last coat of TO I left it for about one month to cure. Then:
- used micro mesh pads up to 12000.
- cut and polish with meguiars ultimate compound.

The neck is nice and smooth and I'm very happy with the results compared to my first build where the neck was too "grippy" and not very easy to play.

Cheers,

Alkay.